Dead Aim, Or Dead End? The USA’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Program
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DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. The prime missions of the new DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer are to provide naval gunfire support and next-generation air defense in near-shore areas where other large ships hesitate to tread, possibly even as the anchor for an action group of stealthy Littoral Combat Ships and submarines. The estimated 14,500t (cruiser sized) Zumwalt Class will be fully multi-role, however, with undersea warfare, anti-ship, and long-range surface attack roles. That makes the DDG-1000 suitable or another role – as a “hidden ace card,” using its overall stealth to create uncertainty for enemy forces.
At over $3 billion per ship for construction alone, and just 2-8 ships to be built in the class, the program faces significant obstacles as it tries to avoid either “technology demonstrator” status, or the fulfillment of Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter’s fears for the fleet. A follow-on CG (X) cruiser is currently contemplated, and the issues faced by the DDG-1000 Program are having a significant influence on whether and how it comes to fruition.
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DID’s FOCUS Article for the DDG-1000 program covers the new ships’ capabilities and technologies, key controversies, associated contracts and costs, and related background resources. From the outset, DID has noted that the Zumwalt Class might face the same fate as the ultra-sophisticated, ultra-expensive SSN-21 Seawolf Class submarines. That appears to have come true, with news of the program’s cancellation at 2 ships. Or will it be 3?
The latest news involves the ship’s all-electric systems for ship power and propulsion, whose associated systems need to be tested rigorously…
- Zumwalt Class: Program and Participants (i.e. “Continue reading…”)
- DDG-1000 Key Technologies and Features
- DDG-1000 Issues and Controversies
- Zumwalt Class: Contracts and Key Events
- FY 2009 [updated]
- FY 2008
- FY 2007
- FY 2006
- FY 2005
- FY 1998 through 2004
- Additional Readings & Sources
Subscribe now to DII and stay on top of technical developments, and contract news involving the USA's 14,500 ton stealth destroyer. Coverage includes:
- The DDG-1000's convoluted program history, and program cost controversies
- New technologies including a different hull type and new superstructure for improved stealth, all-electric power that could drive futuristic weapons, its AGS 155mm long-range guns, improved weapon launch systems, and a new approach to onboard computing.
- The ship's corresponding questions, including stealth, naval fire support effectiveness, and its effect on the Navy's force structure
- Tracking of USD billions in contracts and orders
- Coverage of key reports and of technical and political developments within the program.
- Links to related DID stories such as "The Lion in Winter: Government, Industry, and US Naval Shipbuilding Challenges," and "USA: A 21st Century Maritime Posture for an Uncertain Future"
- Over 15 photos and illustrations
Subscribe now to the Defense Industry Insider. DII covers hundreds of defense procurement programs, and gives thousands of links, expert analysis and the latest industry news.
