New photonics sensor masts to improve submarine stealth and survivability

摘要

U.S. Navy submarine experts needed improved sensor photonics masts for Virginia-class fast attack submarines to improve stealthiness and survivability. They found their solution at L-3 KEO (formerly Kollmorgen Electro-Optical) in Northampton, Mass. Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command announced an $111.8 million contract' to L-3 KEO to develop deployable prototypes of the Low Profile Photonics Mast (LPPM). With options, the contract could be worth $157 million.