Feature 2
less need for nuclear power, so there
remains a strong possibility that CG (X)
will not be CGN (X).
The Aegis systems in both cruisers and
destroyers are being upgraded and the
end of 2008 saw the destroyer USS Sterett
(DDG 104) complete qualification of the
Aegis Baseline 7.1R system. The cruisers
are also getting an upgrade with improved
ship control systems and the replacement
of older technology but the defining factor
in the US Navy’s goal of a 313-ship fleet
may be hull lives.
Inspections of the Harper’s Ferry (LSD
49) and Whidbey Island (LSD 41) class
dock landing ships will assess each ship’s
readiness and expected life. Once this stage
is completed the inspectors will turn their
attention to the Arleigh Burkes, which Problems were also encountered in the engine room of the second LPD 17 class ship, USS
have displayed some worrying structural New Orleans (LPD 18), although she passed her trials in December.
defects in the past two years.
The first Littoral Combat Ship, USS
Freedom (LCS 1), has been delivered ‘mix and match’ mission packages, based redesigning parts of the ship through a
and she will soon by joined by her rival on unmanned platforms, pose similar US Navy investment of US$600 million
USS Independence (LCS 2). However, problems with apparently little thought for more efficient production – thus
these two ships represent in microcosm given to the human one of maintaining cutting the construction time from 84
the problems with the Zumwalts, with operators’ operational effectiveness. to 60 months.
an attempt to produce a multi-mission Unfortunately, the long suspected flaws The most extensive modification
warship for use in littoral waters. in the concept may only become obvious involves the replacement of the traditional
The concept remains deeply flawed, when they go into action. sonar sphere with a Large Aperture Bow
based as it is on the expectation that a circa The two follow-on ships of each class (LAB) Array and the 12 vertical launch
3000tonne ship should behave almost were cancelled on cost grounds and it tubes with two large diameter Virginia
like a speedboat with a 40kts maximum is difficult to see how the US Defense Payload Tubes (VPT).
speed. This means sophisticated (and Department (DoD) can produce a The LAB and VPTs, along with more
therefore expensive) structures while the cost-effective building programme. The than two-dozen associated modifications,
hope is that Middle Eastern customers will save US$40 million per ship starting
will order a number of hulls, which will with the FY2012 ships. The LAB Array
help reduce costs, but that hope is not uses life-of-the-hull hydrophones, which
strong enough to rely on. will provide improved passive listening
The submarine programme is more capability compared with the traditional,
optimistically placed, thanks to a US$14 transducer-populated sphere. Replacing
billion contract for eight Virginia (SSN 12 vertical launch tubes with two 92inch
774) class attack submarines. The third, (2.33m) VPTs reduces construction and
or Block III, contract calls for one ship lifecycle costs and expands their ability to
per year in fiscal years (FY) 2009 and accept future payloads.
2010, and two per year in FY2011, During 2008, the US Navy, for first
2012, and 2013. The contract also meets time in 12 years, commissioned two
the mandate of the Chief of Naval submarines of the same class in the same
Operations, Admiral Michael Mullen, year, USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and
and the Virginia class programme New Hampshire (SSN 778), while USS
to reduce acquisition costs by New Mexico (SSN 779) was named on
approximately 20% for the FY2012 ships 13 December at Northrop Grumman
(or US$400 million per submarine). Shipbuilding’s Newport News, Virginia
The USS Sterret test fires a number of
Half of the savings are to be achieved by yard. The US Navy has announced that
missiles during Combat Systems Ship
increasing production rates to spread most of the Virginias will be based in
Qualification trials.
overhead costs, and the remainder by the Pacific at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
Warship Technology March 2009 17
WT_Mar09_p16+17+18+20.indd 2 3/4/09 9:37:30 PM
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