GD Electric Boat has been awarded a contract by the US Navy to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms.

Under the $35.9m contract, Electric Boat will perform concept formulation (CONFORM) studies on a wide range of technology areas including manufacturability, maintainability, survivability, hydrodynamics, acoustics and materials.

The company will conduct research and development work including manning, hull integrity, performance, ship control, logistics, weapons handling and safety.

The contract also supports near-term Virginia Class technology insertion, identification of Ohio Class replacement technology options, future submarine concepts and core technologies.

The total potential value of the contract will be $711.4m over five years if all options are exercised and funded.