USS Glenard P. Lipscomb (SSN-685)

The USS Glenard P. Lipscomb (SSN -685 ) was a nuclear submarine without class membership in the service of the United States Navy. Was named the boat after Glenard P. Lipscomb (1915-1970), a congressman.

Technology

The 111 meter long and nearly 6500 tons standard displacing Lipscomb was designed as a test ship. While the bulk of their technology - such as the weapons systems - based on the previous Sturgeon - class, an experimental drive system was installed. That was the main reason for the significant increase by about 20 meters in length over these.

The pressurized water reactor is generally consistent with the Sturgeons. However, the shaft is not driven by turbine gear but by an electric motor, that is by means of a so-called turbo- electric drive system. Ten years ago the Lipscomb such a drive system on the USS Tullibee (SSN -597 ) was tested, but ultimately not integrated even after the second attempt in later submarines.

The Lipscomb was after the USS Narwhal (SSN -671 ), the second based on the Sturgeon - class test ship.

History

SSN -685 end of 1968 was approved and placed in June 1971 at Electric Boat in Kiel. After just over two years of construction, the U- boat was launched and was baptized. Godmother was Lipscomb widow. The building cost a total of about 180 million U.S. dollars plus 30 million dollars for the development of the propulsion system.

The Lipscomb was asked officially the end of 1974 in service. Although it served as a test ship for the turbo- electric drive, she was fully alert, ready incorporated in the active fleet.

After about 15 years, the Glenard P. Lipscomb was finally decommissioned in late 1990. Until 1997, the hull, the Ship - Submarine Recycling Program went through in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and was dismantled in an environmentally friendly manner.