DDG(X) Concept Development
Abstract
To compete and win in an era of great power competition, the United States needs a balanced Naval force, capable of striking targets from all domains. The force design must emphasize distributed awareness, lethality and survivability in high-intensity conflict. The force must be adaptable, demonstrate presence, and be capable of projecting power by delivering precision effects at long ranges. The Future Naval Force Study (FNFS) and the Future Surface Combatant Force Analysis of Alternatives (FSCF AoA) identified the requirement for future large surface combatants (LSCs) to be capable of hosting directed energy (DE) weapons, larger missiles for increased range and speed, increased magazine depth, growth in organic sensors, and an efficient integrated power system to manage the dynamic loads. DDG-51 Flight (FLT) III is highly capable, but after over 40 years in production and 30 years of upgrades the hull form does not provide sufficient space and center of gravity margin to host these future capabilities. To reset these design allowances for the future of naval warfare, requirements trade-off and design studies were performed from FY 2018 to FY 2020 that considered modification of existing surface combatant and amphibious ships in addition to new concepts. These studies concluded that a new material solution via DDG(X) is required to deliver the necessary margins and flexibility to succeed the DDG 51 Class as the next enduring LSC combining the DDG 51 FLT III combat system elements with new hull form, an efficient Integrated Power System (IPS) and greater endurance reducing the Fleet logistics burden. By including the DDG 51 FLT III combat system elements in the DDG(X) baseline, Navy is taking an "evolutionary" (vice "revolutionary") approach to the class, incorporating a critical lesson learned from the successful evolution of the DDG 51 Class from CG 52. The CNO approved DDG(X) Top Level Requirements (TLR) in December 2020 that set the basis for a draft Capabilities Development Document (CDD) released in October 2021. The CDD will enter staffing in FY 2024 and will be validated in FY 2025. FY 2021 focused on concept formulation and collaboration with DDG 51 shipyards to achieve the CNO's cost, schedule and performance targets. FY 2022 continued focus on concept formulation; shipyard engagement in program planning; increased vendor participation; and the planning for preliminary design. FY 2023 efforts will focus on conducting a Systems Requirement Review (SRR); preliminary design activities; specification development; continued risk mitigations for critical systems per sections 1034 and 131 of the FY 2020 NDAA; and preparations for contract design beginning in FY 2026. The planned DDG 51 FLT III follow-on procurements will maintain the industrial base while the DDG(X) design and risk reduction efforts are executed in parallel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 0411_0603564N_4_1319_PB_2023
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