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Progeny Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Mission Systems, has received an $11.9 million contract from the U.S. Navy. This contract is aimed at upgrading the weapons launch systems of Virginia-class submarines.
The contract provides for the implementation of the Common Weapon Launcher (CWL) system on Block I and II submarines. This will increase their operational flexibility and optimize launch processes during various missions.
Another contract worth $20.7 million was awarded to Goodrich Corporation for the supply of propulsion systems for Virginia-class submarines. BAE, a long-time fleet supplier, has not received this contract, although the company's press release says: "By initially supplying this key technology to the Seawolf class, we continue to successfully produce propulsion systems for Virginia-class submarines as well. The BAE propulsion system increased the efficiency of the propeller and helped reduce its sonar signature."
In addition, General Dynamics Electric Boat received almost $1 billion in spare parts and development support contracts. The Navy is also purchasing new towed antennas from L3 Technologies, which will further expand the capabilities of the naval GAC.
The submarine Helena has made the transition from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. She was supposed to go to Pearl Harbor and do another combat duty, but for now she is in San Diego. It will probably be sent to Bremerton for disposal. The condition of the 38-year-old submarine raises serious concerns.
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Although some Los Angeles-class submarines have extended service life, the condition of their hulls and systems is of concern, especially for the crews. If the information about the Helena is confirmed, then the number of combat-ready submarines will be reduced by one unit, and the list will look like this: 47 in total, 39 are combat-ready.
However, the New Jersey submarine is expected to enter service in a few months. Perhaps during this time, the Helena will be kept in hot reserve.
This is not all the news from the American submarine fleet. On July 14, on the island of Guam, the Florida Submarine conducted an expeditionary recharge of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) from the submarine base of the USS Frank Cable class.
