Calling all Zumwalt-class DDG fans

[nalcolm0897]

Hello, I was surprised to find a thread on the Zumwalt has yet to have been started, so I was wondering what were your guys thoughts, ideas, hopes about the class.

[Admiral John Byng]

Well, I have a question: why is the hull that shape?
It was described as "futuristic" in one press report but it reminds me of the old "ram" bow from the turn of the 20th century.

It must be that shape for a reason.

[Rick E Davis]

Well the reason given is for low RF observability. But, given the weak armament, maybe "RAMMING" is a valid option.

[Timmy C]

It's a so-called "wave piercing" design, so that the ship cuts through waves instead of going up and down them.

I wouldn't call them weakly armed, at least not for a modern ship - two 155mm guns, two 57mm guns, and 80 VLS cells is pretty darn potent!

[Admiral John Byng]

It's a so-called "wave piercing" design, so that the ship cuts through waves instead of going up and down them.

I wouldn't call them weakly armed, at least not for a modern ship - two 155mm guns, two 57mm guns, and 80 VLS cells is pretty darn potent!

Thanks Timmy, but doesn't that mean a wet forecastle?

[Timmy C]

Yes, but everyone's inside anyway, right? And presumably, she's all watertight - at least, has to be capable of being watertight for NBC conditions.

[Seasick]

From what I have read the Zumwalt class design calls for her to cut swells and waves as not to bob around any to minimize the radar footprint especially when moving at high speeds. The design expects the bow to be very wet and watertight is a major consideration. She is going to need a lot of paint and non-skid over her lifetime.

[Admiral John Byng]

Yes, but everyone's inside anyway, right? And presumably, she's all watertight - at least, has to be capable of being watertight for NBC conditions.

Thanks Timmy.

[Admiral John Byng]

From what I have read the Zumwalt class design calls for her to cut swells and waves as not to bob around any to minimize the radar footprint especially when moving at high speeds. The design expects the bow to be very wet and watertight is a major consideration. She is going to need a lot of paint and non-skid over her lifetime.

Hi Seasick, it sounds like an interesting idea. They desrve credit for trying something new.

[Neptune]

It does have a lot design considerations. One of them being the anchor, that looks like a Submarine style anchor inside the ship.
Sort of strange that they came up with this shape as there are already quite some more wave-piercing designs available nowadays. There are the Axe-bow (Dutch) and X-bow (Norwegian) designs which are quite important. I must admit that both of them are not entirely "stealthy", yet the axe-bow could be modified a bit I guess.
The commercial aspect of these designs if of course that they reduce fuel consumption a lot and speed loss is less in bad weather. It's also supposed to be more comfortable in heavy seas (that's why they are mostly used on offshore supply ships, rather small ships that go far into the sea and need some stability/performance in heavier weather as well. Nowadays some cargo ships like general cargo and cattle carriers are using this kind of bow shapes as well.
The reason why there is no topic is probably because there are no plans or models of these ships available yet. I, for one, would be quite interested in a large scale RC version. But for that you of course need plans...
It would make for a nice and fast build, but with a guaranteed impressive result!

[maxim]

I have seen simulations that the wave-piercer bow actually makes a ship drier, because it is reducing pitching. Unfortunately the link is not longer working.

A conventional bow increases the buoyancy, if a high wave runs against it (because it is broader at the deck compared to the waterline). Therefore the bow is lifted upwards resulting in a pitching movement, which results in more green water. The wave-piercer bow does not increase buoyancy, i.e. the ship should move more stable and less water is taken over.

Anyway, is there any company announcing a 1/700 kit of this class?

[Haijun watcher]

An interesting video, plus some key screengrabs with important points about the class, including comparisons to past warship classes. Sorry Cleveland class fans.

Naval Technology.com video

[Seasick]

The 57mm is an upgrade to supersede the 25mm bushmasters. The ship is all electric, the MT-30 gas turbines turn alternators for the ships electric supply and to run the electric motors. There are a lot of doors with equipment behind them. Models are going to have lots of doors that can be posed.

[Timmy C]

De facto armour? Apparently the Mk 57 cells have 4-inch thick "steel plate armor", technically for the heat from missile launches, but kinda justifies putting them on the perimeter:
http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/04/17/ ... he-future/

[NelstoneB]

Dear Folks,

My only comment on this class is, "shoulda been Nuclear-powered".

Sincerely,
Nelson

[navydavesof]

Dear Folks,

My only comment on this class is, "shoulda been Nuclear-powered".

Sincerely,
Nelson

Then, instead of the first unit being $6.1 Billion and the two follow ons $3.2 Billion, they would have been $7.5 Billion for the first and $4.6 Billion for the two follow on. Worth it? For only 2 6" guns and 80 VLS? No way, Jose.

[Raverdave]

Coming soon from Dragon. In 1/700 IIRC. I hope they will do a 1/350 version!

[Seasick]

Nuclear runs up operating cost.

[chuck]

Yes, but everyone's inside anyway, right? And presumably, she's all watertight - at least, has to be capable of being watertight for NBC conditions.

Keeping everyone inside just mean fewer of them would survive when the ship rolls over, thanks reduced righting moment because of tumble home hull.

[maxim]

From the drawings on Dragon USA the new 1/700 will not include a new MH-60R helicopter, but still the very strange looking old PitRoad mould, which is not very similar to a SH-60B, but for sure has not features at all of a MH-60R:

http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/p ... id=DRA7141

For some reason they claim that the kit will contain a MH-60S, which is the wrong version...