The DDG-1000 lives! ...Maybe

[unixronin]

The DDG-1000 Zumwalt class, also known as DD(X), was to be the hottest thing afloat, a highly automated new destroyer with massive firepower and a stealthy, wave-slicing new hull design.  Then the word was the DDG-1000 would be cancelled after the first two ships, and even those two might not actually be built, because the Navy wanted to spend the money on building more DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.  Now, The US Navy has done an about-face and decided to push for construction of at least a third DDG-1000, in addition to spare parts orders for the existing DDG-51 fleet that could leverage a restart of the DDG-51 line, letting the Navy have its cake and eat it.

This would be the best of both worlds:  bolstering the numbers of an already-proven design, and simultaneously easing a new generation of destroyer technology into service.

Comments

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

The Maine congresscritters have been stirring the pot on that one. Want to keep BIW in business.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

It's always good to keep important defense contractors in business. Many people unfortunately don't realize quite how important it is.

[ithildae.livejournal.com]

I consider one of the more important functions of the defense industry is to develop new technologies. Most companies do not invest in pure research. So colleges and defense companies are a driver for innovation. In that light, I find it odd that congress is resistant to this ship because of it's new technologies. At some point, the rubber hits the road, and the new stuff needs to work, but shutting down the program before it is even attempted seems stupid.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

It's an election year and they're trying to appear frugal? Cutting military budgets is always popular with Democratic voters, for starters.

[ilcylic.livejournal.com]

My father was (is) on the DD(X) team. He describes his job as "fitting all the toys in the box."

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Ah, but such toys.... :)