Naval Group has signed a subcontract with Jeumont Electric of France for the design of the Main Electric Propulsion Equipment for the Attack Class submarines.
The Main Electric Propulsion Equipment converts electrical power using converter cubicles into mechanical power and then propels the submarine through the water.
The selection of Jeumont Electric recognises the company’s experience on submarine programs, including the Collins Class Submarine Program.
“The engagement of Jeumont Electric has been undertaken with the objectives of maximising Australian industry involvement in the Attack Class Submarine Program, and ensuring we continue to develop the sovereign capacity to build, operate and sustain our submarines in Australia,” Naval Group said in a statement.
Jeumont Electric will establish a fully owned Australian subsidiary (Jeumont Electric Australia), transferring the capabilities to support the operation and sustainment of the subsystem to Jeumont Electric Australia. Jeumont Electric Australia will be the Engineering Design Authority providing training, conducting various levels of maintenance tasks and managing spare parts for the Main Electric Propulsion Equipment.
The company says wider Australian industry will also have the opportunity to supply components of the equipment.
This is the third subcontract for major subsystems for the Attack class submarine established by Naval Group, with MTU being awarded the subcontract for the design of the Diesel Generator Rectifiers on 2 April, and Schneider Electric France awarded the subcontract for the design of the Main DC Switchboards on 27 May this year.
Jeumont Electric also recently signed a Heads of Agreement with ASC to identify joint business opportunities across Australia’s Collins Class and Attack Class submarine programs, as well as Australia’s marine generator and rotating electrical machinery market.