Systems checking battery health on the U.S. Navy’s Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines will be provided by American firm L3Harris.
The Florida-based aerospace and defence technology firm has won a contract from prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide battery monitoring systems for new boats in both the U.S. Navy’s existing and forthcoming submarine classes.
L3Harris described the systems as “critical for submarine readiness, effectiveness and providing real-time battery health assessments that enable submarine commanders to optimize mission profiles.”
Its President of Maritime, Space & Mission Systems Nino DiCosmo commented: “This contract reflects our commitment to delivering reliable solutions that support two of the service’s highest-priority submarine platforms that serve as the backbone of America’s strategic deterrence.”
GDEB and HII are together continuing to augment the U.S. Navy’s existing fleet of nuclear-powered Virginia-class fast-attack submarines; the 7,800-ton, 377ft boats are scheduled to be built until at least 2043, and are likely to stay in active service until at least 2060, with the newest boats expected to operate into the 2070s.
The two firms are also building the U.S. Navy’s next-generation Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. In total 12 of the nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed boats are planned; they are intended to replace the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class submarines.
The Columbia-class boats will be 171 metres long, will displace almost 21,000 tons and carry 16 Trident D5 nuclear missiles. Each boat is projected to cost an average of over $10 billion to build; the lead boat is currently scheduled to be completed in 2030 and to enter active service the following year.
- You can read more details about the contract on the L3Harris website
