Sea Power - April 2015

L- 3 KEO [formerly Kollmorgen Electro-Optical] has supported the U.S. submarine fleet since 1916. The L- 3 KEO submarine imaging workforce consists of approximately 250 highly skilled associates supporting design, manufacturing and test operations at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Northampton, Mass.

The Virginia class incorporates several innovations not found in previous U.S. submarine classes. Instead of a traditional periscope, the class uses a pair of Photonics masts located outside the pressure hull. The incorporation of non-penetrating optronics allows the sensor data to be displayed virtually anywhere on the ship. The elimination of hull-penetrating masts removes an expensive, somewhat maintenance-intensive component of the ship. And most importantly, optronic mast configurations are inherently more flexible and enable more efficient sensor upgrades as mission demands change over time.

Each mast contains high-resolution cameras, along with light-intensifica-tion and infrared sensors, an eye-safe laser rangefinder and an integrated electronic support measures array. Signals from the mast’s sensors are transmitted through data lines and signal processors to the control center. Visual feeds from the masts are displayed on LCD interfaces in the command center.

Since the introduction of the Photonics mast aboard the USS Virginia, almost a decade ago, L- 3 KEO has incorporated performance, reliability and cost improvements, such as the insertion of high-definition color cameras. These and other improvements serve to support the changing mission needs of the submarine force. Likewise, international customers have benefitted from lessons learned regarding reliability and performance.

In addition to Photonics Mast System, KEO has been an energetic competitor in the penetrating periscope segment of the domestic and international markets. This gives KEO the benefit of a strong production base with the U.S. Navy and broad array of interfaces and technical solutions for the international market.

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

Photonics Mast Bringing L- 3 KEO
to a Century of Submarine Support

BACKGROUND

The Photonics periscope, built by L- 3 KEO, is an extendable mast that does not penetrate the pressure hull of a submarine. It is equipped with electro-optical, high-definition color, infrared, low-light-level television and laser range-finder sensors. Data is displayed in the submarine’s control room.

SCOPE

The Photonics masts are installed on the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs) and Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs). KEO has built 50 for the Navy: 20 for Blocks I and II SSNs plus seven spares; eight for the SSGNs, 12 for Block III SSNs to date plus one spare and two in the low-profile configuration. Ten more are on order. L- 3 KEO also has sold 14 of an approved export version to allied navies.

TIMELINE

L- 3 KEO began developing concepts and prototypes in the 1980s. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ordered development of the Non-Penetrating Periscope in 1988 and the Improved Non-Penetrating Periscope in 1993. Initial production began in May 1997. The current production contract for 16 was awarded in 2010 and valued at $123 million. The masts are delivered by the Navy as government-furnished equipment as part of the imaging system to Huntington Ingalls Industries or General Dynamics Electric Boat.