General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), won a contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis class (TAO-205), previously known as the TAO(X). This contract is for the construction of six ships.
The first ship of the program was funded in the FY2016 budget, allowing engineering and design work to begin immediately. The U.S. Navy’s FY2017 budget requests advance procurement for a second ship, with procurement expected to occur in FY2018.
Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy surface ships operating at sea, the oilers will have the capacity to carry 156,000 barrels of oil, including the Navy’s new bio fuels. The oilers also offer a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and will reach a speed of 20 knots.
As part of the U.S. Navy’s acquisition strategy for the TAO-205 program, NASSCO has also been awarded LX(R) contract design engineering man-hours.