Zumwalt class Ship Brief (Patreon)

Correction Zumwalt destroyers were built in Bath, Maine. Not the Gulf coast.

The Zumwalt-class destroyer is a class of advanced, multi-mission stealth ships designed for the U.S. Navy. Here are some key features and characteristics:

• Stealth Design: The Zumwalt-class destroyers have a unique, angular design aimed at minimizing radar cross-section, making them less detectable by enemy radar systems.

• Size and Displacement: These ships are among the largest destroyers ever built, with a length of about 600 feet (180 meters) and a displacement of approximately 15,000 tons.

• Advanced Technology: The Zumwalt-class incorporates advanced technologies, including an Integrated Power System (IPS) that provides electricity for propulsion, sensors, and weaponry. This allows for greater flexibility and future upgrades.

• Armament: The destroyers are equipped with a variety of weapons, including two Advanced Gun Systems (AGS) designed to fire Long Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP), Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for missiles, and other standard naval armaments.

• Automation and Crew Size: The ship's design emphasizes automation, reducing the required crew size to around 140 sailors, which is significantly less than traditional destroyers.

• Mission Capabilities: Zumwalt-class destroyers are designed for multiple missions, including land attack, anti-aircraft warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of naval operations.

• Sensors and Electronics: These ships are equipped with an array of advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems, including the AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and the AN/SPY-4 Volume Search Radar (VSR).

• Aviation Facilities: The ships have a large flight deck and a hangar capable of supporting multiple helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enhancing their reconnaissance and attack capabilities.

The Zumwalt-class destroyers represent a significant leap forward in naval warfare technology, combining stealth, advanced weaponry, and multi-mission capabilities to address various modern threats.