Shaftless Propulsion Technology for Next-Generation Nuclear Submarines

DRS Technologies, Inc, PARSIPPANY: DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it was awarded a new $30 million contract, including options, to develop advanced shaftless propulsion technology for a next-generation U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine design study under the Tango Bravo program.  
 
Tango Bravo is a joint effort established by the U.S. Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO), in Arlington, Virginia, to develop a demonstration submarine that can overcome selected technological barriers that have a significant impact on a submarine's infrastructure and cost.  
 
As the prime contractor direct to the government for integrated power systems equipment, DRS will design and develop a shaftless propulsor that eliminates the need for a traditional shaft that penetrates the submarine's pressure hull. This revolutionary change in submarine design will dramatically reduce the ship's weight, size and cost, freeing up critical space for next-generation mission payloads.  
 
Initial funding of approximately $5 million was received by DRS from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, in Newport, Rhode Island. Work for this contract will be performed by the company's DRS Power & Control Technologies unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Danbury, Connecticut, DRS Power Technology unit in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and DRS Electric Power Technologies unit in Hudson, Massachusetts. Work for this award has commenced and will continue through May 2006. The options, if exercised, will extend the remainder of the work through May 2009.  
 
“DRS's unique solution provides next-generation, advanced, permanent magnet motor (PMM) and electric drive technologies, which will allow the U.S. Navy to realize its vision of affordable, integrated power systems on board future warships,” said Steven T. Schorer, president of DRS's C4I Group. “This solution provides proven, best-value technology that is lighter, smaller and more power-dense than any other U.S. Naval electric drive available today. A key supplier of integrated power systems equipment to the U.S. Navy shipbuilding industry, DRS is a leading force in shaping the future of the Navy's high-performance, integrated electrical systems and in providing critical power technology refresh for the existing fleet.”  
 
DRS is a leading supplier of U.S. Navy shipboard propulsion systems, advanced permanent magnet motors and drives, electronic and mechanical control systems, power conversion equipment, and medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems for nuclear submarines and surface combatants. The company has installed equipment on every U.S. Navy combatant ship since World War II, including nuclear-powered and conventionally-powered ships.  
 
DRS's power equipment facilitates realization of the U.S. Navy's vision of an electric warship utilizing a common ship power system architecture that can transfer electric power from propulsion and ship service systems to advanced electric weapons, sensors and countermeasures. The company's integrated power systems equipment will provide increased fuel efficiency, reliability and commonality benefits in electric ship architecture, which will lead to new, stealthier hull forms, reduced reliability on logistics, “plug-and-play” maintainability, larger payload and mission capacity, and reduced crew sizes. A force multiplier, these technologies will provide the electric warship with an affordable leap-ahead capability, allowing U.S. Navy forces to maintain technical superiority in the 21st century.  
 
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, provides leading edge products and services to defense, government intelligence and commercial customers. Focused on defense technology, DRS develops and manufactures a broad range of mission critical systems. The company employs 5,700 people worldwide.