General Dynamics NASSCO has been awarded a $498m contract by the US Navy for the construction of its fourth mobile landing platform (MLP) afloat forward staging base (AFSB).

Work under the agreement, which should be completed by March 2018, will be carried out by NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard unit.

The MLP AFSB can accommodate 250 personnel and has a large helicopter flight deck. The AFSB aims to provide a highly capable, innovative and affordable asset to the navy and marine corps.

"The MLP AFSB can accommodate 250 personnel and has a large helicopter flight deck."

General Dynamics Electric Boat also won a $36.5m contract from the US Navy to develop latest submarine technologies for existing and future undersea platforms.

As part of the modified contract, Electric Boat will undertake advanced submarine research and development studies covering a range of technology areas, including manufacturability, maintainability, survivability, hydrodynamics, acoustics and materials.

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The company will also conduct research and development work in affordability, manning, hull integrity, performance, ship control, logistics, weapons handling and safety.

The latest deal supports future Virginia-class technology insertion, near-term submarine concepts and core technologies.

It has a potential value of $710.6m over five-years if all options are exercised and funded, and originally awarded in November 2010.