GD gets $50M for design work on Flight III DDG 51 destroyers

The U.S. Navy has contracted General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for the continuation of Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) lead yard services and Flight III upgrade design efforts.

This $59 million contract extends the services for engineering, technical support, special studies and Flight III design work for Arleigh Burke-class ships through December 2017.

The Flight III upgrades include a more powerful missile defense radar, increased shipboard power production and hull enhancements.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a multi-mission combatant that offers defense against a range of threats, including ballistic missiles. It operates in support of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups, providing a complete array of anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface capabilities.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers combine the AEGIS combat system, the vertical launching system, an advanced ASW system, two embarked SH-60 helicopters, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk anti-ship and land-attack missiles. Designed for survivability, the ships incorporate all-steel construction and gas turbine propulsion.