So, they're just going to slap an A1B in there and call it good? I can't imagine NR being down with that - especially on a short timeline.
Won’t be a short timeline. I think I saw somewhere 2030s to start construction. It’s basically an extension of what was proposed for DDG X, so I will be shocked if it actually survives in current design form that long. Also nobody knows just exactly which yard this behemoth gets built in?
That said, there is some merit to having a larger ship, which is why LSC/DDG X programs existed.
DDG51s are maxed out. They are the workhorses of the Fleet, can do amazing things barely conceived of when they started construction, and will be continuing on well into the next decade. But ask them to fit any new major system at this point, you better be taking something out, and it better not be adding much demand in topside weight, cooling or power. The CGs are rust buckets and barely hanging on at this point.
I could see a use case for this thing as the primary escort for the CVN. There are many threats out there that now handily outrange the air wing and can also bypass the defensive layer it provides the CSG. I mean, I’m not saying it’ll actually be technically feasible (either technology or industrial capacity), or that it will even be the most cost effective way to provide its capability. Just that it has a potential use case if it worked out. As I told a friend, this thing is either uniquely brilliant vision, or the most fucking batshit crazy idea ever.
Nuclear cruise missiles as a primary mission is kinda nuts though. If we are going to have one in the Navy arsenal, from a sub it makes sense. Even off FFGs or DDGs it could let them punch above their weight. But from a BBG? It’ll carry super long range hypersonics but then be stuck with a nuclear cruise missile with less range? As is, that makes no sense.