General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has received a task order to conduct a manufacturing evaluation of various new propulsor bearing concept designs.
The task order has been awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD).
NSWCCD manages research, development, design, test and delivery works related to submarine propulsors and components to support the US Navy’s future needs.
The new task order falls under a previously awarded Propulsor Demonstration Hardware (PDH) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.
As part of the new task order, GA-EMS will carry out a comparative analysis of the selected propulsor bearing designs, including mechanical stress modelling, manufacturing equipment requirements, assembly, testing and materials sourcing.
Additionally, GA-EMS will provide recommendations for concept demonstration, cost analysis and scheduling requirements.
GA-EMS president Scott Forney said: “Manufacturing feasibility evaluations such as this are crucial steps in determining whether a new concept design will deliver greater performance, improved manufacturability and better lifecycle maintainability when compared to existing propulsor and component designs.
“We look forward to working with NSWCCD to review the various design selections, perform a detailed assessment of each design’s approach to the requirements, and provide a ranking to help NSWCCD determine the next step toward manufacturing demonstration prototypes.”
Forney further added: “Our goal is to support the Navy’s endeavours to continually advance design innovations that will deliver the best technologies to the fleet and the warfighter.”
Recently, GA-EMS was awarded a contract by the NSWCCD under the broad PDH contract to provide structural hardware for the propulsor of the US Navy’s future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
