DDG 1000 sets the benchmark
Brian M Walters
The US Navy’s DDG 1000 is set to revolutionise naval warfare and become the benchmark by which other major naval assets are judged. Not that many navies would want or could afford a destroyer as capable as the DDG 1000 promises to be. So its significance is the state-of-the art nature of the systems integration provided by Raytheon.
Increasingly, major defence projects get to centre stage because of the quality of systems integration or project management, rather than simply which company builds the platform. With Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and General Dynamics designated as the ship builders, Raytheon Integrated Defence Systems has the role of systems integrator, with Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems major subcontractors.
Today, systems integration begins before metal for construction is cut, using a total ship approach to integrate planning and scheduling, taking into account many factors including ‘cost as an independent variable’ (CAIV) – in other words, should certain items be made or sourced. The benefit of this approach is evident from a reduction in cost and schedule risks, while planning for long-term whole life support.
The DDG 1000 will be tasked with offensive operations to destroy enemy targets ashore but will also be expected to defend itself and other vessels in a task group. Other less capable warships will be built in the coming years, but Raytheon’s experience in systems integration could well find application in other countries.
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