Navy asks General Dynamics to provide submarine common weapons launcher with electronic payload control

Questions and answers:

• What is the purpose of the Navy's Common Weapon Launcher (CWL)? It enables submarines to launch weapons like torpedoes, missiles, and anti-submarine countermeasures using one streamlined interface.
• Which submarines will be equipped with the CWL system? It is being installed on U.S. Navy Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, and the Australian Collins-class attack submarine.
• What is the role of the CWL Multi-Tube Weapon Simulator (MTWS)? It simulates torpedo tube-launched weapons and payloads for realistic combat system testing and crew training without actual weapons deployment.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Navy undersea warfare experts needed a submarine weapons launcher able to deploy torpedoes, missiles, and defensive payloads. They found a solution from the General Dynamics Corp. Mission Systems segment in Manassas, Va.

Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington announced an $18.2 million contract to the General Dynamics Mission Systems Progeny Systems segment in late August develop and build the submarine Common Weapon Launcher (CWL) and CWL Multi-Tube Weapon Simulator (MTWS).

The Navy Common Weapon Launcher (CWL) is for shooting several types of weapons and anti-submarine countermeasures from submarines. It is the next-generation weapons-launch system for U.S. Virginia and Columbia-class attack and ballistic missile submarines, and the Australian Collins-class attack submarine.

This system enables submarines to manage, monitor, and launch different tube-loaded weapons like torpedoes, missiles, and anti-submarine countermeasures using one streamlined interface.

Submarine upgrades

The CWL is being introduced as an upgrade for older Virginia-class submarines, and is being installed on U.S. Navy Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, and Australian Collins-class boats.

The CWL Multi-Tube Weapon Simulator (MTWS) provides realistic simulation of torpedo tube-launched weapons and payloads by emulating their behavior during pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases. This enables high-fidelity combat system testing and crew training without the need for actual weapon deployment.

The CWL has several electronic subsystems that enable it to launch a wide range of advanced payloads. Primary electronics of the CWL are the payload control subsystem; tactical control electronics; acoustics and sonar support; cyber security and electronic warfare (EW) modules; training simulators; human-machine interface; and network integration.

The CWL's payload control subsystem manages interface and control of weapons and payloads like torpedoes, missiles, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) countermeasures.

Control electronics

Tactical control electronics oversees launch sequence management, tactical data processing, and integration with the submarine’s overall combat system, while its acoustics and sonar support electronics integrates acoustic signature management and coordinates with sonar systems for stealth and target discrimination.

Cyber security and EW modules protect weapon launch data, manage electronic attack and countermeasures, and support secure communications throughout launch operations. Training simulators provide onboard simulation and diagnostics to train crews on launch procedures and system test.

The human-machine interface delivers intuitive screens and graphical controls for operators to manage, monitor, launch weapons and payloads safely. This includes tube-status checks and pre-launch verification. Network integration incorporates links with navigation, sensors, and submarine radio rooms.

Combat system interface

The CWL interfaces with the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat system for situational awareness and tactical control, and links legacy and new payload types via open-architecture electronic interfaces.

This contract has options that could increase its to $230 million, and involves sales to Australia and the United Kingdom. General Dynamics will do the work in Manassas, Va.; Charleroi, Pa.; and Middletown, R.I., and should be finished by August 2026. Options would extend the contract through August 2030.

For more information contact the Progeny Systems segment of General Dynamics Mission Systems online at https://gdmissionsystems.com/sea/progeny-systems, or Naval Sea Systems Command at www.navsea.navy.mil.