DDG1000

The DDG-1000 class, commonly known as the Zumwalt class, is a class of United States Navy guided-missile destroyers. The lead ship, USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), is named after Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. The class was designed to provide multi-mission capabilities with a strong emphasis on stealth, land-attack, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare through a combination of advanced sensors, weapon systems, and power generation.

Development and design

The program originated from the DD-21 initiative in the 1990s, with Bath Iron Works and Ingalls Shipbuilding jointly developing the propulsion and hull forms. The design features a stealthy, wave-piercing hull with a reduced radar cross-section, a trimaran-like superstructure, and an integrated power system to supply electric propulsion and shipboard electronics. The class was built around a balance of firepower, sensor performance, and future growth potential, enabling integration of directed-energy weapons and other advances as they mature. The DDG-1000 program faced substantial cost growth and shifted production plans, resulting in a small class of three ships.

Armament and systems

Zumwalt-class ships carry two 155 mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) turrets intended for long-range land-attack fire missions, though the Long Range Land-Aattack Projectile program was canceled, limiting practical ammunition availability. The ships also host an 80-cell vertical launch system (VLS) for missiles, providing flexibility for surface-to-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine missions. A modern sensor suite, including radar and optical systems, supports target tracking and fleet defense, while the Integrated Power System supplies power for propulsion and onboard systems and accommodates potential future energy weapons.

Operational status

Three ships were built: Zumwalt, Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), and Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002). The class remains active in the fleet, serving in various regions and missions, but the program has faced ongoing questions about cost-effectiveness and ammunition readiness for the AGS. The Zumwalt ships emphasize stealth and sensor capability, with a long-term focus on future weapons integration.