Feature 1 | US NAVY
US examines nuclear option for new
combatants
It has been obvious for several years that the US Navy is sailing into a storm
and the latest annual long range construction plan, together with other
information, shows there is no sign of anyone battening down the hatches.
J
ust as many storms are heralded by and, as long anticipated, it seems likely But with each ship costing so much
fine weather so the US Navy appears that these ships with their vaguely 19th the US Navy has been forced to recognise
to have cause for optimism. The Century appearance of tumble-down hulls that it will be able to afford only seven and
US$2.8 billion contract for the first two and bow-piercing waves will also be the already it refers to them as ‘technology
examples of its Zumwalt (DDG 1000) basis for the next cruiser programme or demonstrators’.
class ‘destroyers’ has just been placed CG (X). Whether or not Congress will authorise
more than two ships remains to be seen
for, as mentioned in earlier commentaries
on the US Navy, the problem is that the
Pentagon has nailed its colours to the
mast of high-risk technology which is
likely to lead to delays in achieving a fully
operational vessel anywhere near budget.
The rationale for continuing the
programme is to provide a link with CG
(X) and, having considered the options
including improved Ticonderogas and
even the San Antonio (LPD 17) class
amphibious warfare ships, the US Navy
appears to be determined to stay with this
plan. The US Navy is hoping to order the
first CG (X) in Financial Year (FY) 2011 at
a cost of nearly US$3.25 billion, with the
second two years later.
The requirement remains for 19 of the
cruisers but Congress is currently obsessed
with ending dependence upon imported
oil and is talking of having nuclear-
powered major surface combatants. If it
were to insist on this proviso then CG (X)
will require a substantial re-design which
will delay its introduction into service and
add substantially to costs.
At present only one yard, Northrop
Grumman’s Newport News, is capable of
building nuclear-powered surface ships
and to convert at least two other yards
(Northrop Grumman Pascagoula and
General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works)
The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S
Churchill (DDG 81), assigned to the US 5th
Fleet, patrols the Persian Gulf.
10 Warship Technology March 2008
WT Mar - p10+11+
12.indd 10 03/03/2008 11:53:03
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