BAE Systems will produce 28 more payload tubes for the US Navy’s Block V Virginia-class submarines. Credit: BAE Systems, Inc.

General Dynamics (GD) Electric Boat has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to produce 28 additional payload tubes for the US Navy’s Block V Virginia-class attack submarines.

The follow-on contract involves the delivery of seven four-tube sets for the Virginia Payload Modules (VPM). Each tube can carry and launch up to seven Tomahawk and future guided cruise missiles.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The Navy seeks to increase the firepower and payload capacity of the Block V Virginia-class vessels.

According to the Navy, the VPM tubes are similar to the Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs) used on Block III Virginia-class submarines and forward ships.

The incorporation of the VPM into the Block V subs provides more payload space through the addition of a mid-body section.

The VPM extends the hull by 84ft and improves the submarine’s strike capabilities.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

BAE Systems Weapon Systems vice-president and general manager Joe Senftle said: “The VPM is critical to the Virginia class because it offers not only additional strike capacity but the flexibility to integrate future payload types, such as unmanned systems and next-generation weapons, as threats evolve.

“We’ve invested heavily in the people, processes, and tools required to successfully deliver these payload tubes to Electric Boat and to help ensure the Navy’s undersea fleet remains a dominant global force.”

According to the contract, the firm will start deliveries in 2021. The contract work is set to be performed at BAE Systems facility in Louisville, Kentucky.

BAE Systems previously received contracts to provide nine payload tubes for the programme.

The company supplies propulsors, spare hardware, and tail cones for Block IV Virginia-class vessels. It also intends to provide this equipment for the Block V programme.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding are builders of the Virginia-class submarines.

In March, Electric Boat won a $2bn contract modification for long-lead-time material to support the construction of Block V ships.