Goodrich to Supply Lightweight Composite Fairings for the Spanish Navy's New S-80 Diesel Submarines

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Goodrich Corporation has been selected by Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors (MS2) to produce lightweight, composite structures for the Spanish Navy's new diesel-electric S-80 submarines. Fabrication and assembly will occur at Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products facility in Jacksonville, Fla., with delivery of the first shipset scheduled for the second quarter 2009. Goodrich will supply a cylindrical array sonar support structure and four shipsets of passive ranging sonar and flank array sonar fairings for the Spanish Navy's new S-80 diesel submarines, which are being built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. The support structure and composite fairings house and protect the submarine's acoustic sensors, which are used for undersea detection, location and identification. The acoustic sensors are part of the S-80's Integrated Combat System provided by Lockheed Martin. The hydrodynamic shape of Goodrich's lightweight, non-metallic fairings allows for smooth laminar flow of water over their surface, thereby reducing noise and drag on the submarine. Navantia, the Spanish shipbuilding leader, has been contracted to design and produce four S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy. Lockheed Martin received a contract from Navantia to develop the new submarines' combat management system, which is based on a Spanish industry design. Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Spanish contractors as well as Goodrich to develop the combat management system, which includes command-and-control equipment, weapons control and sonar parts.