A business unit of L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) will develop a new photonics mast for the U.S. Navy‘s Virginia-class submarines under a potential $157 million contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command.
The company said Tuesday its L-3 KEO electro-optics business will provide engineering and design services for the Block 4 Low Profile Photonics Mast program.
The contract has a base value of $48.7 million and includes options for the production of 29 photonics masts, additional engineering services and provisioning item orders.
L-3 KEO President Matthew Richi said that the photonics masts feature situational awareness and stealth functions.
He added that the company also eyes potential international export licensing opportunities for the technology, which the Navy can apply to new-builds or retrofits as part of its modernization efforts.
