1993 USS FITZGERALD. One of a large class - the Arleigh Burkes of guidedmissile destroyers, the most sophisticated of their type in the world at the end of the twentieth century, put into service by the US Navy from 1991.
THE ARLEIGH BURKE CLASS
Planned to complement the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which have a similar, integrated weapons system, known as Aegis, but at a considerable reduction in cost, the Arleigh Beirkes were designed to replace two classes of destroyer (the Farraguts and the Charles F Adams) and two classes of cruiser (the Leahys and the Belknaps). Though they are designated as destroyers, with a displacement of almost 8500 tons, they can be considered as cruisers. USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) was the twelfth ship of the class; constructed by Bath Iron Works, she was begun ore 9 February 1993, launched in December 1993 and completed in September of the following year.
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
The requirement to sustain 30 knots (55.5km/h) in a ship of this size, but also to retain the capacity to cruise economically, dictated that they be powered by gas turbines, with individual engines which could be brought on line progressively. Their weapons and electronics suites were completely integrated, with the capacity to track and lock on to numerous targets simultaneously. Considerable thought was also given to protection, with steel upper-works rather than the aluminium of the Ticonderogas, and about 130 tons of Kevlar armour, together with lines which reduce their effective radar signature.
TECHNICA$. DATA
Type: Guided-missile destroyer
Machinery: 2-shaft COGAG; 4 GE LM 2500 gas turbines producing 100,000shp
Dimensions (overall): Length, 153.8m (504.5ft); beam, 20.4m (65ft)
Displacement: 6680t light; 8375t EU load
Draught: 6.1 m (20ft) full load
Complement: 341
Speed: 30 knots (55.5km/h)
