The
U.S. Navy today underscored its commitment to an advanced and adaptable
submarine force by awarding General Dynamics Electric Boat a contract
valued at $17.6 billion for the construction of 10 additional Virginia-class
submarines. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
The multi-year Block IV contract enables Electric Boat and its industry
teammate, Newport News Shipbuilding, to proceed with the construction
of two ships per year over a five-year period. Construction of the first
Block IV submarine, SSN-792, will begin May 1. The 10th ship to be procured
under this contract is scheduled for delivery in 2023. |
|
Virginia-class submarines are designed from the keel
up for the full range of 21st century mission requirements, including
anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support.
These submarines excel in littoral and open-ocean environments and collect
intelligence critical to irregular warfare efforts with advanced intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Unobtrusive, non-provocative
and connected with land, air, sea and space-based assets, these versatile
and powerful vessels are a core component of the Navy fleet and support
national security interests.
Ships of the Virginia class exemplify the commitment by the Navy and
industry to reduce costs without decreasing capabilities through a multi-year
procurement strategy, continuous improvements in construction practices
and cost-reduction design changes.
“This award has great significance for the U.S. Navy, our company
and the entire submarine industrial base,” said Jeffrey S. Geiger,
president of Electric Boat. “By continuing to produce two ships
per year, the Navy and industry team retains the stability required
to achieve increased efficiencies, providing the fleet with the submarines
it needs to sustain the nation’s undersea dominance.”
“This is the largest number of boats ordered to date in a single
contract block, which is great news – particularly in light of
today’s challenging economic and political environments,”
said Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin. “The Virginia-class
program has already proven itself to be one of the best, if not the
best, performing shipbuilding programs in the country and we look forward
to continuing our important role in building these submarines.”
Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding already have delivered 10
Virginia-class submarines to the Navy: USS Virginia (SSN-774), USS Texas
(SSN-775), USS Hawaii (SSN-776), USS North Carolina (SSN-777), USS New
Hampshire (SSN-778), USS New Mexico (SSN-779), USS Missouri (SSN-780),
USS California (SSN-781), USS Mississippi (SSN-782) and USS Minnesota
(SSN-783). Eight additional submarines are under construction.
Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, with a hull length of
377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess
of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet, while carrying
Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land-attack missiles
and unmanned underwater vehicles.
|
