Virginia Class Support Equipment

The Virginia Class Support Equipment program is designed to ensure the operational readiness and sustainability of the Virginia Class SSN774 submarines. This initiative focuses on providing a comprehensive range of materials and equipment necessary for the operation, testing, and maintenance of these submarines. It includes major shore spares, such as rotatable pool and insurance spares, aimed at reducing equipment turnaround time during scheduled maintenance availabilities. Key components include high-pressure air compressors, pump/motor assemblies, radar masts, valves/actuators, ventilation fans, and thin line towed array components.

A significant objective of the program is to enhance Test and Evaluation (T&E) capabilities by upgrading afloat acoustic systems. This is crucial for conducting technical evaluations (TECHEVAL) and operational evaluations (OPEVAL) with minimal risk of equipment failure. The program supports hardware and software development to maintain the submarine acoustic signatures trials program, which is essential for the Submarine Acoustic Trials Enterprise. Additionally, resources are allocated for Vertical Launch System (VLS) Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE), including All-Up Round Simulators (AURS) and ballast cans necessary for TECHEVAL/OPEVAL.

The program also emphasizes technological modernization through initiatives like the Non-Tactical Data Processing System (NTDPS)-Nosis. This system provides a ship-wide intranet that enhances work quality by facilitating electronic correspondence and data management. It supports various Navy systems such as Fleet Training Management & Planning System and Navy Knowledge Online. Furthermore, the Ship Control System (SCS) Technology Modernization addresses obsolescence management of the Fly-By-Wire SCS used in maneuvering Virginia Class submarines. This involves upgrading software and hardware to improve safety, reliability, and performance.

The Virginia Class Support Equipment program aims to maintain class viability through continuous upgrades and modernization efforts. It focuses on ensuring that earlier ships in the class remain operationally effective by incorporating Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) technology refreshment and upgrades for Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems (NPES). The auxiliary equipment component includes essential items like ladders, storage containers, and support material for various submarine operations. These efforts collectively contribute to sustaining the technological baseline and interfaces with government-furnished subsystems within the Non-Propulsion Electronics System suite.