Development for COLUMBIA- and VIRGINIA-classes and Surface Vessels

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been awarded a developmental contract by the US Navy to provide manufacturing design drawings, engineering, fabrication, inspection and assembly of prototype propulsor, shafting and bearing components as well as the equipment needed to support propulsor research & development, testing and evaluation.

“This is another exciting opportunity for GA-EMS to demonstrate our capability to support significant naval engineering and developmental programs,” stated Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS. “Because of our proven track record in technical design, manufacturing expertise and [our] superb facilities, we are becoming the principal source for taking new technologies from concept to prototype and through to full production.”

GA-EMS will work with the Navy to develop new propulsor components for both surface ships and submarines. Design and analysis work will be done primarily at GA-EMS’ facilities in San Diego, CA, and manufacturing, engineering and fabrication will be conducted in Tupelo, MS.

This effort supports the USN’s Advanced Propulsor Management Office requirement for the design and development for prototype propulsors, shafting and bearing components, mechanical design specification and manufacturing plans to support the COLUMBIA-class Submarine Program Office, the VIRGINIA-class Submarine Program Office and future R&D activities aimed at the next generation of propulsor and shafting systems.