Calling all Zumwalt-class DDG fans

[D-Boy]

Hobby Link Japan shows this kit "In Stock" as of 7/22/2014.

[Timmy C]

Yep, in stock in the Far East, so here soon.

I'm impressed they got the new "twisted rudders" correct (though am a lot more doubtful about the four-bladed props).

[sirpaul]

Nice. I will be building one. Not worried about the props as it will be waterline

[EJFoeth]

Well, I doubt they added those streamlined hub caps....

[D-Boy]

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10274617a/20/1

Above is a link to Hobby Search JP, with photos of dry-fit assembly, directions, and sprues.

[Timmy C]

Well, I doubt they added those streamlined hub caps....

Got any photos of the new props?

[EJFoeth]

Well, all pics on google show the bow only... I can ask next time I'm at David Taylor... In any case, those streamlined caps look like they are much better than a blunt cap, but the hub vortex is concentrated considerably by the gradual contraction, spins up and exerts a low-pressure with a resulting force that actually makes it worse and you get a more noisy hub vortex. Depending a bit on the propeller design and so forth.

[Timmy C]

Welp, Dragon at least modelled it with a streamlined hub: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10274617a8/20/8

[navydavesof]

The fascinating thing is that she is not going to have 57mm guns, but they're represented on the model anyway.

[Timmy C]

I've wondered when they were going to put them on - do you have a source for their permanent exclusion?

[navydavesof]

I've wondered when they were going to put them on - do you have a source for their permanent exclusion?

Sure do! It's even public domain.
http://www.navsea.navy.mil/teamships/PE ... sheet.aspx

[navydavesof]

It really sucks, because now the ship has lost its effective anti boat capability...and its only attempt at a CIWS capability.

[Timmy C]

Thanks - so they're putting the Mk. 46 30mm on instead, it seems. Wonder why they cancelled the 57mm.

[navydavesof]

Thanks - so they're putting the Mk. 46 30mm on instead, it seems. Wonder why they cancelled the 57mm.

The most likely thing I can imagine is that of cost. I know that the constant redesigns during construction have been eating into the helicopter hangar a lot to accommodate a larger crew than initially expected. The Mk57 magazines flank the hangar, so perhaps they decided to replace the 57mm magazines with berthing instead of sacrifice more of the hangar.

If faced with replacing a "deck gun" type weapon like the 57mm with something else that can accomplish the same tasks but at a reduced capability, I would have gone with the Orlikon Millennium Gun over the 30mm Bushmaster. At least the Millennium Gun can effectively act in all of the roles the 57mm was supposed to fulfill (anti-small boat and CIWS).

Who knows....

[D-Boy]

My kit, purchased from Hobby Link Japan, arrived today. Initial impressions here: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=157039. Thanks for comments and insights here which informed the initial review.

- D-Boy

[Seasick]

The Mk44 Bushmaster II (30mm) is used on the San Antonio class LPD, and both LCS versions; therefore the USN already has a supply chain for it. This makes the gun the obvious choice. The Oerlikon 35mm hasn't been qualified for service in the USN. The USN probably doesn't want to pay for the trials necessary to qualify it, or add another supply chain for it. The 155mm gun has an anti-surface ship mission, and the 30mm should be sufficient inside the minimum range of the 155mm gun.

[navydavesof]

The Mk44 Bushmaster II (30mm) is used on the San Antonio class LPD, and both LCS versions; therefore the USN already has a supply chain for it. This makes the gun the obvious choice. The Oerlikon 35mm hasn't been qualified for service in the USN. The USN probably doesn't want to pay for the trials necessary to qualify it, or add another supply chain for it. The 155mm gun has an anti-surface ship mission, and the 30mm should be sufficient inside the minimum range of the 155mm gun.

The issue is CIWS. The Mk46 30mm can't do it. Can you please link the anti surface source for the AGS?

[navydavesof]

The Mk44 Bushmaster II (30mm) is used on the San Antonio class LPD, and both LCS versions; therefore the USN already has a supply chain for it. This makes the gun the obvious choice. The Oerlikon 35mm hasn't been qualified for service in the USN. The USN probably doesn't want to pay for the trials necessary to qualify it, or add another supply chain for it. The 155mm gun has an anti-surface ship mission, and the 30mm should be sufficient inside the minimum range of the 155mm gun.

Can you please link the anti surface source for the AGS?

Regardless of the logistics, using the Mk46 is a horrible mistake probably made out of budgetary laziness. :'-(

[Seasick]

Well first since DDG-1000 Has the Dual frequency AN/SPY-3 and volume search radar, the ships in the class can use evolved sea Sparrow as a CIWS against missiles and aircraft. The SPY-3 can illuminate targets from the phased array so no need for AN/SPG-62. The reaction time of the Mk57 is faster than the mk41. The AGS has an anti-ship mission, it was there from the beginning. The surface search locates the target or a target is provided over the data link, the gun is fired and the AN/SPY-3 tracks the outgoing round to the target and corrections can be made. Just like how the Arleigh Burke uses the AN/SPY-1 to track rounds from the 127mm/54 or 127mm/62.

[navydavesof]

It's my understanding that the only projectile that can be fired fr the AGS is the GPS/IMU guided LRLAP. Any conventional projectile would have to be developed, because it cannot fire conventional ammunition. Do you have a source for a developed anti-surface version?