- Who
- USS Zumwalt
- Where
- United States ()
- When
The futuristic-looking American guided missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) has an angular, polygonal hull and superstructure which, when combined with special surface coatings, reduces its radar profile to that of a small fishing vessel. Accepted by the US Navy on 24 April 2020 after several years of sea trials, the 15,995 tons standard displacement vessel has a wave-piercing tumblehome hull measuring 190 m overall by 24.6 m (610 by 80.7 ft) and its combined gas turbine/electric propulsion system develops 105,270 shp for a speed of over 30 knots. Built to support amphibious landings with gunfire, its role has since been changed to a surface combatant and it is fitted with 80 cells for vertically launched missiles.
The intention was to build 32 of these sophisticated ships but rising costs and problems led to a reduction in stages to just three units: Zumwalt, Michael Monsoor and Lyndon B Johnson. They are expected to be modified to carry hypersonic missiles in 2025.