GDEB Receives $1.27B for Virginia Class SSN Production

Virginia Class cutaway
(click to view full: Large!)

General Dynamics subsidiary Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT received a $1.27 billion modification to previously awarded multi-year contract N00024-03-C-2101 for construction of the FY 2007 SSN-774 Virginia Class attack submarine [SSN 782] and advance procurement funding for the FY 2008 submarine [SSN 783]. The award modifies an August 2003 contract for the construction of 6 Virginia-class submarines at a rate of one per year from FY 2003 through FY 2008; the total value of the contract is $8.4 billion. Work will be performed in Groton, CT (30%), Quonset Point, RI (15%) and Newport News, VA (15%), with other efforts performed at various sites throughout the United States (40%). Work is expected to be complete by April 2014. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC issued the contract (N00024-03-C-2101/ Mod P00011).

Our January 2006 DID coverage of $1.35 billion in related Virginia Class contracts discussed some of the advance procurement funding for SSN 782; it also highlighted and explained the joint shipbuilding program between Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman’s Newport News subsidiary. Thus far Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman, have received contracts to build 10 Virginia Class submarines. See General Dynamics release.

SSN-753 USS Albany Goes in for $50.7M FY 2007 SRA

688I-Class SSN: Drydocking

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT received a $50.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under the multiple award indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-04-D-4408) for preparation and accomplishment of the FY 2007 Docking Selective Restricted Availability of the Improved Los-Angeles Class attack submarine USS Albany [SSN 753]. Work will be performed in Norfolk, VA and is expected to be complete by May 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $36.7 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC.

Spain Orders Civil & Military Helicopters from Eurocopter

NH90 TTH

EADS recently announced the Spanish government’s initial order of 45 NH90 TTH troop transport helicopters, but not the associated figures. The Spanish order is related to a May 2005 decision to pick the NH90 helicopter as their choice for transport and naval helicopter modernization, ultimately replacing the Hueys, H-60 Seahawks, AS332 Super Pumas, and AS532 Cougars currently serving in their Army, Navy and Air Force.

With DID reader Pedro Lucio’s help and translations, we have managed to source the associated value for Spain’s initial NH90 TTH order, as well as details re: the industrial cooperation agreement associated with the NH90 and additional helicopter purchases underway by the Spanish government. Together, the agreements amount to over EUR 2 billion, and include more powerful engines than other NH90 fleets.

2006 Updates: Keeping Patriots in Shape

Patriot system
(click for explanation)

In a September 2005 article, DID covered total awards under a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Patriot anti-air missile system engineering services, along with dates/amounts of each award in FY 2004-2005. We’ve brought that list forward, and we’ll be updating it as new FY 2006 engineering services contracts roll in. We’ll also use this post as an updated hub for other Patriot SAM related contracts in calendar year 2006.

Following are the engineering support contract listings from 2004-present, and other contracts and key events related to the Patriot missile. Related material include FY/CY 2007 coverage and other 2006 contracts and key events.

It’s a Boat, It’s a Sub, It’s…..

DGB SDV during trials

The USA encountered immense difficulties with its dry chamber Advanced Seal Delivery System, and almost abandoned of the project. As the Navy et. al. ponder ponder what to do, a New Year’s resolution to to pay close attention to developments in Sweden and its 10m “Diver Group Boat” may be in order.

On the surface, the DGB performs like a fast rigid inflatable boat; powered by a diesel engine and water jet propulsion, it can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. The same propulsion system is used when the hull is flooded and the vehicle runs semi-submerged with a low detection signature. Or, it can turn into a “wet” submarine delivery vehicle for special forces troops, powered by four electric thrusters.

DCE AB’s concept
(click to view larger)

The DGB is available in sizes for 3 or 6 divers, and can be equipped with tailor-made systems for specific missions e.g. sonar, fire control or hull verification systems. It’s a boat. It’s a semi-submerged boat. It’s an SDV+… and Sweden’s FMV Procurement Agency has just started formal trials. In addition to the FMV release, manufacturer DCE AB of Sweden has its own page for “The SEAL.”

Germany’s FuInfoSys C4I System

Rheinmetall and KMW both issued releases recently, discussing contracts they’ve won as part of Germany’s FuInfoSys Heer (FuInfoSys H) program. DID has discussed FuInfoSys briefly in the context of the IdZ “Infantry-21″ program. Now the working group awarded the “FuInfoSys Heer” (“Army Command Control and Information System”) contract will progressively equip some 1,500-1,600 armoured and non-armored vehicles with the new technology by 2011.

India to Arm ALH Dhruvs with Giat’s THL-20 Turrets

Dhruv ALH

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has awarded a contract for the supply of 20 THL 20 turrets that will equip the Indian Armed Forces’ ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) “Dhruv”. The order to Giat Industries of France covers the development phase of 20 turrets, with first deliveries in 2008. See release.

The nose-mounted THL-20 is armed with a 20mm M621 cannon, and will be combined with a helmet sight for India’s Dhruvs so a pilot can simply look and fire. A figure was not disclosed.

EDA Releases Europe-US Defense Spending Comparisons for 2005

The EU’s European Defence Agency has compared its data on European defence expenditure with United States defense spending in 2005. The data show that the US spent more than double the amount spent in Europe, and about 3 times as much on a per capita basis.

European defense expenditure data represent spending by the 24 EDA participating Member States. US data are based on public sources, mainly US Government publications. Have a look at all of the data and graphics right here.

Greece Placing F-16 Orders, Weapons Requests

Greek F-16 Block 50/52s

Lockheed Martin Corp. in Fort Worth, TX recently received a $931.3 million firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract modification. This action provides for 20 operational single place F-16C Block 50 aircraft and 10 operational two place F-16D Block 52 aircraft under the Peace Xenia IV (Greece) program. This contract is additive to a February 2006 contract for $99.7 million.

DID has been covering Greece’s $3.1 billion F-16 buy since July 2005, when that country canceled a $6 billion order for 60 Eurofighters in favor of a 2-phase buy that would begin with more F-16s. See DID’s article covering Greece’s F-16 purchase, including updates; below, we’ve also included the DSCA December 8, 2006 announcement of Greece’s $104 million precision weapons request for its F-16s…

$120M from US SOCOM for up to 7 Years of DIRCM Support

AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM

Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rolling Meadows, IL received an indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract with a potential maximum value of $120 million and a maximum ordering period of 7 years, for depot repair services for the Directional Infrared Countermeasure systems in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The initial delivery order will be awarded for $23.1 million. Work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, FL from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007. The contract number is H92222-07-D-0007.