US Navy Chief Of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday said earlier this year to USNI News that he intends to add hypersonic rockets to the Zumwalt destroyer type. This is his basic plan for the future, he said. The Navy is still deciding how the 155mm Anti-Submarine Gun System, (ASGS), that are currently on the Zumwalt vessels will be used.
Zumwalt was designed originally to provide antiaircraft, antisurface and naval surface fire support for ground forces. This program was part of the 21st Century Destroyer Program. It began in 1991. The goal of the program was to design a ship that would not need to be detected by radar. The ships would instead operate under cover of darkness. However, Zumwalts' performance failed to meet the original cost estimate. Each ship will cost approximately $3.3 billion.
Zumwalt destroyer classes are large, powerful ships that can be used to stealth-combat multiple missions. The deckhouse is made of lightweight, rugged composites. The ship's radar cross-section is low and its acoustic signature is reduced. In addition, the ship features a Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure. This system allows for the integration of radar, navigation, communications, firefighting, damage control, and surface search capabilities. An integrated multi-function mast is included on the ship.
The MK57 Vertical Launching System is used to build destroyers of the Zumwalt class. This system allows the installation a wide range of antiaircraft and antisubmarine missiles. The system's electronic architecture is modular. This allows it to be easily modified to fit each new missile.
Advanced Gun System is also available for Zumwalt class destroyers. The system was designed to improve fire rate, fire projectiles more precisely, and reduce the operational crew headcount. It will also triple the coverage of naval surface flames. The battery will fire rocket-assisted Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles and can deliver precision strikes.
The Zumwalt destroyer class features a radically reduced radar cross-section. A reduced radar cross section is part of the design. The ship can also be operated with a reduced infrared signature and an acoustic sign.
An advanced automated damage management system allows the ship's firefighting and damage prevention functions to be performed automatically. The ship also has integrated S-band or X-band radar capabilities. This system automatically searches for and detects surfaces and provides automated surface search capabilities. Zumwalt AFSS reduces the number of crew members needed for damage control.
Two sets of hypersonic rocket tubes are expected to be used in the construction of the ship. The Hypersonic Cruise Missile Tubes can travel at four times speed of sound. These tubes can be easily installed without extensive deck replacement.
Zumwalt-class destroyers also feature a large electrical capacity, which is expected to allow for the installation of future laser weapons. The ship's enormous electrical capabilities will allow for the installation of future laser weapons.