ARCO floating drydock to be upgraded for Virginia-class submarines
U.S. Navy’s Southwest Regional Maintenance Center has awarded a $19 million contract to BAE Systems to refurbish and upgrade the ARCO (ARDM-5) floating drydock so it can service the Navy’s new Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.
Work on the ARCO includes painting the drydock’s underwater hull, sides and tanks, reinforcing structural bulkheads, replacing and renewing switchboards, and upgrading the automated docking and centering system. All work is scheduled for completion in June 2008. The ARCO measures 492 feet long, 98 feet wide, and has a lifting capacity of 7,800 long tons.
“When the upgrades are complete, the ARCO will be able to drydock Virginia-class vessels, and advances in automation will ensure the dockings can take place with fewer people” said Al Krekich, president, BAE Systems Ship Repair.
With improved stealthiness, surveillance and special warfare enhancements and an emphasis on littoral warfare operations, the Virginia-class (SSN 774) fast attack submarines can excel in a wide range of warfighting missions: including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare; special operations; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; carrier and expeditionary strike group support; and mine warfare.
You must be logged in to post a comment.