General Atomics has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command for research and development (R&D) activities related to power loads.

Under the $12.3m contract, the company will design an advanced integrated power systems power load module and pulsed power loads for future surface combatants.

The power load modules could be used for pulse-forming networks to power future lasers, railguns or radars.

The concept may also be considered as a means of implementing energy storage for use on the weapon system and to power onboard ships.

Work will be carried out at the company’s facility in San Diego, California, US, and is expected to be completed by October 2016.