USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is a guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy. Here are 10 amazing facts about her!
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The Name
Zumwalt is named after Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr., who was an American naval officer and the youngest man to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations.
Cost
There are 3 destroyers in Zumwalt classOther 2 destroyers- USS Michael Monsoor & USS Lyndon B JohnsonTotal cost of 3 ships- $22.4 billionCost of Zumwalt alone- $4.4 billion
Size & Speed
Length - 610 FeetBeam - 80.7 FeetDisplacement - 15610 (Long) TonsSpeed - Can reach up to 30 Knots
Advanced Gun Systems
Each Zumwalt class destroyer has 2 Advanced Gun Systems capable of firing Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles that reach up to an unbelievable 63 Nautical Miles.
Aircraft
She can carry either 2 full-size MH-60R helicopters or 1 MH-60R & 2 Vertical Take Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle together.
Stealth Ship
The composite superstructure significantly reduces cross section & acoustic output making the ship harder to detect by enemies.
Ship Stability
The wave-piercing tumblehome ship design means its sides slope inward above the waterline, so it cuts easily through waves, making it more stable than other ships.
Crew & Accommodation
It has a much smaller crew than other destroyers, she has a crew of only 147 so there’s more space for crew & that’s why every crew has a separate state room.
Ship’s Power
The Zumwalt produces about 78 megawatts of power, similar to the energy generated by a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier & this is enough to power a small city.
A Failed Ship Concept?
As per the Military Expert Sebastian Roblin, The Zumwalts lack vital features like anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, & long-range area-air defense missiles.