Mary-Louise Hoffman
The U.S. Navy has completed alpha sea trials of a nuclear-powered attack submarine General Dynamics Electric Boat designed and built for the service.
Navy and Electric Boat personnel tested North Dakota‘s ability to operate on and below the surface and evaluated its propulsion system’s mission capability, General Dynamics said Wednesday.
“It was an outstanding effort by everyone involved, and demonstrates the commitment of the Navy and industry team to sustain the success of the Virginia-class submarine program,” said Jeffrey Geiger, Electric Boat president.
The General Dynamics unit was awarded a $17.6 billion contract in May to help the Navy build 10 more nuclear-powered submarines.
North Dakota displaces 7,800 tons and is designed to submerged deeper than 800 feet as well as travel at a speed of more than 25 knots.
Electric Boat has delivered 10 Virginia-class underwater vehicles to the Navy in partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries‘ Newport News Shipbuilding division.
