Goodrich, a provider of systems and services to the defense and aerospace industries, has reported that the company has shipped its first composite sail cusp to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ division, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS).
According to the previously signed contract, the company will make lightweight, composite sail cusps for use in Block III, which includes eight Virginia Class nuclear fast attack submarines. All eight composite sail cusps will be fabricated in the submarines at the company’s engineered polymer products (EPP) plant located in Florida.
A single piece of composite sail cusp is attached to the low edge and hull of the submarine sail. The composite cusps’ complex double curvature shape enables smooth water flow over its surface, and enhances the submarine’s hydrodynamic performance.
Goodrich Aerostructures’ President, Marc Duvall stated that this delivery is probably the first composite sail cusp, which is a low-maintenance, lightweight substitute for steel thus bringing down the acquisition cost for Virginia class submarines. The company’s manufacturing and engineering teams closely worked during the whole production cycle in order to ensure prompt delivery, he added.
The newest Virginia Class nuclear fast-attack submarine belongs to the U.S Navy and was specifically designed from the keel up to meet the mission demands in the post-Cold War era, which includes surface ship and anti-submarine warfare. It helps in special operation forces such as irregular warfare, intelligence, strike, reconnaissance, surveillance, and mine warfare.
Source: http://www.goodrich.com/