The Virginia Class submarine is the newest class of attack boats in the United States Navy. These nuclear powered boats are designed for a wide range of open ocean and littoral missions. Photonic masts, pump jet propulsors, advanced sonar systems, fiber optic fly-by-wire ship control, advanced combat systems and a 9 man lock-out chamber are some of the unique features to this class. Designed as replacements for the older of the Los Angeles Class submarines, the Virginia Class submarines will serve well into the mid-21st century.