RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
HII has completed the pressure hull for the Virginia-class submarine USS Arkansas (Photo: HII)
The USS Arkansas is a Block IV Virginia-class nuclear submarine which are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. Twenty-one have been delivered from multiple blocks.
The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons, giving them an unrivalled capability for sea control, land attack, electronic warfare and special operations. Around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
NNS vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction Jason Ward said: ‘It’s exciting to reach pressure hull complete, because it’s a visible sign that construction has progressed to the point where Arkansas really starts to take its final shape.’
The milestone follows two other recent events in the construction of other submarines by the company, the christening of USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) and last month’s keel authentication of USS Oklahoma (SSN 802) at NNS so far in 2023.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.