The U.S. Navy’s DDG(X) Destroyer: Armed With Lasers And Hypersonic Missiles

[Boats]

The U.S. Navy’s DDG(X) Destroyer: Armed With Lasers And Hypersonic Missiles
By: Brent M. Eastwood - 19fortyfive News - 01-13-23 13 sec ago
Re: https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/01/...onic-missiles/

Photo link: https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-conte..._h-768x512.jpg
ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 12, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) transits the Atlantic Ocean, June 12, 2021. Paul Ignatius is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of U.S. 6th Fleet’s full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency, partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard) 210612-N-QI061-1430

The U.S. Navy just announced what it envisions for the weapons systems that will be on the Next-Generation Guided-Missile Destroyer. The future ship-building program, known as DDG(X), will have plenty of newfangled goodies for offensive and defensive operations to bring the navy toward its future warfare objectives. The DDG(X) will carry everything from lasers to hypersonic weapons.

Replacing Older Ships By 2030:

The DDG(X) is meant to replace the Arleigh Burke-class DDG-51 destroyer and the Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy aims to build the DDG(X) in tune with new technological developments for its weapons systems. It is hoped that DDG(X) will be proliferating in the 2030s with the first ship purchased in 2030.

Navy Brass Is Enthused:

Rear Admiral Fred Pyle, the Navy’s director of surface warfare, spoke at a conference in Arlington, Virginia on January 11. “It’s going to bring us the opportunity to use larger missile launchers. It’s going to bring us the opportunity to use more higher power lasers and long-range strike hypersonic weapons — as well as sensor growth — as we go into the future,” Pyle said, according to National Defense magazine.

Powerful Radar Will Improve during the Development of DDG(X):

DDG(X) will work with Raytheon for the deployment of the high-powered SPY-6 radar that should be even better in the coming decades. SPY-6 can protect a ship against incoming ballistic and cruise missiles. It can also track enemy ships and airplanes – all simultaneously.

The New Ship Will Depend on Lasers for Defense and Offense:

Then there is work to be done with Lockheed Martin for directed energy weapons. The main system will be HELIOS or High-energy Lasers with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance. HELIOS is a 60+ kW-class high energy laser that is already going on certain naval ships. It should improve as the years go by and become fully mature when DDG(X) is ready. The great thing about lasers like HELIOS is that they have a low cost per kill compared to expensive anti-aircraft interceptors. HELIOS is another layer of defense for the navy.

Don’t Forget Conventional Air Defenses:

DDG(X) will still have conventional air defense interceptor missiles such as the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). SM-6 can be used against enemy missiles, airplanes, and ships. Adversarial drones are also threats that SM-6 can blast out of the sky. SM-6 will have software that can be upgraded efficiently.

DDG(X) Boasts Hypersonics Too:

Next for DDG(X) is its compatibility with hypersonic weapons. The preferred choice is the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic that flies over MACH 5 and is maneuverable in flight. Conventional Prompt Strike depends on a boost-glide vehicle. CPS has a two‑stage solid rocket motor booster that carries a kinetic-energy projectile warhead. It should be ready by 2028 and be integrated into DDG(X).

Across the Board Improvements:

DDG(X) ships will likely displace 13,500 tons which is 39 percent larger than the Arleigh Burke-class. It will also have the ability to carry more weight and generate the electrical power necessary to operate the lasers and other combat systems. DDG(X) will be quieter with a reduced infrared and electro-magnetic signature. DDG(X) will also have a longer cruising range than existing cruisers and destroyers.

Steady Funding Stream Will Help DDG(X) Meets Its Goals:

The navy requested $195.5 million for research and development in FY23. While the precise design of the ship is being determined – hence the ‘X’ moniker – all systems are a go for the program to meet its milestones and continue without schedule or budget slips. It will need manufacturing efficiencies and cost-cutting measures because the price of each hull could be as much as $3.4 billion.

The navy needs new more advanced ships with modern sensors and weapon systems such as lasers and hypersonics. If it can build out the DDG(X) program, these new ships will have the combat capability and survivability that will be the envy of the fleet and ability to challenge adversaries in far-flung areas of operations.

About this writer: Author Expertise and Experience: Serving as 19FortyFive’s Defense and National Security Editor, Dr. Brent M. Eastwood is the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal note: Upgrades are not cheap but will increase the state-of-art deterents needed
to keep from being sunk. But once again nothing is 100% fool-proof. Electronics is moving
faster and faster of late - let's hope we get it right the first time around.
-
One thing that bothers me is our infrastructure improvements are always pushed out
rather then carry any significance of importance. Sure we want our troops have the
best - but - so does the American Public look for improvements within our society.
It always seems secondary to the military needs.
-
All of this will cost lots of money - we know - but our internal issues also have to have
some priority put in place with the American needs. The People need assurance that
they will have power all winter and that is a major concern of interest. As well bring
down the cost of living - as well. We seem to help our overseas subjects more than
our own of late - and that is not going fly by our American needs - we are watching
"so keep that in mind".
-