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GDEB Receives $5 Billion US Navy Contract for Design of Columbia-Class SSBN

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Naval Industry News - USA
 
 
 
GDEB Receives $5 Billion US Navy Contract for Design of Columbia-Class SSBN
 
The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $5.1 billion Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) contract to complete the design of the lead Columbia-class submarine, the nation’s next-generation sea-based strategic deterrent.
     
GDEB Receives US Navy Contract for Continued Columbia-Class SSBN Submarine DevelopmentWASHINGTON (Dec. 14, 2016) A graphic representation of the future USS Columbia (SSBN 826). (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Petty Officer 1st Class Armando Gonzales/Released)
     
“Working closely with the Navy and the submarine industrial base, Electric Boat will continue to lead critical aspects of the Columbia-class development effort, including design, material procurement, construction and operating-cost reduction, to achieve an affordable and effective program,” said Electric Boat President Jeffrey S. Geiger.

The IPPD contract includes funding for component and technology development as well as continued development of the Common Missile Compartment, which will be integrated into both the Navy’s new SSBN and the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought-class strategic missile submarine.

Construction of the lead Columbia-class submarine is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020. The U.S. Navy plans to build a fleet of 12 new SSBNs.

The contract announced today follows a five-year, $1.85 billion award Electric Boat received in December 2012 to perform research and development work for the Navy’s new class of ballistic-missile submarines.
     
Our video on Ohio Replacement / Columbia-class SSBN during Sea Air Space 2017
     
Ballistic missile submarines are critical, stabilizing and efficient elements of the U.S. nuclear deterrence and assurance policy, carrying the majority of deployed U.S. nuclear warheads. Columbia-class SSBNs incorporate advanced technology and will provide the most survivable leg of the Nation's strategic triad.

According to the US Navy, the mission of the Ohio Replacement will be Sea Based Strategic Deterrence:
Replacing Ohio SSBN class, rehosting TRIDENT II D5 (LE) missile system, providing the most survivable leg of the Nation's strategic triad.

Key facts of Ohio Replacement as provided by NAVSEA:
» The Ohio Replacement is the US Chief of Naval Operations number one acquisition priority.
» SSBNs are critical, stabilizing and efficient elements of US Nuclear deterrence and reassurance.
» The current Ohio class SSBN force is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced to meet the continuing mission requirements of USSTRATCOM.
» The Ohio Replacement will perform the same mission of today's Ohio class with two fewer ships at $40B in acquisition and life-cycle savings.
» The Ohio Replacement is being designed to have a longer service life, better availability and better survivability than their predecessors.