[Jeff Head]

Zumwalt is a game changer...its just too bas they are only building three of them. The libs abd detractors like to quote a $4 billion cost.

But two things.

1) When you take what was going to be a 28 ship order and end up cutting it to three, and build them anyway, then the per price cost goes way up. That's not the manufacturer's issue, and it is not the Navy's...it is the politicians and their poliical appointees.

2) The R&D for such aa vessel, with all of its new, advanced technologies, is spread out over the boats being purchased by the manufacturer. They are in business to make a profit. When you reduce numbers...you increase costs.

Finally, we need these vessels, With their advanced guns system, the peripheral vertical launch cells, their all electric drive, their new radar, and their steaklth, they will introduce critical technologies to keep the US Navy ahead of any other force on earth.

Anyhow, here's my site about the Zumwalts:

US Navy Zumwalt Class DDG

...and here's a photo album about the ships with a LOT of pics from her recent sea trials:

Flickr Zumwalt DDG Album by Jeff Head

[2001convSVT]

Freaking awesome!, too bad we will only have three. Ambushing the enemy is the name of the game in naval warfare.

[Lou L]

There seems to be very little in the way of deck hardware; e.g., bollards, chocks, capstans, handrails, etc. Presumably, these are either retractable or moveable. It also seems to accommodate very little in the way of topside manning by watchstanders, etc. I’d miss not being able to hang out on the fantail with a cup of coffee at the end of the day...

[GBA]

"And now for something completely different..."

Wow...she's a beauty!

It's like that first look at an F-22 after having known only P-51s and F-4s.

Lots of new/old ideas on display. I wonder how their theories are working in real life.

[central_va]

If she ever capsizes she will still be a viable platform. /sarc