The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Corp. a $24.6 million for preliminary design for the thin line towed array handling system, detailed design, prototype manufacture and qualification tests in support of the Ohio Replacement Program.
Thin line towed arrays are used by submarines for anti-submarine warfare. Similar arrays are used on the U.S. Navy Los Angeles (SSN-688 and SSN-688I) and the Virginia (SSN-774) class submarines.
The system includes a hose that is deployed with hydrophones and other electronics and sensors using a handling system.
Work on the program will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is scheduled to be completed by December 2020.