General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide photonics masts for Virginia-class attack subs in $33 million contract

GROTON, Conn., 18 Sept. 2011. General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Groton, Conn.-based U.S. Navy submarine manufacturer, won a $32.9 million Navy contract modification for three backup photonics masts for Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.The Virginia-class submarine uses photonics masts instead of traditional periscopes. Photonics masts do not penetrate the submarine's hull, and do not extend physically into the vessel's control room.The photonics mast records information digitally with mast-mounted cameras, transmits the data through optical fiber into the boat, and processes the data with on-board image processors.

Each photonics mast has an HDTV digital color camera, an infrared camera, and a laser range finder. For more information contact General Dynamics Electric Boat online at www.gdeb.com.

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