The planar array technology intended to be installed on Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers will instead likely be fitted to future US Navy surface combatants, with systems similar to those found on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers now finding a place on the DDG 1000 series’ unique superstructure.
Providing updates to the DDG 1000 programme at the Surface Navy Association annual symposium in Washington DC, CAPT Kevin Smith, DDG 1000 programme manager, said that cost and commonality were among the reasons for this move but that it did not breach radar cross section specifications intended for the class.
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