UTC begins first LVA build
UTC Aerospace Systems has commenced manufacturing on the first Large Vertical Array (LVA) for the US Navy's Virginia class submarines, the company announced on 3 April.
The LVA is a hull-mounted acoustic array. Along with other onboard systems and sonar processing capabilities, it allows a submarine to 'see' other submarines and surface ships in its vicinity, providing a detailed tactical picture for the crew.
Development of the LVA began in 2008, when the company's Engineered Polymer Products division began working with the navy to build two prototypes designed for two different classes of submarines. Lessons learned from the prototypes were then leveraged in the design and manufacture of the Virginia class LVA.
Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, said: 'Our proven ability to provide advanced acoustic products that maximise sonar system performance gives our sailors a significant at-sea advantage.'
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