Northrop gets extension of carrier work

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman is continuing work on the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier CVN 79 under a $323.6 million contract extension.

Under the cost-plus-incentive fee contract, Northrop's shipbuilding unit will continue ship design activities, procurement of long-lead-time materials to support construction and advanced construction work on select parts of the ship.

"We are eager to continue progress on CVN 79 and the entire Gerald R. Ford-class program," said Mike Shawcross, vice president, Gerald R. Ford-class engineering and CVN 79 construction. "This contract extension signifies the continued support of the Ford program by the Navy and the ship's importance to our country's armed forces."

CVN 79 is the second ship of the new Gerald R. Ford class and hasn't been named.

Northrop said the Ford class will continue the legacy of highly capable U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ship platforms. Enhancements incorporated into the design include flight deck changes, improved weapons handling systems and a redesigned island, all resulting in increased aircraft sortie generation rates.

It will also include new nuclear power plants and increased electrical power generation capacity.