BAE Systems has received a contract modification from the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to produce two additional units of the Virginia class submarine propulsor.

The $26.6m award includes funding for the manufacture and delivery of fiscal year 2011 propulsor units, long-lead material funding for fiscal year 2012 units, and associated spare hardware.

Production of fiscal year 2011 units will commence this summer with delivery scheduled for 2013, and is expected to be completed by March 2014.

The Virginia class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions.