from the fleet. Initially eight payload tubes/silos were planned but this was later rejected in favor of four tubes installed in a long module between the operations compartment and the propulsion spaces. The VPM could potentially carry (non-nuclear) medium-range ballistic missiles. Adding the VPM would increase the cost of each submarine by $500 million (2012 prices). This additional cost would be offset by reducing the total submarine force by four boats. More recent reports state that as a cost reduction measure the VPM would carry only Tomahawk SLCM and possibly unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) with the new price tag now estimated at $360–380 million per boat (in 2010 prices). The VPM launch tubes/silos will reportedly be similar in design to the ones planned for the Ohio-class replacement. In July 2016 General Dynamics was awarded $19 million for VPM development. In February 2017 General Dynamics was awarded $126 million for long lead time construction of Block V submarines equipped with VPM. The VPM was designed by BWX Technologies (the same company also designs the missile tubes for the ), however, manufacture is undertaken by BAE Systems. High-energy laser weapon According to open-source budget documents, Virginia-class submarines are planned to be equipped with a high-energy laser weapon likely to be incorporated into the photonics mast and have a power output of 300–500 kilowatts, based on the submarine's 210 megawatts reactor capacity. Other improved equipment Optical fiber fly-by-wire Ship Control System replaces electro-hydraulic systems for control surface actuation. Command and control system module (CCSM) built by Lockheed Martin. The auxiliary generator is powered by a Caterpillar model 3512B V-12 marine diesel engine. This replaced the Fairbanks-Morse diesel engine, which would not fit in Virginias auxiliary machinery room. Modernized version of the AN/BSY-1 integrated combat system designated AN/BYG-1 (previously designated CCS Mk2) and built by General Dynamics AIS (previously Raytheon). AN/BYG-1 integrates the submarine Tactical Control System (TCS) and Weapon Control System (WCS). USS California was the first Virginia-class submarine with the advanced electromagnetic signature reduction system built into it, but this system is being retrofitted into the other submarines of the class. Integral 9-man lock-out diving chamber. Specifications Builders: General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding Length: [Block V: 460 ft (140.2 m)] Beam: Displacement: [Block V: Payload: 40 weapons, special operations forces, unmanned undersea vehicles, Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) [Block V: 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles] Propulsion: S9G nuclear reactor