5 Facts About Zumwalt-Class: Futuristic Warship
The Zumwalt-class is the latest guided missile destroyer fleet in the United States Navy. Like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which are currently the backbone of the U.S. surface combatant fleet, the Zumwalt-class is capable of independent operations or integrating within a carrier strike group alongside aircraft carriers and other naval vessels.
The lead ship of the class, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), became operational in 2016. It is named after Admiral Elmo Russel "Bud" Zumwalt Jr., a distinguished U.S. Navy officer known for his service in World War II and the Vietnam War. Introduced in the 21st century, the Zumwalt-class destroyer features a futuristic design that stands out compared to other U.S. Navy surface warships.
Want to learn more about the world’s largest destroyer? Check out these 5 fascinating facts about the Zumwalt-class warship!
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Consists of Three Destroyers in the Class
According to the U.S. Navy, the Zumwalt-class consists of three guided missile destroyers. The lead ship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), entered operational service in 2016. The second ship, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), became operational in 2019. The third and final ship, USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), is currently undergoing final sea trials before full active service.
Originally, the Navy planned to build 32 Zumwalt-class destroyers to replace the aging Arleigh Burke-class fleet. However, due to escalating development and production costs—estimated at around $7.5 billion per ship—the program was scaled back to just three vessels. The U.S. Navy opted to upgrade and continue production of the more cost-effective Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which still meet current defense requirements. The Zumwalt-class, meanwhile, is designed to serve specialized missions with advanced weaponry, making it a unique asset in the fleet.
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The Largest Destroyer Class in the World
According to Naval-Technology, the Zumwalt-class destroyers, built by Bath Iron Works and Ingalls Shipbuilding, are the largest destroyers in the world, with a full load displacement of 15,656 tons. Each Zumwalt-class destroyer measures 186 meters in length and 24.5 meters in beam, operated by a crew of approximately 158 sailors. Compared to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which require around 300 crew members per ship, the Zumwalt-class has a significantly smaller crew due to extensive automation of its systems.
The Zumwalt-class is a versatile warship capable of conducting multiple missions including anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, and land attack with its advanced missile systems. It can sustain a cruising speed of 30 knots and is armed with 20 Mk 57 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), each housing four missile tubes for a total of 80 missile cells. The class also features two 155 mm naval guns and two 30 mm Close-In Gun Systems (CIGS) for close-range defense.
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Unique Design with Stealth Characteristics
Compared to other surface warships, the Zumwalt-class destroyers feature a unique and futuristic design. According to Popular Mechanics, the Zumwalt uses a “tumblehome” hull design, where the ship’s hull flares outward near the waterline and the bow extends below the main deck. This design gives the ship a sleek, knife-like appearance that cuts through the water and contributes to its stealthy look.
Sailors who have served aboard the Zumwalt report that this unique hull design provides greater stability and better handling in rough seas compared to conventional warships. Additionally, Forbes notes that despite being 40% larger than the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the Zumwalt-class has a radar cross section (RCS) comparable to that of a fishing vessel. This significantly reduces its detectability and threat from enemy missile attacks.
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Powerful Electric Propulsion System
One notable fact about the Zumwalt-class destroyers is their impressive power generation capability. According to Naval-Technology, the Zumwalt is the first U.S. Navy warship to feature an all-electric propulsion system. This system integrates all electric drives with an Integrated Power System (IPS) consisting of two main turbine generators, two auxiliary turbine generators, and two induction motors, producing a total electrical power output of 78 megawatts (MW).
To put this into perspective, 78 MW is enough electricity to power approximately 10,000 average American homes. Military analysts also suggest that this massive electrical output positions the Zumwalt-class as a potential platform for future laser weapon systems. Additionally, the electric propulsion provides benefits such as reduced acoustic signature, enhanced weapon system power, and improved living conditions for the crew.
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Equipped with Hypersonic Missiles
Although currently limited to just three ships, the Zumwalt-class destroyers are set for significant weapons upgrades to meet modern defense demands. According to the U.S. Naval Institute, plans are underway to equip all three Zumwalt destroyers with hypersonic missiles. To accommodate this advanced weaponry, the two 155mm naval guns will be removed, with the retrofit process scheduled to begin in October 2023.
By 2025, the Zumwalt-class ships are expected to be armed with the boost-glide Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) missiles, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 17. These hypersonic weapons are extremely difficult to intercept using conventional air defense systems, significantly extending the destroyer’s long-range strike capabilities.
In military strategy, naval power remains a critical pillar of national defense. A strong navy ensures a country’s sovereignty by deterring potential intruders. For maritime nations with vast island territories and expansive sea areas, having advanced naval assets like the Zumwalt-class destroyers is essential to address the evolving complexity of modern defense needs.
We hope this information enhances your understanding of the world’s newest and largest destroyers!
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