DRS Technologies’ Laurel Technologies business unit has been selected to continue support for the US Navy’s DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile ships modernisation programme.
Under the five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, which has a total potential value of up to $22m, DRS will upgrade the repair station consoles (RSC) onboard the Arleigh Burke-class ships.
The company will also continue to provide RSC-associated training sets, engineering services, support and spare parts.
DRS Maritime Systems and Services business unit vice-president and general manager Patrick Marion said: "Our company has provided display consoles and support for the DDG platform over the last several decades and continues to supply all branches of our military with specialty products that supply significant utility and value to numerous mission-critical platforms."
The RSC systems will enhance survivability of battle-damaged ships by automating and integrating shipboard damage control communications.
The DDG 51 class guided missile destroyers have been designed to provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments and are capable of responding to low intensity conflict/coastal and littoral offshore warfare (LIC/CALOW) scenarios.
In addition to providing combat capability and survivability characteristics while considering procurement and lifecycle support costs, the vessels make use of four GE LM 2500 gas turbines driving two shafts, with controllable pitch propellers to cruise at a speed of 30k.
The DDG modernisation programme aims to provide comprehensive mid-life upgrades to ensure the ships maintain mission relevance.
Scheduled to be completed by September 2018, work under the contract will be conducted at various ship homeports in the US, as well as overseas.
Image: USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) underway at sea. Photo: courtesy of US Navy.
