Seawolf class hulls are constructed from HY-100 steel, which is stronger than the HY-80 steel employed in previous classes, in order to withstand water pressure at greater depths. The Seawolf design was intended to combat the threat of large numbers of advanced Soviet ballistic missile submarines such as the Typhoon class and attack submarines such as the Akula class in a deep ocean environment. This was the first completely new American submarine design for some 30 years, the USS Seawolf was laid down in 1989 as the lead boat in a class of 12.

The boats of the Seawolf class are the most advanced but also the most expensive hunter-killer submarines in the world. This, in turn, led to the design of the smaller Virginia class. The end of the Cold War andīudget constraints led to the cancellation in 1995 of any further additions to the fleet, leaving the Seawolf class limited to just three boats. Submarines was to be built over a ten-year period, later reduced to twelve submarines. The class was the intended successor to the Los Angeles class. The Seawolf-class is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines (SSN) in service with the United States Navy.

Seawolf class submarine fish