BATH, Maine, Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $59 million contract for the continuation of Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) Lead Yard Services and Flight III Upgrade design efforts. This contract extends the services for engineering, technical support, special studies and Flight III design work for Arleigh Burke-class ships through December 2017. The Flight III upgrades include a more powerful missile defense radar, increased shipboard power production and hull enhancements.

More than 200 highly skilled engineers, designers and planners work on this contract.  Since 1987, Bath Iron Works has provided design and technical assistance for design upgrades and major changes for DDG 51-class destroyers.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a multi-mission combatant that offers defense against a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles. It operates in support of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups, providing a complete array of anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers combine the AEGIS combat system, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced ASW system, two embarked SH-60 helicopters, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk anti-ship and land-attack missiles. Designed for survivability, the ships incorporate all-steel construction and gas turbine propulsion.

More information about General Dynamics Bath Iron Works can be found at www.gdbiw.com. Information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.

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SOURCE General Dynamics Bath Iron Works