The ultimate developmental evolution of the original Barbel-class SSK, the Seadragon-class is an AU US Navy conventionally powered attack submarine that entered service in 1987 (it is based upon the IRL Hai Lung-class of the ROCN, which in this AU does not exist - the Seadragon is a completely US designed and produced vessel). 22 Seadragon-class vessels are in service with the US Navy, with 10 in the Atlantic Fleet (SUBRON 9 at NS Charleston and SUBRON 10 at NS New London) and 12 in the Pacific Fleet (SUBRON 3 at NS Pearl Harbour and SUBRON 1 at NS Point Loma). The SSK force serve primarily as coastal submarines in or near US coastal waters (freeing up SSNs for overseas operations) performing roles such as officer/crew training, ASW exercises, coastal anti-submarine patrols, SSBN escort/sanitisation patrols, and research/ development roles. In addition, vessels have seen service overseas including patrols in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf and using their quiet running capability to insert/extract special forces.
Like the larger Los Angeles, Seawolf, and Virginia-class SSNs, the Seadragon-class utilise the Mk 48 torpedo as their primary weapon but can also carry the UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile (and its successor, the UGM-158C LRASM). Their shallow water operating capability also makes the vessels the primary submarine mine laying assets of the US Navy, capable of deploying both Mk 67 SLMM and Mk 57 mines. All vessels can mount a standard US Navy dry dock shelter (DDS).
[edit due to incorrect hull classification number on sail]
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