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USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000)

2016 MODERN NAVY

History of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000)

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) - named after Admiral Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt, Jr., former US Chief of Naval Operations - was born out of the US Navy's DD(X) advanced destroyer program. The goal of the program is to provide the modern U.S. Navy with the most advanced destroyer-class ships in the world. The USS Zumwalt will serve as the capital ship of the Zumwalt class, which will eventually consist of three ships (USS Michael Monsoor and USS Lyndon B. Johnson). Construction of the USS Zumwalt began in February 2009 after Bath Steel was awarded a production contract on 14 February 2008.

The ship was originally scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2013, but planned delays have delayed the official delivery in 2014 and a trial run tentatively scheduled for 2016. Recent planning changes have reduced maintenance and operating costs and produced a smaller vessel than originally anticipated (14,500 tons less than the original 18,000 tons).

Weapon magazine size and rate of fire have also been reduced.

Destroyers serve the U.S. Navy as powerful, fast, and maneuverable surface ships that can pursue enemy surface and underwater threats as part of the main fleet or independently. The typical size of destroyers also allows them to operate relatively close to shore compared to most other surface ships in the fleet, while maintaining high seas and deep water capabilities. Her weapons typically consist of a range of weapon types to deal with most modern naval threats.

Destroyers were originally called torpedo boat destroyers because they were specifically designed to deal with the fast torpedo boat threat of the Chilean War of 1891.

USS Zumwalt is the next generation multi-mission system with state-of-the-art design, functionality and construction with a complete integrated suite such as lightning protection, automatic fire suppression and fully digital systems. Each Zumwalt-class unit costs about $3. $3 billion.

The armament is payload-centric and consists of 80-unit surface-to-surface missiles of various types, depending on the intended role. Dual AGS (Advanced Artillery System) 155mm mounts provide offensive penetration and 2 x 57mm Mk 110 guns provide defensive close-range air defense/anti-missile capability. Provisions support increased torpedo capabilities and make Zumwalt a nimble martial artist.

Further enhanced by the ability to support up to 2 MH-60R helicopters (or 1 Sikorsky MH-60R) and up to 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (MQ-8 Fire Scout Helicopter UAV). The crew quarters can accommodate up to 142 personnel, including the Air Force.

The exterior design of the Zumwalt will feature a single main structure with sloping sides for stealth-like properties. In addition to the two deck towers along the forecastle, there are also small deck projections.

The superstructure is located aft or amidships and also houses sensors and communication equipment as well as a smoke funnel. Therefore, there will be no conventional masts. The reception and take-off helipad for VTOL aircraft will be installed in the traditional position aft.

Airborne sensors consist of dual-band radar arrays (S-band VSR/X-band MFR), HF/MF bow sonar arrays, multi-function towed arrays, EO/IR and ES systems. Power comes from 2 Rolls-Royce Marine Trent-30 main gas turbines, connected to 2 emergency diesel generators (via Collective Integrated Power System - IPS arrangement), with a maximum speed of 30 knots.

In addition to helicopter and drone support, Zumwalt is also designed to transport up to 2 RHIB ships. This allowed the Zumwalt to be called upon to support Special Forces operations.

The reduction in the Zumwalt program ensures a longer effective life for the operational Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, 62 of the 75 currently planned (2012) sea guided missile destroyers.