GA-EMS to deliver Bearing Support Structures for the Columbia-class program

General Dynamics gets $313.9 million contract modification for Columbia-class submarines
An artist rendering of the future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (Credit: U.S. Navy/Released)
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced on Sept. 11 that it has been awarded a contract from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) to fabricate and deliver two large Bearing Support Structures (BSSโ€™s) for the 12 Columbia-class submarines.
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GA press release

โ€œThis contract leverages our extensive manufacturing competencies to ensure these critical structures are delivered to NSWCCD as the first new Columbia Class submarine begins construction in October 2020,โ€ stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. โ€œWe have a proven track record in the manufacture of First-Time Quality components and safety-critical systems for undersea and surface vessels. This award further positions GA-EMS as a โ€œgo-toโ€ resource for shipyards to get complex components into production to meet hard and fast schedule deadlines.โ€

GA-EMS will manufacture the two BSSโ€™s at their facilities in Tupelo, MS. years. โ€œWe have spent the last decade developing and delivering first-of-kind technologies, such as Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems and Advanced Arresting Gear, to support the next generation fleet,โ€ stated Rolf Ziesing, vice president of Programs. โ€œWe adhere to industry-leading quality standards and manufacturing processes to ensure we deliver products in spec and correct the first time. And we continually expand our skill sets and manufacturing capabilities to meet the technological challenges facing the Navyโ€™s modernization efforts.โ€

The Columbia Class will replace the existing Ohio Class nuclear ballistic submarine force, which entered service in the 1980s. The future submarines will be 170 m long and 13 in diameter, and should have 16 missile launch tubes instead of 24 missile launch tubes on Ohio-class submarines.

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