Can anyone tell me if there are any exterior visual differences between the Ohio class SSBN and SSGN?

It doesn't appear so, with the exception of the SEAL craft.

Photos

The conversion between SSBN and SSGN was mostly interior. However there is that SEAL craft/pod on the exterior of the ship.

Not sure if you saw the news stories from earlier this week. Currently all four SSGN's are at sea, first time ever. Three have been seen in port, South Korea, Diego Carcia, and Subic. USS Gerogia is the only one not seen in the past couple fo weeks. SO.....

They are great boats and with this upgrade, really rock.

Thanks guys for the info. Yes, had most certainly seen the reports. Pretty kick ass if you ask me, 150+ Tomohawk cruise missiles...question, is the SEAL craft on all? Thought it was an either or deal (either 100 SEAL or 154 or whatever cruise missiles)?

In the mean time Cyber-hobby has issued a new Ohio/Los Angeles double kit...all conspiring to take money from my pocket.

I believe there is one very slight external difference from the DML kit of the Ohio as an SSBN compared to the new SSGN versions. Behind the sail there is very small outward flare to the missile deck ending at about the forth row of missile doors. I dont know if its owing to a new interior arrangement or to make room on deck for both SEAL subs.

Here's a picture that shows what Im talking about much better then I am describing it ;

Before conversion, http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0872601.jpg

After conversion , http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0872636.jpg

Thanks Rob. That looks somewhat involved given the scale and the apparent subtly.

The superstructure or missile deck is about 8-10 feet wider from just aft of the sail. The increase in width allows two DDS (dry deck shelters) to be carried or a DDS and an ASDV. (advanced seal delivery vehicle) The extra room gives the vehicle pilot a little more room to land and mate the vehicle without whacking into the DDS and gives personnel on deck room to move forward and aft without falling overboard. Additionally there is a storage area aft of the sail on the centerline used to store fuel bladders for RIBs. It is inside the superstructure and the only visible difference would be the edges of the doors. I'm going off my memory here but its about 4 ft wide by 6 feet long

hope this helps,
Rob

Thanks Rob. I found a head on shot:

http://www.ctf74.navy.mil/imagery/2010/03/100309-N-0780F-023.jpg

Shows the bulge really well. Now just have to decide on how to create this.

Yeah, Im still up in the air if Im gonna take a crack at it when DML releases that Orange-box two pack. I had considered it when I first built the first Ohio I did, and was thinking of just building up the bulge with lamented sheet plastic and then using putty to contour and bend the edges... I guess with the re-release Ill get a chance to give the method a shot.

Yeah, I just put my order in for the Orange box. Happy early birthday to me...;0)

Curious if any one has seen any rough dimensions of the Ohio SSGN modification? While I wait on the Dragon kit to arrive I modeled the mod up in SolidWorks using some really basic dimension (43' circular crossection--I know the real thing has an "irregular" X-section) primarily as a way to better learn SW. Once I get the kit I'll make a better attempt on getting it right with the anticipation of squirting the SSGN "scab" out of the rapid prototype machine I have access to at work.

If I had better numbers to work from it would make everything easier. Has anyone seen any drawings of the SSGN? I've looked high and low and have found some really good photos so have an idea that the modified section is pretty much a square section with a fillet extruded and blends on the leading and trailing edges (I'll try and remember to send screen shots tomorrow from work). Just don't know how long the modified section is overall.

Very generic and not particularly accurate, for now at least:

Dry Dock Shelter: