Northrop Grumman Christens Submarine Model
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Newport News sector held a christening
ceremony on Nov. 19 for its submarine model concept called Newport News
Experimental Model 1 (NNemo 1). NNemo 1 is a scaled, radio-controlled
model of Newport News' advanced hull-form concept submarine design.
Testing of NNemo 1 will take place in December, and the data gathered
will help predict full-scale ship performance in making turns,
verifying dynamic stability and allowing the development of emergency
recovery procedures.
The Newport News sector designed NNemo 1 through independent
research and development. The design is based on innovative
pressure-hull technologies, structural materials and electric
propulsion systems developed at Newport News to operate and maneuver
the submarine in shallower water. The Naval Surface Warfare Center –
Carderock Division provided general design guidance.
"What we learn from this project will help us design future
generation submarines that will be safe for the crew while remaining
highly effective, warfighting platforms," said Walt Floyd, manager,
Submarine Technology, Northrop Grumman Newport News. "We're looking
forward to NNemo's journey and the contributions it will provide to the
future of submarine warfare."
NNemo 1 was built by Sias-Patterson, Inc., a small business in
Yorktown, Va., devoted to the design and manufacture of commercial
off-the-shelf Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Northrop Grumman's
Electronic Systems and Integrated Systems sectors also contributed to
the project. Integrated Systems provided the navigation unit and
Electronic Systems provided assistance with the propellers.
