ZUMWALT DESTROYER DDG-1000

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is a guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy. She represents a significant leap forward in naval capabilities, showcasing an array of advancements in her designation, mission capabilities, and equipment. Her sheer magnitude commands awe, boasting an impressive length of 610 feet and a displacement exceeding 15,000 tons. Her extraordinary appearance immediately catches the eye with futuristic and sleek design, reminiscent of a science fiction vessel. Notably, the ship's bow forms a razor-sharp edge, setting it apart from traditional destroyers. This striking design is not just for aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in the ship's capabilities.

USS Zumwalt looked like a small fishing boat during radar testing. How possible is it to engineer a large destroyer that is significantly less visible to enemy radar? Taking a look at her external shape. First and foremost, there are fewer edges, a conspicuous absence of protruding structures or varied contours and a flat side, seamlessly attached to the upper deck of the ship, on a straight, yet slightly angled flat linear surface. Instead of multiple sharp, intertwined steel panels and structures, supporting an outward-facing radar system, the Zumwalt’s front exterior shows only a few rounded edges to achieve its requisite shape. Her much-discussed, wave-cutting Tumblehome hull is more narrowly built than existing destroyers, making it less detectable to enemy sonar.

Most current destroyers have multiple deck-mounted sensors, weapons systems and angular staircases visibly positioned on the deck of the ship; none of this can be seen on the Zumwalt. Some of Zumwalt’s weapons, for instance, are housed in what appear to be rounded, cone-like structures. Simply put, the fewer edges or identifiable shapes you have, the lower the possibility that electromagnetic signals will effectively deliver an accurate picture of the object.

In addition, the Zumwalt’s electric-drive propulsion system is much quieter -- giving the ship a smaller signature for overhead enemy sensors and even submarines.

The innovative Integrated Power System (IPS) is another characteristic that sets Zumwalt apart from its predecessor. Unlike conventional destroyers relying solely on gas turbines, the Zumwalt's IPS combines advanced electric propulsion with gas turbine engines, delivering unparalleled efficiency and adaptability. The IPS incorporates state-of-the-art Rolls Royce-designed generators, integrated into the system by General Electric. While the exact maximum power output remains undisclosed to the public, it is widely known to far surpass that of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers. Her design with excess requirements allows the Navy to experiment with nearly any new system, paving the way for potential testing of advanced energy-based weaponry, such as railguns, sonic, and lasers.

Destroyers' bridge, which typically requires a crew of about five to 10 sailors on the Arleigh Burke-class, can be effectively managed by a single sailor if necessary on the Zumwalt. Multiple systems are centralized and controlled through panels on the bridge. The ship is designed to allow a single sailor to steer and take command in emergencies.

The Zumwalt is designed as a flexible ship, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions. Unlike previous destroyer classes, designed primarily for deep-water combat, the Zumwalt class was primarily designed to support ground forces in land attacks. They also perform the usual destroyer missions of anti-air, anti-surface, and antisubmarine warfare.  

The USS Zumwalt is named after Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr. He has the distinction of being the youngest admiral ever promoted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 44 and later became the youngest four-star admiral in naval history. Adm. Zumwalt served in various conflicts. During World War II, he was aboard the USS Phelps in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, where he received the Bronze Star in recognition of his valor. Subsequently, he earned his first command, leading the USS Tills, which was later called up during the Korean War. Admiral Zumwalt's exceptional actions with the USS Wisconsin battle group through treacherous waters laden with mines earned him a combat ribbon. Upon his promotion to admiral, he took command of multiple fleets, ultimately being appointed as Chief of Naval Operations by President Richard Nixon. In this influential role, he introduced numerous innovative programs and changes. He notably initiated 121 directives known as Z-Grams, which aimed to ease racial and sexist tensions within the Navy while ensuring the retention of high-quality sailors.

This primarily wood 1/200 scale model of the USS Zumwalt is 37" long x 13" tall x 5" wide (7" with base) $2,990 shipping and insurance in the US included. Other countries: $300 flat rate. This Bunker Hill model is in stock and can be shipped within 5 business days.

20.5" long (1/350 scale) $1,950 shipping and insurance in the US included. Other countries: $200 flat rate. By commissions only. We require only a small deposit to start the process. The remaining balance won't be due until the model is completed, in several months.

74" long (1/100 scale) $11,950 shipping and insurance in the US included. Other countries: $800 flat rate. By commissions only. We require only a small deposit to start the process. The remaining balance won't be due until the model is completed, in several months.