L3Harris press release
L3Harris will support the development of the AS(X) ship specifications, interface specifications, ship cost estimates and construction schedules under the base AS(X) Concept Refinement and Preliminary Design contract. The nine-month Concept Refinement and Preliminary Design study includes options for an additional nine-month Concept Refinement and Preliminary Design update and an overarching 36-month period for special studies.
“We are excited to participate in the design study for the AS(X) submarine tender. In the coming months, we will work closely with our customer and industry partners to bring innovative solutions to advance the technology that will inform and define the future capabilities on this new class of ships.”
Rosemary Chapdelaine, President, Maritime, L3Harris
The AS(X) will be capable of providing support and maintenance for up to four submarines, replacing the U.S. Navy’s two aging tenders, the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), commissioned in 1979. The current tenders provide intermediate-level maintenance and repairs, hotel services and logistics support at sea to nuclear-powered guided missile (SSGNs) and attack submarines (SSNs) deployed in the 5th and 7th fleets areas of responsibility.
L3Harris’ Herndon, Virginia, facility will perform the program management and engineering design tasks and is partnered with Philly Shipyard Inc. and VARD Inc. for design development.
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Naval News comments:
The U.S. Navy awarded the preliminary design contracts on 4 April 2022 to L3Harris, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).