SSN (hull classification symbol)
An SSN is a nuclear-powered general-purpose attack submarine. SSN is the US Navy hull classification symbol for such vessels; the SS denotes a submarine and the N denotes nuclear power. The designation SSN is used for interoperability throughout NATO under STANAG 1166, though navies use other terms.
USS New Hampshire (SSN-778), a Virginia-class submarine
HMS Astute, an Astute-class submarine.
An attack submarine or hunter-killer submarine is a submarine specifically designed for the purpose of attacking and sinking other submarines, surface combatants and merchant vessels. In the Soviet and Russian navies they were and are called "multi-purpose submarines". They are also used to protect friendly surface combatants and missile submarines. Some attack subs are also armed with cruise missiles, increasing the scope of their potential missions to include land targets.
HMCS Windsor, an attack submarine of the Royal Canadian Navy
USS K-3 with BQR-4 sonar dome
K-5, a Soviet November-class SSN, the threat that made Western conventional SSKs obsolete
USS Thresher, the first high-speed deep-diving SSN optimized for both ASW and surface attack