A proposed Zumwalt alternative with familiar weapons and more aviation

The hypothetical alternative starts with one six-inch gun instead of two, or an improved five-inch mounting using existing ammunition. It would retain space and power for a later six-inch gun or railgun. Increasing the Mark 57 installation from 20 to 26-28 four-cell modules would provide at least 104 cells, exceeding Burke's magazine. Radar and command-system integration would also need to support fleet air defence. The aviation proposal replaces the described one-crewed, three-uncrewed helicopter arrangement with two crewed aircraft and space for four uncrewed aircraft. These are suggested changes to the design, offered as familiar capability comparisons with Burke, rather than a description of the ships as built.