La US Navy avanza en las reformas y modernizaciones necesarias, que permitan emplear los destructores Clase “Zumwalt”, como plataformas navales para el lanzamiento de Misiles Hipersónicos, tal como afirmaron en Abr 2021 las autoridades de esa fuerza. Para ello, tres buques de esa clase Zumwalt, están siendo adaptados para la instalación de 4 sistemas de tubos lanzadores verticales, cada uno de los cuales dispondrá de 3 misiles hipersónicos. La principal modificación consiste en quitar uno de los dos cañones automáticos calibre 155mm existentes en la proa, ya que la misión inicialmente asignada a estas plataformas era el apoyo de fuego cercano en operaciones de desembarco de las propias fuerzas. Con la incorporación de misiles hipersónicos, estos buques incrementan sensiblemente su poder de fuego y capacidades.
The U.S. Navy is gearing up to test its first at-sea platform equipped with the Pentagon’s hypersonic missile system, with the USS Zumwalt set for trials by the end of this year. Clint Lawler.
The Zumwalt has recently returned to operational waters following significant modernization, including installing four missile tubes for the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system.
During the Surface Navy Association national symposium, program manager Captain Clint Lawler informed USNI News that the 16,000-ton destroyer had undergone extensive modifications at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Since it arrived in 2023, the ship has removed its forward 155mm gun mount, making way for the four missile tubes. Each tube will have the capacity to launch three missiles, providing up to 12 hypersonic munitions.
Hypersonic weapons
The modernization process began last year when shipyard personnel removed the existing gun system, and the associated magazine and loading mechanisms located several decks down in the bow section.
Following this, new decks and systems were installed around the missile tubes, while the Zumwalt’s rear gun mount remains intact, featuring auto-loading systems and magazines.
In another exciting development, the USS Lyndon B. Johnson is now undergoing its transformation to accommodate the CPS missile system.
The destroyer was dry-docked at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Pascagoula Shipyard last Sunday.
Lawler noted that the Johnson will be the second Zumwalt-class vessel to integrate the large vertical launch system for hypersonic missiles.
To facilitate this installation, the combat system activation timeline has been extended by two years.
Capt. Lawler explained, “We placed the CPS work on contract in August, and we’ve lined up Johnson for land-level production now that it’s dry-docked.”
The USS Michael Monsoor is also scheduled for this conversion but will continue to serve while the other two ships receive their upgrades.
This strategic plan allows the Navy to leverage learning opportunities from Monsoor’s service even as Zumwalt and Johnson advance toward hypersonic capabilities.
“The Zumwalt class, with its advanced stealth design and integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system, will serve as the Navy’s foremost offensive surface combatant. It will deliver sea-based precision capabilities essential for engaging strategic targets with long-range fire,” emphasized Lawler.
Guided-missile fleet
While the Zumwalt and Monsoor are being retrofitted to accommodate hypersonic technology, the Johnson’s enhancements are underway.
The destroyer is also experiencing its combat system activation, setting the stage for the missile tube installation.
“By extending the activation period of the combat system, we can ensure a thorough integration process,” Lawler reiterated.
The Zumwalt-class destroyers were initially conceived in the early 2000s and intended to provide close-in fire support to ground forces.
Originally planned as a fleet of nearly 30 ships, the program was scaled back to just three units. Budget considerations led the Navy to prioritize the Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer series instead.
The Navy has since pivoted away from developing ammunition for the Zumwalt’s original 155mm guns.
In 2022, former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday confirmed that Zumwalt would be the first Navy platform to deploy the joint hypersonic weapon system.
According to Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe, director of strategic programs, Zumwalt could potentially field the weapon by 2026, paving the way for further advancements in naval warfare technology.
As the Navy prepares to bring this pivotal capability into service, the CPS will be featured on the Block V Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines and deployed by U.S. Army Multi-Domain Task Forces under different designations, enhancing the United States’ tactical options in future conflicts.
