The future USS John F Kennedy comes together
The future USS John F Kennedy, the US Navy’s next aircraft carrier, has had its final major steel structural section installed by Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News Shipbuilding division.
The section, known as a superlift, comprises the upper bow section and the forward portion of the flight deck, weighing 780 tons.
Lesson learned from the construction of the lead ship of class USS Gerald R Ford by the shipyard has resulted in changes to the build process, including fewer and larger superlifts, with the build requiring 18 percent fewer construction manhours than Gerald R Ford.
The shipbuilder has also increased the use of digital shipbuilding technologies, using virtual walkthroughs in the 3D product model and other data to determine what work, such as equipment installations and electrical work, can occur prior to erecting the superlift on the ship, in order to increase the level of outfitting and equipment installation.
The vessel is set to be launched and christened by the end of 2019.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
