Cost-schedule impact of SSN-21 welding cracks outstanding issue

COST-SCHEDULE IMPACT OF SSN-21 WELDING CRACKS OUTSTANDING ISSUE. Cost and schedule impacts resulting from cracks found in the pressure hull of the first SSN-21 Seawolf submarine remain an outstanding issue, a Navy spokesperson said Friday. A team of Navy investigators have been reviewing an Electric Boat proposal, but "no decisions have been made in the sense of pay," the Navy spokesperson said.

Contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat Division submitted its proposal to the Navy on how to resolve the problem in late August. According to a company spokesman, "the welding fix is known. Electric Boat is currently making crack-free HY-100 welds and proof-testing revised procedures." Electric Boat said that the SSN-21 welding delay will not impact the schedule of future Seawolfs to be built.