BAE Systems receives Virginia payload tube order
BAE Systems will produce more payload tubes for the US Navy’s Block V Virginia-class attack submarines under a follow-on contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat announced on 25 July.
The company will produce seven sets of four tubes each for the Virginia Payload Modules (VPM) – 28 in total.
The latest Block V Virginia-class boats will have significant additional capability, with increased firepower and payload capacity. The VPM extends the length of Block V subs over previous versions of the Virginia class by adding a mid-body section to create more payload space. Each large-diameter payload tube can store and launch up to seven Tomahawk and future guided cruise missiles.
BAE Systems is also providing nine payload tubes under previously awarded VPM contracts.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2021.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
-
![DSEI 2025: Skana’s new autonomous maritime platforms signal company’s shift towards scalable assets]()
DSEI 2025: Skana’s new autonomous maritime platforms signal company’s shift towards scalable assets
The Israeli defence technology company has taken the wraps off two autonomous vessels ahead of DSEI as it sets its sights on scalability and cost reduction.
-
![Which countries could the US rely on to progress with its shipbuilding programmes?]()
Which countries could the US rely on to progress with its shipbuilding programmes?
The US Navy and US Coast Guard (USCG) are in critical need of support to build icebreakers, surface vessels and submarines.
