Original Date: 07/21/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility streamlined the construction, outfitting, and test processes of its Command and Control System Module by using modular construction, thereby reducing overall submarine construction time.

Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility (EBQP) traditionally constructed the command and control center in a fragmented way. The installation of wiring, including connector work, was system driven and completed after the various system components and stand-alone mockups were in place in the final ship’s position. Substantial coordination was required to avoid schedule disruption. These installations were performed on-hull, with limited access and in confined work spaces. Some previously installed components had to be removed for access which caused schedule slippage and increased cost. Testing was performed after installation into the hull, causing major problems when rework was required. The move to a modular construction method greatly reduced these issues, and was the beginning of a new process that is continually being refined. A 5S approach is used to sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain.

The Virginia Class Command and Control System Module (CCSM) is an example of the new modular submarine construction. The process began with the design of a self-contained deck module to house all of the electronic packages and associated equipment that encompass the submarine’s command and control center. The module is constructed and tested before it is inserted into the hull, opening up workspace so many functions can be performed in parallel. Most recently, a process improvement team at EBQP redesigned their work area to support multi-ship construction of these modules to significantly improve process flow.

The results of the team’s efforts include an environmentally controlled integrated station for manipulation of electrical cables; a small, on-site electrical assembly area; a tool room; an office for supervisors; employee lockers; and deck-level service platforms. Support services and unobstructed personnel access are provided at every level. An optimum environment is created for outfitting the module and performing the intricate wiring of electronic components. The centralization of tooling, personnel, and supervision greatly reduced the cycle time by eliminating time-consuming tool and equipment retrieval and easing employees’ personal requirements. Figure 2-5 shows the benefit of continuous improvement from the first modular construction to the next, which was completed eight months earlier than the first.

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