Energy storage modules that will act as a ship-wide power supply for U.S. Navy destroyers are to be developed and built by DRS Technologies Inc.

The U.S. Naval Sea System Command gave DRS's Power and Control Technologies business an initial $17 million contract for work on the modules, which will be used on Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) class ships.

DRS said work covered includes the design, engineering and associated support for the system. If contract options are exercised, the entire value of the project would be more than $88 million.

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to develop this large energy storage system for the U.S. Navy," said Roger Sexauer, president of the DRS Maritime and Combat Support Systems Group. "This ESM system is a great initiative by the Navy which should offer tremendous fuel savings for naval surface combatants."

DRS said the energy storage modules systems will allow the ship's electric plant to run on one, versus two, gas turbine generators under certain conditions to conserve fuel while maintaining power in the event of a generator failure.