Design Report Guided Missile Submarine SSG(X) - AOE - Virginia ...

SSG(X) Design – VT Team 3 Page 21
Figure 13 – SSG(X) required communications capabilities [FAS.org]
SSG(X) options include a traditional periscope mast or a non-hull-penetrating optics/photonics mast. The
periscope mast is optical. Kollmorgen is the current manufacturer of all periscope masts for the U.S. Navy. The
Type 8 and Type 18 masts are electro-optical masts used on the Los Angeles Class and Seawolf. These masts have
high performance and use well-proven technology. They are effective for day and night use and can be integrated
with the combat system. The Type 18 is an upgraded version of the Type 8. Improvements include color TV and a
digital camera. The AN/BVS-1 is in use on the Virginia Class. It is a non-hull-penetrating and uses an electronic
imaging system.
The non-hull-penetrating mast offers several advantages over the traditional periscope. It does not require a
puncture hole in the pressure hull and it does not require volume in the pressure hull that is needed for other
arrangements. Figure 14 shows cross-sections of submarines using hull-penetrating and non-hull penetrating masts.
Figure 14 - Traditional and non-hull-penetrating masts [HowStuffWorks.com]
The non-hull-penetrating masts also do not require specific placement of the control center. It can be located on
the middle deck, allowing enlargement of the control center, and does not need to be located below the conning
tower. This allows the conning tower placement for the best hydrodynamic performance of the submarine.