To: Centurion2000
If the rail gun does finally appear I agree with you. But I don't want to see a DD(X) built till we have the rail gun ready to deploy. The AGS ($15K/round) is a waste of money, and to build a 2 billion dollar DD(X) around it is a waste.
That is why the DD(X) keeps getting put off. Rummy has taken the money for the DD(X) and put it into the LCS and other valid systems like UAVs. The DD(X) is just not ready for prime time. We have much greater needs right now. The only, repeat ONLY thing the DD(X) has is a big gun system which we have not had in many years, and still won wars.
According to the last budget I saw, the USN has money for 1 DD(X), scheduled for 2011 delivery. By then we will have built 12 LCS vessels at about the same cost.
Tactically they do not belong with a CBG, they belong with an Amphib Group, and in fact, IMHO, they should be mounted on the newest Amphib ships the LHA(R), since they go where the Marines go. If we took that approach the DD(X) would be unnecessary.
82 posted on
05/16/2005 9:09:48 AM PDT by
ProudVet77
(Warning: Frequent sarcastic posts)
To: ProudVet77
Tactically they do not belong with a CBG, they belong with an Amphib Group, and in fact, IMHO, they should be mounted on the newest Amphib ships the LHA(R), since they go where the Marines go. Does the LHA generate enough power for one ? It's a good idea but I think about the power question.
Hmm ... the LHA could also use ice filled copper jacketed railgun rounds for close defense and short direct fire offense.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson