US nuclear-powered submarines to get sharper underwater vision with 360° infrared masts

L3Harris Technologies has secured a $139 million follow-on contract from the U.S. Navy to supply imaging masts for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines, expanding its role in the service’s undersea modernization program.

The award, announced Monday, covers Low-Profile Mast systems that use telescoping sensor equipment instead of traditional hull-penetrating periscopes. The systems are designed to give submarine crews a wider view of their surroundings while supporting the stealth requirements of nuclear-powered vessels.

Imaging masts replace traditional periscopes

The Low-Profile Mast systems use high-definition visible and infrared cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the submarine. The sensors allow crews to gather optical information from above the water without relying on a conventional periscope arrangement.

L3Harris is supporting the Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines through the program. The company will continue as the prime contractor and design agent for the mast systems.

Nino DiCosmo, president of Maritime, Space & Mission Systems at L3Harris, said, “Delivering decisive undersea superiority capabilities to our sailors is at the core of everything we do, and this follow-on award is a testament to that proven commitment.

“The LPM represents a critical leap forward in submarine stealth and situational awareness, ensuring our fleet maintains superiority beneath the waves for decades to come.”

Type 20 and Type 24 systems

Under the $139 million award from Naval Sea Systems Command, L3Harris will provide engineering support for the Type 20 and Type 24 Low-Profile Mast systems.

The work covers system design and testing, along with support through delivery to the Navy’s operational fleet. The company’s continued involvement is intended to support production and integration as the Navy advances its next-generation submarine programs.

The mast systems also provide crews with additional sensor data that can support operations beneath the surface. Their telescoping design allows the sensors to be positioned above the submarine while keeping the main platform below the water.

Missile production deal adds another role

Separately, L3Harris has signed a multi-year agreement with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake to manufacture missile components for U.S. munitions, including Raytheon’s Tomahawk cruise missile.

L3Harris has supplied Tomahawk components for more than 30 years. Its work includes the Mk 135 solid-propellant booster and the missile’s blast-fragmentation warhead.

The company has also partnered with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to expand production of Mk 104 solid dual-thrust rocket motors. These motors provide second-stage propulsion for Raytheon’s Standard Missile program.

Broader submarine support

L3Harris said the missile manufacturing agreement will expand its production capacity while supporting the Navy’s supply chain.

“Collaborating with our U.S. Navy partners strengthens the supply chain, allowing us to expand our manufacturing capabilities to fulfill urgent national security mission requirements,” stated Scott Alexander, L3Harris propulsion systems and missile solutions president.

The latest submarine mast award follows another L3Harris contract announced in July to supply battery monitoring systems for the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs.