Navy chooses contract manufacturer Sechan to build components for ship self-defense system

DAHLGREN, Va., 10 Oct. 2014. Electronics contract manufacturer Sechan Electronics Inc. in Lititz, Pa., will build hardware for the U.S. Navy's Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk2 under terms of a $24.3 million contract.

Officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Va., are asking Sechan to build, assemble, configure, align, integrate, test, and ship SSDS hardware.

The SSDS helps crews of Navy surface warships detect, track, assess, and shoot down incoming subsonic and supersonic anti-ship missiles. It is designed to expedite the detect-to-engage sequence to defend against anti-ship cruise missiles.

SSDS links and automates stand-alone sensors and weapon systems to help ship crews respond to incoming anti-ship missile threats quickly enough to shoot them down before they hit their vessels.

The SSDS uses a fiber optic local area network to connect ship sensors and weapons to coordinate sensor integration; identify and evaluate potential threats; assess readiness of ship defenses; and execute specific tactical procedures.

The SSDS also helps the ship's captain control his weapons such that his crew has a good chance at shooting down incoming cruise missiles. The system is for aircraft carriers and expeditionary ships on seven ship classes.

On this contract, announced on 23 Sept. 2014, Sechan will do the work in Lititz, Pa., and should be finished by September 2017. For more information contact Sechan Electronics online at www.sechan.com, or the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Dahlgren at www.navsea.navy.mil/nswc/dahlgren.