BAE Systems Bags Virginia-Class Propulsors Deal

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P. received a $15.2 million modification to a previously awarded Virginia Class Submarines contract on Feb. 18, 2014. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

The contract relates to supply of long lead time materials in support of the manufacture of propulsors for the future U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines to be built under block IV, the SSN 792 and SSN 793.

The Virginia class uses pump-jet propulsors, built by BAE Systems, which were initially designed for the Royal Navy’s Swiftsure class submarines.The propulsor significantly cuts the risks of cavitation, allowing quieter operation.

BAE Systems delivered its first Louisville-produced submarine propulsion system to the U.S. Navy in June 2012. The propulsor was  integrated in the U.S. Navy Virginia class submarine, USS John Warner.

Work will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Naval Today Staff, February 20, 2014; Image:Navy