GD gets US Navy contract to develop submarine technology

GROTON (BNS): US Navy has awarded a $33.5 million contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms.

Under the contract, Electric Boat – a fully-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics – will perform advanced submarine research and development studies in support of a wide range of technology areas including manufacturability, maintainability, survivability, hydrodynamics, acoustics and materials.

The company will also undertake R & D work in additional areas including manning, hull integrity, performance, ship control, logistics, weapons handling and safety. 

Additionally, the contract supports near-term Virginia-class technology insertion, identification of Ohio-class replacement technology options, future submarine concepts and core technologies, GD said.

Initially awarded in November 2010, the contract being modified has a total potential value of $711.4 million over a total of five years if all options are exercised and funded.