GD awarded contract for US sub development

General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $29.8 million contract modification from the US Navy to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms.

Under the terms of the modification, Electric Boat 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.

Electric Boat also will conduct research and development work in affordability, manning, hull integrity, performance, ship control, logistics, weapons handling and safety.

Additionally, the contract supports near-term Virginia-class technology insertion, future submarine concepts and core technologies.

Initially awarded in November 2010, the contract has a potential value of $711 million over five years if all options are exercised and funded.