Or build follow-on DDG-52 derived ships which progressively incorporate the newer propulsion, sensor, weapons, EW and stealthing techniques as these new technologies mature rather than lumping all these new systems into 2 or 3 trouble prone “demonstrator” hulls which will never be allowed far from tech reps or supporting ship repair facilities. This gives you the benefit of a proven and very seaworthy design (BURKE class) combined with new cutting edge systems as they come available.

Modern attack submarines are a threat to any group of warships. The best countermeasure to such a threat (besides for friendly subs) is a well trained and well equipped ASW force. This is something we certainly had during the Cold War, but I feel that we have cut corners here in more recent years. Another sad result of all of the budget cuts since then.

The battleship admirals are back.

The SM2 missile can be used not against planes, choppers and enemy cruise missiles. The SM3 has the added capability of being able to intercept ICBMs, so if any rogue states try to nuke you, youll be glad to have on of these ships in the area.

What makes this a great ship is not only the stealth, but also the fire-support capabilities, because otherwise you’re just stuck in the water whilst the infantry, tanks and fast/movers have all the fun inland.

Stealth in warships is becoming crucial. With Anti-Ship Ballistic missiles, you want a way to avoid being seen, stealth gives the DDG-1000 another layer of defense. Yes, the ships are too expensive, but, given the low number produced, they are technology demonstrators. If they succeed, they’ll carry in them the technologies used in new warships. And that will lead to cost savings, the newer ships, which will be produced in large numbers, will already have proven technology, technology proven by the DDG-100.

As for the SM-2 or SM-3, I remember reading that for a relatively small amount of money these ships could be modified to fire those missiles, I don’t think much is required.

And speed boats: The DDG-1000 has much greater anti-speed boat weapons than your fabled Burke. Remember it carries to 57mm guns. The Burke can use a CIWS, 5″ cannon, or machine guns.

Why would you want to buy Visby Corvettes? What can they do besides shore patrol? Sure, you’ll have an amazing gunboat navy, be we’ve seen how that turns out. (See Barbary Pirates, War of 1812)

Scrap this, and the LCS, and buy 40 to 100 Visby Class Corvettes.

What’s missing is the “current final price tag” for these $2.0 billion destroyers that were sold to congress. The article says a lot about what the latest of super ships are expected to do, none of these weapons are out of the development stages yet, and of course against whom?

I can hardly see the Navy using these expensive destroyers and putting them at the risk of a “USS Cole” event, off the coast of east Africa and the Gulf of Aden chasing 15 year old pyrates.

What ever the final cost may be, and I’m sure it will be excessive the three DDG-1000’s will be an expensive boutique class of war ships with out any specified mission(s) not unlike the Seawolf Class Submarines. The question is begging to be asked, with a rapidly shrinking Navy can we afford to buy these “Gold Plated” luxury concept demonstration platforms?

ALLONS,
Byron Skinner

I wasn’t aware that the VLS canisters on the DDG-1000 were larger, I wonder what sort of missiles they are thinking of developing for that ship.

The 155mm AGS looks promising, although I have met some people who think we should have resurrected the 8 inch (203mm) MCLWG.

What is the RCS supposed to be like on this ship compared to Aegis ships?