Benjamin Franklin class submarine

The Benjamin Franklin-class of submarines (SSBN) were the first fleet ballistic missile submarines in the world. The class was superseded by the Ohio class SSBNs.

USS Kamehameha (SSN 642) and USS James K. Polk (SSN 645), the two remaining members of this class, have been reclassified as SSNs and converted to special operations attack submarines.

General Characteristics

• Builders: Electric Boat
• Displacement: 8,250 tons submerged
• Length: 425 feet
• Beam: 33 feet
• Propulsion: S5W reactor
• Speed: 25+ knots submerged
• Test Depth: Greater than 800 feet
• Complement: 143
• Armament:
  • four forward torpedo tubes
  • 12 vertical ballistic missile tubes