Development, Production, Installation and Deployed-Systems Support

The US Navy recently awarded a new contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) that includes a broad scope of work for the COLUMBIA and DREADNOUGHT-class ballistic missile submarines (CLB/UKD) to support development, production and installation requirements, the company announced on 19 June.

The contract as awarded has a value of approx. $104 million (€92.8 million) over the next four years and is the first for GDMS comprised of development, production, installation and deployed-systems support exclusively for the CLB/UKD class of submarines for the USN and Royal Navy. Most work will be conducted at Pittsfield, MA, and is expected to be complete by November 2024.

The GDMS Maritime and Strategic Systems line of business will deliver the fire control system for the first COLUMBIA-class submarine and the first training facility for the class (Kings Bay TRIDENT Training Facility [KB-TTF]) as well as installation support and pre-deployment planning for both US and British sites. The contract also includes CLB/UKD design completion scope and continuation of design activities for the first planned refresh of the CLB/UKD fire control system, as well as design support for CLB/UKD planning at the KB-TTF and procurement of infrastructure material to support the new TTF labs.

“Our support for the Navy’s strategic deterrent program spans over six decades, and forms the foundation of our US Navy business,” said Laura Hooks, VP of GDMS’ Strategic Systems business. “We are entering the next era of development and production for the Navy’s fire control system on the newest fleet of submarines demonstrating our ongoing relationship, built on trust, partnership and innovation, with the US and UK naval forces.”