Thursday, a US Navy spokeswoman said the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier may be delivered as soon as April of this year. The ship is the most technologically advanced and most expensive aircraft carrier ever built and represents a new class of carrier called the ‘Ford Class’.

Watch the Gerald R. Ford Christening

Newport News Shipbuilding, the only shipyard that build nuclear carriers for the Navy released a statement today concerning the $12.9 billion, first in class ship:

“As the Navy recently stated, significant progress in resolving first-of-class issues have been made on Gerald R. Ford and we have resumed critical path testing in support of sea trials readiness.  We remain focused on achieving our milestones of builder’s sea trials, acceptance trials, and delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Navy has scheduled sea trials in March and April, said Capt. Thurraya Kent. Delivery to the Navy would take place in April, pending the results of sea trials. – Daily Press

Watch Testing of the Ford’s New Electromagnetic Catapult Launch System

Designated CVN-78, the Gerald R. Ford marks the beginning of the ‘Ford Class’ carriers. It is the first new design for an aircraft carrier since the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the ship is estimated to have a 50 year service life. The Ford is also the first Navy carrier to ever be totally designed in 3D modeling at full scale representing a breakthrough in design technology.

The ship has overcome numerous technological issues which has led to delays and cost overruns. The Ford was originally scheduled to be delivered in 2015.

Featured Image by Newport News Shipbuilding