General Dynamics dives into submarine technology

General Dynamics Corp.'s Electric Boat division will continue to develop advanced submarine technologies for the Navy under a $53.7 million contract modification announced today.

The company will perform concept formulation studies and perform research and development across a wide range of technology areas. The work will involve studying manufacture, maintenance, acoustics, hydrodynamics, hull integrity, ship control and logistics, among others.

The Navy originally awarded the contract in November 2006. It has so far earned the company $71.7 million and has a total potential value of $78.5 million.

Electric Boat is based in Groton, Conn., and was founded in 1899. In 1952, noting that the business had expanded well beyond ship-building the company's board changed the name to General Dynamics.

General Dynamics is headquartered in Falls Church, Va. It ranks No. 7 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.