The US Navy has awarded a modification contract to Raytheon to complete software development for the DDG 1000-class destroyer programme.

Under the $254m contract, the company will perform development engineering activities for total ship computing environment infrastructure integration, ship control systems and related mission systems equipment software development and integration.

The company will also develop, test and deliver DDG 1000 total ship computing environment (TSCE) software for self-defence test ship, post-delivery availability and shakedown.

The contract modification also includes TSCE for SPY-3 volume search software, and firmware development and software maintenance in support of the Zumwalt-class destroyer programme.

The TSCE incorporates all shipboard computing applications including the combat management system, command, control, communications, computers and intelligence elements, ship machinery control systems, damage control, embedded training and support systems.

The system features a modern open system architecture, which provides a platform for cost-efficient delivery of the new mission capability.

The deliveries follow the previous US Navy detail design and integration contract awarded to Raytheon in 2005 for prime mission systems equipment integration of all electronic and combat systems for the DDG 1000 programme.

The multi-mission Zumwalt-class DDG 1000 is a next-generation, guided-missile naval destroyer and is designed to provide independent forward presence and deterrence for carrying out operations in the littorals as well as during land attack.

The destroyer features a low radar profile, an integrated power system and a total ship computing environment infrastructure and is equipped with a wide range of weapons to support surface warfare, anti-aircraft and naval fire operations.

The DDG 1000 will be the first US Navy surface combatant to use electric power for propulsion and the war-fighting technology provides incomparable capability to counter emerging threats.