Q&A · 8:53:06-8:53:20

Why early US guided-missile destroyers were not laggards

Farragut and Charles F. Adams compare well with contemporary destroyers and should be judged against the technology available when they entered service.

Charles F. Adams Class Guided-Missile Destroyers Cold War Farragut Class Destroyers (1958)Guided Missile Destroyers US Navy

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Question

Did the United States lag behind other navies in its early guided-missile destroyers?

Short answer

No; Farragut and Charles F. Adams were good contemporary designs and in some respects better than average for their period.

Notes

Farragut and Charles F. Adams are judged capable designs for their own period. Some qualities are rated above the contemporary average. This short assessment rejects the premise of an American lag without identifying a particular weapon, sensor, or performance measure.