The USA’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Program: Dead Aim, Or Dead End?

DID’s FOCUS Article for the DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class “destroyer” program covers the new ships’ capabilities and technologies, key controversies, associated contracts and costs, and related background resources.

The ship’s prime missions are to provide naval gunfire support, and next-generation air defense, in near-shore areas where other large ships hesitate to tread. There has even been talk of using it as an anchor for action groups of stealthy Littoral Combat Ships and submarines, owing to its design for very low radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. The estimated 14,500t (battlecruiser size) Zumwalt Class will be fully multi-role, however, with undersea warfare, anti-ship, and long-range attack roles. That makes the DDG-1000 suitable for 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, however, the program faced significant obstacles if it wanted to avoid fulfilling former Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter’s fears for the fleet. 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 truncation to just 3 ships. Meanwhile, production continues.

Zumwalt Class: Program and Participants

Program History: The Long and Winding Road

DDG-1000 Key Technologies and Features

Sensors

Weapons

Propulsion

DDG-1000 Issues and Controversies

Zumwalt Class: Contracts and Key Events

FY 2014 – 2017

FY 2013

FY 2012

FY 2011

FY 2010

FY 2009

FY 2008

FY 2007

FY 2006

FY 2005

FY 1998 – 2004

Additional Readings & Sources

Official Reports

News & Views

2006 Schedule
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DDG-1000: key features
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Anyone else firing?
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Critical tech & status
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Plan B?
(cick for alternative view)

Tumblehome hull
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SSN-21: shared fate?

DDG-1000 vs. DDG-51/2A
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Float-out
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Cost changes
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Deckhouse build
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DDG 1000 Ultrablock
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BIW builds a Section
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DDG-1000 concept
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Zumwalt model

1/4 scale model, testing

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DDG-1000: night moves…
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Zumwalt concept: inshore

DD (X) Destroyer

AGS fires LRLAP
(click to view full)

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