General Dynamics Gets $17.6 Bln U.S. Navy Submarine Contract

(RTTNews) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a subsidiary of defense contractor General Dynamics Corp. (GD), said Monday that it has been awarded a contract valued at $17.6 billion by the U.S. Navy for the construction of 10 additional Virginia-class submarines.

The multi-year Block IV contract enables Electric Boat and its industry teammate, Newport News Shipbuilding, to proceed with the construction of two ships per year over a five-year period. Construction of the first Block IV submarine, SSN-792, will begin May 1. The 10th ship to be procured under the contract is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

Virginia-class submarines are designed from the keel up for the full range of 21st century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support.

Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, with a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet, while carrying Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land-attack missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles.