Article Posted on : - May 02, 2011

Virginia class nuke sub USS Missouri (SSN 780). A US Navy photo

GROTON (BNS): The US Navy has awarded a $1.2 billion contract to General Dynamics to build the nation’s fourth Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine, SSN-787.

The contract, awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, marks the beginning of production of two submarines per year on the Virginia-class programme, the company said.

The release of the funding allows procurement of long lead-time components that will support the planned official construction of the yet-to-be named nuke sub later this year, it said.

The US Navy had placed an order for first five Virginia-class submarines in 2004 followed by another contract for five more in 2005.

In 2008, it signed a $14 billion contract with both General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman to build eight more submarines of this class. Under the deal, the two contractors were to deliver one submarine each in 2009 and 2010, and two submarines each in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The Virginia Class advanced stealth multi-mission nuclear-powered submarines have been designed for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare as well as littoral operations. The new generation subs have been built to replace the US Navy’s aging Los Angeles class submarines.

The submarines have a displacement of 7,800 tons, with a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet.

The weapons carried by the sub include the Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes and Tomahawk land attack missiles. It can also carry unmanned underwater vehicles.

The General Dynamics Electric Boat, the lead designer for the Virginia Class subs, built lead vessel of the class – Virginia (SSN 774) which was commissioned in 2004.

The US Navy has already commissioned seven Virginia-class subs. It plans to induct 30 such submarines in its fleet.