NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 8 (UPI) -- The submarine torpedo room could become a thing of the past if U.S. Navy research into an external launching system pans out.
The Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a funding package worth nearly $13 million to Northrop Grumman for the second phase of the design and testing of the system, which is seen as a promising means of reducing the cost of building new submarines.
Northrop's Newport News shipbuilding arm has been working in the external-launcher project since 2005 when DARPA identified the concept as one of the technology barriers, known as Tango Bravos, to the potentially radical redesign of high-priced subs. The other areas involve increased automation, combined sonar systems and "shaftless" propulsion.
"This exploratory work will also help create the foundation for future submarines," said Northrop Vice President Becky Stewart.
Eliminating the torpedo room that has been standard on submarines since World War I would save space and eliminate machinery inside the hull.
An 18-month contract for Phase I of the design project was carried out by a Northrop-led team and resulted in a prototype that met basic requirements. Phase II will lead to a full-size prototype and additional testing.
