John, the main reason I think they do this is they have spent a lot of money on developing the inserts for these tubes for SEALS as well as Tomahawks. So now, basically, to prepare a sub for a mission you can load one tube with Tomahawks and one with everything the SEALS need to get to a target, and another with their living quarters. It is acyually a sound, efficient design, as it goes to both the Fast Attacks and the SSGN's. Amazing that someone actuall was efficient in something, related to the Govt, but it was the submarine service...

There is more than one... they had the one open in the picture, but is you read the article, or look at the other diagram, there is another.

Well, that is sort of true. But if they do, they will also put the whole sub down, as it is integral to the hull. The chances of damaging the hatch are very small, unless you have an accident, or a near miss with something big. Overall, it is a good improvement as it standardizes all the equipment used for submarine Tomahawk weapons, as they convert the rest. This is the same technology used on the SSBNs converted to SSGN.

It is forward of the pressure hull, in a freeflood space, behind the sonar dome. It is not a significant liability.

Subs are damn tough. Below is a link to a pictures and info on a LOS ANGELES Class sub that ran into an underwater mountain at speed. Also, note the freeflood space damaged. Pressure hull is behind this, One person died, from smashing his head during the collision.

http://m.static.newsvine.com/servista...