BAE to deliver payload tubes for Virginia subs
BAE Systems has received a contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to produce payload tubes for two of the US Navy’s new Virginia-class submarines, the company announced on 5 June.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver two sets, each consisting of four tubes, for the Virginia payload modules (VPMs) on the SSN 804 and SSN 805. The company will also develop the processes and tooling necessary for the Block V payload tube production. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020.
The VPM extends the length of the Block V submarines over previous versions of the Virginia class by adding an additional mid-body section to create more payload space for increased firepower.
Each large-diameter payload tube can store and launch up to seven Tomahawk cruise missiles. The VPM also offers better flexibility for the integration of future payload types, such as unmanned systems or next-generation weapons.
BAE Systems is also supplying payload tubes for the SSN 803 under a previously awarded VPM contract.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
