In Oct. 2008, the U.S. Navy will begin construction of the first of two lead DDG 1000 Zumwalt-Class destroyers -- at an expected cost of $6.3 billion. Given the history of cost growth on shipbuilding programs, as well as the Navy¿s request for approval of a third ship, the author was asked to assess the progress of the program. He examined: (1) whether key systems can be delivered on time and work as intended; (2) design maturity; (3) shipyard readiness; and (4) whether lead and follow-on DDG 1000 ships can be built within budget. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.
In Oct. 2008, the U.S. Navy will begin construction of the first of two lead DDG 1000 Zumwalt-Class destroyers -- at an expected cost of $6.3 billion. Given the history of cost growth on shipbuilding programs, as well as the Navy¿s request for approval of a third ship, the author was asked to ass...