Virginia class
Fuel enrichment
~93% U-235
HEU
Virginia class is a nuclear-powered submarine operated by United States Navy, powered by S9G of about 210 MWt. Operating.
The current US attack submarine, and the design Australia is acquiring under AUKUS. A core that never needs replacing is an enormous operational advantage, no mid-life refuelling refit, no reactor compartment cut open, and it is only achievable at weapons-grade enrichment. The fuel is the reason for the capability.
Propulsion
| Reactor | S9G |
|---|---|
| Reactors per vessel | 1 |
| Thermal output | 210MWt |
| Fuel enrichment | ~93% U-235HEU |
| Refuelling | None. The core lasts the boat's 33-year service life. |
Vessel
| Category | submarine |
|---|---|
| Role | SSN |
| Operator | United States Navy |
| Country | United States |
| Vessels in class | not stated |
| In service from | 2004 |
| Status | Operating |
Other submarines
| Class | Enrichment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AUKUS submarines | HEU | Planned |
| Alfa class | HEU | Retired |
| Arihant class | HEU | Operating |
| Astute class | HEU | Operating |
| Borei class | HALEU | Operating |
| Dreadnought class | HEU | Under construction |
| Ohio class | HEU | Operating |
| Suffren class (Barracuda) | LEU | Operating |
| Type 093 and 094 (Shang and Jin) | LEU | Operating |
| USS Nautilus | HEU | Retired |
| Yasen class | HALEU | Operating |
Sources
- World Nuclear Association, Nuclear-Powered Ships · retrieved 2026-09-07