The US Navy has selected BAE Systems to design, install and test onboard radio communications and network capability for the new Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers.
Under the contract, the company will provide services including systems engineering, production integration, logistics, crew training and configuration management.
BAE will install technologies that include multi-spectrum radio sets, antenna systems and baseband switching, as well as data-link modems and message distribution services onboard the destroyers.
The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers feature the Aegis combat system and SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar and are designed to carry out peacetime operations, crisis management and sea control activities to enhance US naval capabilities.
The 509ft-long missiles are powered by four gas-turbine propulsion plants, to cruise at a speed of 30kt and are equipped with advanced sensors, as well as weapons systems to engage anti-ship missile threats.
The one-year contract, awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, has four optional years and is valued at $37m if all of the years are used.
Work will be performed at Navy facilities in St Inigoes, Maryland, and at the company’s facilities, while systems installation will be carried out at other shipbuilder sites including Mississippi and Maine.
BAE has successfully completed the first Aegis Destroyer modernisation on USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) earlier this year.
Additionally, the company also modernised the USS Benfold (DDG 65), while simultaneously modernising the USS Stout (DDG 55) and the USS Barry (DDG 52) destroyers.
To date, the firm has delivered onboard communications for 62 destroyers and 27 cruisers equipped with the Aegis combat system.
