USS Zumwalt Pioneers Hypersonic Strike Capability

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) represents a pivotal innovation in naval technology and warfare capabilities. As the first platform set to field the Pentagon’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile system, Zumwalt is at the forefront of modernizing the US Navy to address emerging global threats.

This article explores its development history, technical specifications, and the recent groundbreaking integration of the CPS hypersonic missile system aboard the USS Zumwalt.

Development History of the USS Zumwalt

Conceived in the early 2000s, the Zumwalt-class destroyers were envisioned as advanced multi-mission vessels capable of performing a wide range of naval operations.

Initially planned as a fleet of 30 ships, the program was drastically scaled back to just three vessels due to rising costs, technological challenges, and shifting priorities within the Navy.

The Zumwalt-class ships were designed with stealth and firepower as their defining characteristics. Their angular design and radar-absorbent materials make them nearly invisible to enemy radar, while their innovative electric propulsion system offers unmatched power generation and efficiency.

The class was intended to provide close-in fire support for forces ashore, with its advanced 155mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) being a cornerstone of its mission.

However, the high cost of ammunition for the AGS, coupled with the Navy’s decision not to develop affordable alternatives, rendered the guns ineffective.

This led to a strategic pivot, repurposing the Zumwalt-class destroyers to accommodate cutting-edge missile systems like the CPS.

Technical Specifications of the USS Zumwalt

The USS Zumwalt is a 16,000-ton, 610-foot destroyer equipped with advanced technologies designed to revolutionize naval operations. Some key technical specifications include:

• Stealth Design: The ship’s angular hull reduces its radar signature to that of a small fishing vessel, enhancing its survivability in contested environments.
• Integrated Power System (IPS): The IPS generates 78 megawatts of electricity, enough to power an entire small city, enabling the operation of advanced weaponry and sensors.
• Armament: Initially equipped with the AGS, the Zumwalt is now transitioning to house missile tubes capable of launching the CPS hypersonic missile system. Each tube can hold three missiles, allowing the ship to carry up to 12 CPS missiles.
• Crew: The ship operates with a significantly reduced crew of about 150 personnel, thanks to advanced automation and integrated systems.
• Sensors and Systems: The ship’s combat systems include advanced radar, sonar, and electronic warfare capabilities, providing superior situational awareness and targeting precision.

The Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Hypersonic Missile System

The Pentagon’s CPS program is a cornerstone of the US military’s hypersonic strategy, aimed at delivering rapid, precise strikes anywhere in the world.

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them virtually impossible to intercept with current missile defense systems.

The CPS system is designed as an “all-up round” for in-air launches due to its size and power.

Unlike traditional missiles, the CPS system cannot be ignited within its launch tube, necessitating unique handling and deployment mechanisms.

Its capabilities include:

• Speed: Hypersonic velocity enables rapid engagement of time-sensitive targets.
• Precision: Advanced guidance systems allow pinpoint accuracy.
• Range: CPS missiles are capable of traveling thousands of miles, making them a strategic asset for global power projection.

The USS Zumwalt will be the first naval platform to field the CPS, with testing expected to begin at the end of the year.

The installation of four 87-inch missile tubes on the Zumwalt involved extensive modifications, including the removal of the forward gun mount and the restructuring of several decks.

The future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002) is undergoing similar upgrades to support the CPS system.

The integration of the CPS hypersonic missile system aboard the USS Zumwalt marks a significant milestone in the US Navy’s modernization efforts. By leveraging the Zumwalt-class destroyers’ stealth, power generation, and advanced systems, the Navy can deploy hypersonic capabilities with unprecedented effectiveness.

This shift also underscores the Navy’s commitment to addressing emerging threats in contested regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, where hypersonic weapons could deter adversaries and ensure dominance in high-stakes scenarios.

Additionally, the Zumwalt’s CPS capability will complement other platforms, including the Block V Virginia-class submarines, which are set to field the CPS system in the future.

Final Thoughts

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) embodies the US Navy’s vision for the future of naval warfare. From its inception as a stealthy, multi-mission destroyer to its current role as the Navy’s first hypersonic missile platform, Zumwalt continues to push the boundaries of technology and strategy.

As testing begins and the CPS system becomes operational, the USS Zumwalt will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in maintaining US maritime superiority in the 21st century.