Open Architecture Computing Infrastructure News

General Dynamics Mission Systems makes its debut as General Dynamics' newest business unit at the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 27th National Symposium. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and General Dynamics C4 Systems combined to form General Dynamics Mission Systems on January 1, 2015. "This restructuring has allowed us to create a real powerhouse. We are stronger together and offer a more robust portfolio of products, services and solutions that help customers successfully execute their missions in today's dynamic environment," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. "Our exhibits at SNA highlight our collective capabilities from which the U.S. General Dynamics Mission Systems will deliver greater capability more efficiently.

Last month marked the launch of two new Littoral Combat Ships: Milwaukee (LCS 5) launched by Marinette Marine into the icy Menominee River; and Jackson (LCS 6) launched by Austal into the far warmer waters found off of southern Alabama. While the two LCS variants and shipyard climates are a world apart, this innovate U.S. Navy ship production program has the common goal of fortifying U.S. defense interests while spurring investment in the creation of two state-of-the-art ship production facilities. Mid-December in Marinette, Wis., can be described with one word: cold.

First of Austal’s ten-ship Littoral Combat Ship contract. On December 14, 2013, Austal USA successfully completed the launch of the future USS Jackson (LCS 6). The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. This vessel is the first of ten 127-meter Independence-variant LCS class ships Austal has been contracted to build for the U.S. Navy as prime contractor subsequent to a $3.5 billion block buy in 2010.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems was awarded a contract by Austal USA to be the Platform Systems Engineering Agent (PSEA) of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) 14 and 16. These are the fifth and sixth ships of the Independence-variant LCS to be ordered by the U.S. Navy under a 10-ship block buy contract awarded in December 2010 to Austal USA. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics. As part of the Austal USA LCS Industry team General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ships’ electronic systems including the combat system, networks and seaframe control. The technology backbone for the core mission system is General Dynamics’ open architecture computing infrastructure (OPEN CI).

The U.S. Navy has exercised contract options funding Austal’s acquisition of long lead-time equipment associated with the construction of two additional 338 ft Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV). As the prime contractor, Austal currently has contracts to build the first three JHSVs as part of a 10-vessel program valued at up to $1.6b. The most recent award funds the acquisition of long lead time material for JHSV 4 and 5. Austal was awarded the initial contract to design and build the first 338 ft JHSV in November 2008, with contracts for an additional two vessels awarded in January this year.

Austal USA and Bath Iron Works (BIW) have agreed to revoke their current teaming arrangement. This strategic decision allows Austal USA to act as prime contractor in the upcoming bid for 10 U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The U.S. Navy is expected to award the contract for two LCSs, including options for an additional eight vessels, by the end of US FY10. In the event that Austal USA is awarded the FY10 contract, potentially worth up to $4.8b, it will continue to act as Prime Contractor for future LCS bids. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, which is currently the systems integrator in the program, will now subcontract to Austal USA…

The U.S. Navy has exercised contract options funding the construction of two additional Austal Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) – as part of an existing 10-vessel, $1.6b program. Austal previously received US Navy funding for long lead-time material, including diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears, for these two vessels in June 2009. The additional work is valued at approximately $208m. Intended as the U.S. Department of Defense’s next-generation multi-use platform, the two 338 ft high speed vessels will be constructed at Austal’s US facility, located in Mobile, Ala.

LCS2 Independence, the high-speed trimaran combatant ship being constructed by shipbuilder Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, as part of the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team, successfully completed a series of tests known as builder's trials on October 18 in the Gulf of Mexico. The trials included more than 50 demonstration events that rigorously test the ship and all of its systems in preparation for final inspection by the Navy before delivery. Notable achievements during the trials included reaching a sustained speed of 44 knots during the required four-hour full-power run…

On April 28, 2009, Austal completed the Initial Critical Design Review (ICDR) in its contract with the U.S. Navy for the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). During the ICDR, the Austal team provided a comprehensive summary of the critical areas of the JHSV design for Navy approval to proceed to Final Critical Design Review, the next critical milestone. In November 2008, Austal was awarded the contract to design and build the US Department of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform, the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). As prime contractor, Austal will design and construct the lead 103-meter JHSV, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13.

Austal has won the contract to design and build the US Department of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform, the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), as part of a program potentially worth over US$1.6 billion. As Prime contractor, Austal will design and construct the first 103-metre JHSV, with options for 9 additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13. Similar to the Austal-built “WestPac Express” operated by the US Marines for the past seven years, the JHSV will be capable of transporting troops and their equipment…