General Dynamics Electric Boat has completed the first Virginia Payload Module (VPM) for the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines.
The 184-foot section was moved by barge from Quonset Point to Electric Boat’s facility in Groton, Connecticut. It will be installed on the future USS Arizona (SSGN-803).
Electric Boat said the move was the largest Virginia-class section shipment so far.
The VPM will give Virginia-class submarines space for up to 28 more Tomahawk-sized missiles. The module can also carry Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic boost-glide weapons.
The extra missile space will help replace some of the capacity now provided by four converted Ohio-class submarines as those older boats leave service.
Electric Boat shared a photo of the section on Facebook. The company said the USS Arizona will be about 460 feet long when finished.
The VPM has four large canisters. Each canister can hold seven Tomahawk-sized missiles. Together, they can carry up to 28 missiles.
The submarine also has
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