Jane Edwards
A General Dynamics subsidiary will provide support services for the U.S. Navy to help develop payload tubes for integation with Virginia-class submarines under a $6.5 million modification to a contract awarded in 2010.
General Dynamics Electric Boat will help assemble four tubes that will comprise the Virginia Payload Module to be installed in the hull section of the nuclear-powered attack submarines, the company said Thursday.
Electric Boat expects the integration of VPM with the warship to expand the hull’s length by up to 80 feet and increase strike capability by 230 percent.
The company said the project would raise the cost by about 15 percent.
