Eastern Shipbuilding Group awards Northrop Grumman integration contract for USCG OPCs
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract as systems integrator for C5ISR and control systems on the US Coast Guard (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).
The contract was awarded by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, the prime contractor for the OPC programme.
In the newly expanded role, Northrop Grumman is responsible for integrating all cyber-hardened C5isr systems, including command and control, communications, navigation and shipboard computer networking systems.
Northrop Grumman will also be responsible for the integrated bridge, data distribution, machinery control, propulsion control systems, cyber/information assurance, testing and integration work.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is currently developing the Heritage-class OPCs for the US Coast Guard.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Heritage-class OPC will bridge the capability gap between the National Security Cutter, which patrols the open ocean, and the Fast Response Cutter, which operates closer to shore.
The Coast Guard aims to procure a total of 25 OPCs with an estimated total acquisition cost of $10.523 billion.
The OPCs will feature helicopter capability, with the ability to carry MH-60R or MH-65 helicopters and three operational over-the-horizon small boats.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.