Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022 - 36

Application Briefs
Main Propulsion Electric Motor
Leonardo DRS, Inc.
Arlington, VA
703-416-8000
www.leonardodrs.com
L
eonardo DRS, Inc. ( " DRS " ) announced recently that it successfully
completed factory acceptance testing and shipment
of the first production unit of the main propulsion motor
for the U.S. Navy's new Columbia Class submarine. The motor
was recently shipped to General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB)
for integration into the lead ship of the class.
DRS was chosen by EB and the U.S. Navy to design and
manufacture the major Columbia Electric Drive Propulsion
system components including the main propulsion electric
motor. All prototype components of this system successfully
completed full power endurance and other testing at the
Navy's land-based test facility in 2020, where operational testing
continues. In addition to the main propulsion motor,
other lead ship components are being manufactured and prepared
to ship to EB.
The Columbia class program goal is to design and build a
class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to
replace the U.S. Navy's current force of Ohio class SSBNs.
The Navy has identified the Columbia class program as its
top priority program. The Columbia class submarines will be
larger than the current class in terms of submerged displaceB-2
Spirit Modernization
Northrop Grumman
Falls Church, VA
703-280-2900
www.northropgrumman.com
N
orthrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are continuing
enhancements to the B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber fleet providing
new capability, including its first long-range stealth missile.
The B-2 successfully released a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff
Missile - Extended Range (JASSM-ER) during a flight test late
last year. The JASSM-ER further enhances the B-2's ability to
hit any target, anywhere. The integration of JASSM-ER enables
the delivery of a low observable asset capable of traveling
greater distances than its predecessor.
JASSM-ER is one of three new advanced capabilities being
introduced to the B-2 to further modernize the platform. The
B-2 fleet, capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear
ordnance, is also integrating crypto modernization and a Radar
Aided Targeting System (RATS). The latest system advancements
are part of integrated functional capability (IFC) P6.4, which
was certified last year by the Air Force. RATS will complete the
latest phase of nuclear modernization of the B-2 Spirit.
The integration of RATS allows the B-2 to fully employ the
B-61 mod 12 nuclear bomb. RATS is the key element of the
36
ment and will become the largest submarine ever built by
the United States.
The DRS Naval Power Systems business was awarded contracts
for the electric propulsion system components which included
design, test, qualification, and production of the full-scale components
for both a land-based test facility and first two ships of
the class. Over the past several years, the Navy has completed
successful land-based tests of DRS' electric propulsion components.
With significant testing completed, the program is transitioning
to production with DRS presently manufacturing the
components for the first two ships of the Columbia class.
For More Info Visit www.leonardodrs.com
nuclear modernization, as GPS may not be available during a
bomber task force mission.
Crypto modernization further improves the communications
security of various high frequency transmissions. The
B-2 may now securely utilize advanced communication devices
in the future threat environment. Earlier this year, Northrop
Grumman conducted a successful communications flight test
with modern cryptology at its Oklahoma City Weapons System
Support Center site.
The capabilities of this IFC continue to position the B-2
fleet as a key component of the Department of Defense's
nuclear triad. It is also part of Northrop Grumman's ongoing
modernization efforts leveraging 21st century technology
incorporating digital engineering.
For More Info Visit www.northropgrumman.com
mobilityengineeringtech.com
Aerospace & Defense Technology, December 2022
http://www.leonardodrs.com http://www.leonardodrs.com http://www.northropgrumman.com http://www.northropgrumman.com http://www.mobilityengineeringtech.com
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022
