Q&A · 5:22:27-5:23:26

Choosing a new hull for a larger US cruiser

The proposed enlarged Burke is rejected in favour of a modern hull, with a larger DDG(X)-based design suggested for a new cruiser.

Question

Could the US Navy speed production by enlarging an Arleigh Burke to about 22,500 tons as the basis for a new cruiser?

Short answer

Use a modern hull, potentially a larger DDG(X)-based design, rather than extending the old Burke design again.

Notes

The question proposes a substantially enlarged Arleigh Burke as a shortcut to a new cruiser. The objection is that the existing design has already been stretched across a long service and development life. A modern hull is preferred, with DDG(X)'s new hull used as the example. A larger version of that newer design is suggested as a more suitable starting point for a cruiser.