$642 Million Contract Advances Virginia-Class Submarine Design and Delivery

-

General Dynamics Electric Boat has secured a significant contract modification worth $642 million from the United States Department of Defense. This funding is directed toward advancing the production of Virginia-class submarines, one of the most critical assets in the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet. The contract highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening naval capabilities in response to evolving global maritime challenges.

Photo: gd.com

Purpose of the Contract

The newly allocated funds will be used for Lead Yard Support, development studies, and submarine design improvements. These efforts are intended to accelerate the delivery of Virginia-class submarines to the U.S. Navy, ensuring that the fleet remains modern and capable of meeting operational demands. By investing in these areas, the Navy aims to maintain its technological edge in undersea warfare.

Overview of the Virginia-Class Submarine

The Virginia-class submarine represents the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s attack submarine force. Designed for versatility, these submarines are capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering to precision strike operations. Their advanced design allows them to operate effectively in both open oceans and shallow coastal waters.

Propulsion and Power

Each Virginia-class submarine is powered by a single S9G nuclear reactor, which provides virtually unlimited range and endurance. The propulsion system includes one shaft and a low-noise pump-jet propulsor, enhancing stealth and reducing acoustic signatures. This combination ensures that the submarine can remain undetected while carrying out sensitive missions.

Dimensions and Displacement

The length of the submarine varies depending on its configuration, with non-Virginia Payload Module (VPM) versions measuring 377 feet and VPM-equipped versions extending to 461 feet. The beam measures 34 feet, providing ample internal space for crew and systems. Submerged displacement ranges from approximately 7,800 tons for non-VPM models to about 10,200 tons with VPM.

Speed and Crew Capacity

Virginia-class submarines are capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots, allowing them to maneuver quickly in both offensive and defensive operations. The crew complement consists of 145 personnel, including 17 officers and 128 enlisted sailors. This balanced crew structure ensures efficient operation of the submarine’s complex systems.

Armament and Strike Capabilities

The submarines are equipped with four 21-inch torpedo tubes, capable of launching advanced torpedoes against enemy vessels. They also carry Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, providing long-range strike capability against land-based targets. Additional armament includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles and the ability to deploy naval mines, making the Virginia-class a versatile combat platform.

Vessel Configuration and Payload Modules

Blocks I through IV of the Virginia-class feature a Mk.45 Vertical Launching System with 12 missile cells. Starting with Block V, the design incorporates two Virginia Payload Tubes, each containing six cells, significantly increasing missile capacity. This enhancement allows the submarine to carry more Tomahawk missiles, expanding its strike potential.

Strategic Importance of the Virginia-Class

The Virginia-class submarine program is central to the U.S. Navy’s long-term strategy for undersea dominance. These submarines are designed to replace aging Los Angeles-class submarines, ensuring that the Navy maintains a modern and capable fleet. Their ability to perform multiple mission types makes them indispensable in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.

The $642 million contract modification will accelerate the pace of submarine production, reducing the time required to deliver these vessels to the fleet. It also supports ongoing research and development efforts, ensuring that future blocks of the Virginia-class incorporate the latest technologies. This investment underscores the Navy’s determination to stay ahead of potential adversaries in undersea warfare.

Popular News

How Viper Shield Extends the Operational Life of the F-16 Fighter Jet

-
Image
The L3Harris Viper Shield represents one of the most significant advancements in electronic warfare technology for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a platform that has served as the backbone of many air forces around the world for decades. Designed to meet the demands of modern and future battlespaces, the Viper Shield provides a comprehensive, all-digital electronic warfare suite that enhances survivability, mission effectiveness, and long-term adaptability. By combining cutting-edge hardware with software-defined architecture, it ensures that the F-16 remains relevant against evolving threats while offering cost-effective solutions for operators. Photo: l3harris.com One of the most notable developments in the Viper Shield program is the introduction of a podded variant in addition to the internal configuration. This external pod provides the same level of advanced electronic warfare protection as the internal system, but with the added benefit of flexibility and portability between aircraft...
Read more »

Lockheed Martin PrSM Increment 1 Passes U.S. Army Operational Test

-
Image
The United States Army successfully completed the initial operational test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the modernization of long-range precision strike capabilities for the U.S. military. The test demonstrated not only the missile’s technical maturity but also its readiness for deployment in future combat scenarios. Photo: lockheedmartin.com Details of the Test  During the evaluation, four PrSM Increment 1 missiles were launched against simulated targets located 200 kilometers away. Each missile was assessed based on range, trajectory, accuracy, and detonation altitude. The results confirmed that all missiles met performance expectations, delivering lethal effects consistent with the Army’s operational requirements. Significance of the Results The successful outcome of this test provides confidence in the missile’s ability to replace the aging Army Tactical Missi...
Read more »

Pratt & Whitney Accelerates XA103 Engine Development for U.S. Air Force NGAP Program

-
Image
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, is accelerating the development of its XA103 engine for the United States Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. This initiative represents a significant step forward in propulsion technology, aiming to deliver engines that can adapt to a wide range of mission requirements while ensuring superior performance and efficiency. The company’s decision to fast-track the XA103 program underscores the strategic importance of advanced propulsion systems in maintaining air superiority for future combat aircraft. XA103. Photo: rtx.com The acceleration of the XA103 program is being driven by the adoption of digital data packages and model-based design approaches. These tools allow engineers to iterate designs more quickly, reduce costs, and streamline integration with suppliers across the development chain. By leveraging digital engineering, Pratt & Whitney is not only improving the speed of development but also enhancing the a...
Read more »

Raytheon Tests Ground-Launched StormBreaker Variant in Mojave Desert with Rapid 50-Day Development

-
Image
Raytheon Technologies (RTX) has announced a significant milestone with the successful test of a ground-launched variant of its StormBreaker smart weapon, developed in an accelerated timeline of only fifty days. The test was conducted in the Mojave Desert using a commercial rocket platform, reaching an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet. This achievement highlights not only the adaptability of the StormBreaker system but also Raytheon’s ability to rapidly innovate in response to evolving battlefield requirements. Photo: rtx.com The ground-launched version of StormBreaker is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for precision strike capabilities from land-based platforms. Unlike traditional systems that rely heavily on GPS guidance, this variant is engineered to operate effectively even in environments where GPS signals are denied or disrupted. Such resilience ensures that forces can maintain operational effectiveness in contested domains where electronic warfare and signal...
Read more »

Leonardo Unveils LIONFISH 30 Turret at Sea Future 2025: Next-Gen Naval Defense System

-
Image
At the Sea Future 2025 exhibition in La Spezia, Italy, Leonardo unveiled its latest innovation in naval defense technology: the LIONFISH 30, a 30 mm caliber turret system. This advanced weapon is part of the broader LIONFISH family, which includes small- and medium-caliber turrets designed for modern maritime and land-based applications. With its compact design, advanced sensors, and counter-drone capabilities, the LIONFISH 30 represents a significant step forward in naval defense systems. Key Specifications and Features The LIONFISH 30 was engineered with versatility and adaptability in mind, ensuring it can be deployed across a wide range of platforms. Its compact and lightweight structure minimizes the impact on host vessels, making it suitable for both small patrol boats and larger naval ships. The turret’s stealth design, which reduces its radar cross-section, enhances survivability in contested environments. Caliber and Firepower At the heart of the system is its 30x173 mm c...
Read more »