Hardened computing drives destroyer growth

The Spruance and Kidd generation needed larger computer networks as sensors and other systems demanded more information processing. Protecting and supporting those computers contributed to the growth in ship size. Their components could lag behind the latest generation because developing hardened versions took time. The requirement could include recovering and restarting after an electromagnetic pulse, even when the equipment could not escape all effects. Salt-water exposure added a continuous environmental threat alongside hostile action. Electronic survivability therefore had to be considered as part of the ship's overall ability to survive.