Only three Seawolf-class submarines preceded the Virginia class, which undercuts the idea that the United States simply builds unlimited numbers of its most capable design. The three-ship Zumwalt class offers a parallel case. A future destroyer that combines Arleigh Burke software, sensors, and weapons with Zumwalt's power system would add still more cost and technical risk if it also used a new hull. Reusing the working Zumwalt form for a different mission would preserve a mature structure and power base while concentrating development effort elsewhere.
Notable Point · 2:29:43-2:30:44
Why a new destroyer hull adds avoidable programme risk
Very short Seawolf and Zumwalt production runs discarded learning, while combining mature Burke systems and Zumwalt power with another new hull would introduce an additional source of risk.