The Ticonderoga-class cruisers will reach their retirement age of 35 years between 2021 and 2029, although the U.S. Navy may use upgrades to extend their lives to 40 years. The class was first ordered and authorized in the 1978 fiscal year. HII believes its LPD-based concept would be the right solution to replace the ageing cruiser class.



HII's concept ship offers many advantages. The huge (35') fixed S-band radar for starters, which is said to be 2000 times more sensitive than the current SPY-1. An X-band radar sits on top of the mast. A 3-face radar is available as an option to replace the large cubic radar. We were told that the LPD 17 hull form offers signiticant volumes to support other missions: There is provision for an elevator and below deck hangar, both large enought to accommodate V-22 tilt rotor aircraft. There is so much space in the boat valley and hangar space that the VLS cells may potentially be reloaded while at sea. If the aircraft elevator is not needed, the well deck may be retained to support special forces or other needs.



The model on display at the show was fitted with an optional 32MJ rail gun (forward, as main gun), a Mk110 57mm and a RAM launcher back aft for self defense.



In this configuration, the HII's "future surface combatant" is 209 meters (684ft) in length with a beam of 32 meters (105 ft) and a max. displacement of 27,000 tons. The speed is 20+ knots and expected crew is 161 sailors (a significant drop compared to the 300+ crew complement aboard the Ticonderoga-class).



Navy Recognition comment:

While the LPD 17 hull form is slower than the current CG class, the potential of a surface vessel fitted with the maximum size variant of the AN/SPY-6 AMDR radar and a 70+ day mission endurance (without resupply) sounds like a major capability step forward. Add to the mix a likely affordable design (because of the reduced crew and the hot production line) plus the ability to accomodate large, long endurance helicopters (an AEW variant of the V-22 or CH-53 would be ideal) to act as remote sensors, and you have what looks like a very promising CG replacement solution.

