Glossary

These are the abbreviations most commonly used when discussing submarines. Examples of each type are also provided. Please note that there are MANY different classes of submarines that fit under each category. The examples are illustrative, not exhaustive. (Suggestions for further entries are also appreciated.)

SS - Submarine
A conventionally powered (i.e. non-nuclear powered) submarine. (All submarines built before and during WWII fall under this category.)

• Gato-class
• WWII German U-Boats

SSK - Hunter-Killer Submarine
A conventionally powered (i.e. non-nuclear powered) submarine specifically designed to hunt other submarines (as opposed to hunting surface ships.)

• Kilo-class
• Harushio-class (Japanese JSMDF)

SSN - Nuclear-Powered Submarine
Also referred to as a "Fast Attack Submarine"

• Los Angeles-class
• November-class
• Alfa-class

SSG - Guided Missile Submarine
A conventionally powered submarine that carries guided missiles (cruise missiles) as its primary means of attack.
(The missiles themselves can have either conventional (high explosive) or nuclear warheads, however.)

• U.S.S. Grayback (SSG-574)
• U.S.S. Growler (SSG-577)

SSGN - Nuclear-Powered Guided Missile Submarine
A nuclear-powered submarine that carries guided missiles (cruise missiles) as its primary means of attack

• Echo-class
• Oscar-class (Kursk)
• U.S.S. Halibut (SSGN-587)
• Modified Ohio-class

SSB - Ballistic Missile Submarine
A conventionally powered submarine that carries nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles as its primary means of attack.

• Golf-class (K-129)

SSBN - Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine
A nuclear-powered submarine that carries nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles as its primary means of attack

• Ohio-class
• Delta-class
• Typhoon-class

Return to U.S. Peacetime Submarine Accidents

If you have suggestions for additonal entries, please send them to the Webmaster