DD(X) Program Is Back on Track
With resolution of the DD(X) bid protest, Northrop Grumman is on track to complete the DD(X) system design and associated engineering development models (EDM) by 2005. The scope and complexity of the design work, which includes development and integration of new hull and ship systems as well as advanced combat systems, is unprecedented for a U.S. Navy surface combatant. Northrop Grumman is responsible for the total ship system design, as well as development and testing of 11 EDMs. While the DD(X) system design work is proceeding, the EDMs will be built and tested in parallel for key systems such as the integrated power system (IPS), the advanced gun system (AGS) and an integrated radar suite.
Navy Achieves New Propeller Milestone
The U.S. Navy has marked a critical milestone in ship research as it wrapped up a successful phase in the testing of a full-scale propeller for USS San Antonio amphibious transport dock ship. The tests verify a new compact design for the LPD-17 controllable pitch propeller meets the seven-year service life cycle requirements. The 17 million cycles completed show this new design exceeds requirements and the service life could be extended twofold. The Naval Sea Systems Command program could lead to a significant saving for the Navy in overhaul costs for the new propeller. The hub and blades, manufactured of nickel-aluminum-bronze and steel, constitute a unique design.
Propeller Milestone Achieved By U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy's drive during the past decade to become more efficient on both the ship contracting and life cycle management sides has proven to be much more than mere talk. The "new" Navy is embodied in the current LPD-17 project, and U.S. Navy senior officers and engineers recently marked a critical milestone in ship research on January 6, 2000, wrapping up a successful phase in the testing of a full-scale propeller for the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) Class amphibious transport dock ship. The tests verify that a new compact design for the LPD-17 CPP meets the seven-year service life cycle requirements. The 17 million cycles completed at the ceremony show that this new design exceeds requirements and that the service life could be extended twofold.
