"Topeka" and form a unique variant among "Los Angeles" class submarines. The pressure hulls of both ships were partially manufactured using stronger HY-100, instead of the HY-80 steel used in the manufacturing of all other "Los Angeles" class submarines. This was done to test construction methods using this steel, which would later be employed in the assembly of the new s. In theory, this permits "Albany" and "Topeka" to dive to a slightly greater depth than any other member of the "Los Angeles" class, though it remains unclear if this ability has ever been tested by either vessel.