Westerly, R.I., January 29Ametek SCP, builder of underwater cable and connector solutions for military and commercial applications, has been awarded an $11-million contract from BAE Systems to provide hull penetrators and associated cable assemblies for the Audacious, the fourth submarine in the Royal Navys Astute Class of nuclear attack submarines.
Ametek SCP has also signed a performance partnering arrangement (PPA) with BAE Systems to continue providing hull penetrators and cable assemblies to the Astute Class submarine construction program. It is one of only three arrangements to date signed by BAE Systems for that program.
Ametek SCP has enjoyed an excellent relationship with BAE Systems over the last seven years, providing hull penetrators and cable assemblies for the first three Astute Class submarinesAstute, Ambush and Artful, notes H. Ian McGavisk, Ametek vice president of engineered materials, interconnects and packaging. Our contract for Audacious, along with our partnering agreement for the planned three additional vessels in the Astute Class program, further strengthens our relationship with BAE Systems.
BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the Astute Class of nuclear-powered submarines--the largest and most powerful attack submarine ever built in Britain for the Royal Navy. The Astute, the first submarine in the class, was launched in June 2007. Construction of the Astute Class submarines is regarded as one of the most challenging design and engineering projects ever undertaken, comparing in complexity with the U.S. space shuttle. Ambush, Artful and Audacious are currently under construction at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions Shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England.
