Goodrich is under contract to manufacture composite sail cusps for the next eight Virginia Class nuclear fast attack submarines.
All eight sail cusps will be manufactured at Goodrich’s Engineered Polymer Products (EPP) facility in Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
The sail cusp is a single-piece composite fairing attached to the hull and lower leading edge of the submarine sail (the vertical fin on top of the hull). The complex double curvature shape of this lightweight structure allows for smooth laminar flow of water over its surface, thereby improving hydrodynamic performance of the submarine.
“This delivery represents the first production composite sail cusp that is a lightweight, low maintenance alternative to steel that helps reduce the acquisition cost for Virginia Class submarines,” reports Marc Duvall, president, Goodrich Aerostructures.
The Virginia Class submarine is the US Navy’s newest nuclear fast-attack submarine class. It was designed for the full range of mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare, delivering special operation forces, and surveillance and reconnaissance.
Goodrich’s Engineered Polymer Products team specialises in developing, manufacturing, testing and servicing acoustic and structural composite products.