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1961: Thresher/Permit Class (U.S.)
Faster, Stronger, Deeper, Quieter
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Thresher on April 30, 1961
Photograph courtesy U.S. Navy
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The Thresher class of attack submarines was stronger, faster, deeper diving, and quieter than
the Skipjacks, thanks to a variety of materials and streamlining improvements. The class’s name
was changed to Permit after the submarine Thresher sank off New England in 1963, killing 129
(about the sinking).
The Thresher tragedy inspired creation of the SubSafe Program, attributed with
dramatically improving safety for the entire U.S. submarine fleet.
Next: The Sub Hunters >>
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Length: 279 ft (85 m)
Beam: 32 ft (10 m)
Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
Displacement: 4,300 tons
Propulsion: 1 pressurized-water nuclear reactor, 1 propeller
Crew: 128
Armament: 4 21-inch (533-mm) torpedo tubes, mines
First Sub Commissioned: August 3, 1961
Maximum Speed: 30 knots (35 mph/56 kph)
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