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USS Zumwalt Enhancements for Hypersonic Missile Integration
The USS Zumwalt, a cutting-edge stealth destroyer of the United States Navy, is currently being upgraded to support experimental hypersonic missiles as part of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program. These advanced missiles can reach speeds greater than five times that of sound, marking a significant leap in the capabilities available for non-nuclear combat. With this upgrade, the Zumwalt is expected to execute swift and accurate strikes over extensive distances, offering a formidable alternative to traditional weapon systems.
Understanding Hypersonic Weapons
According to coverage by AP News, hypersonic missiles are designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or roughly 3,830 miles per hour. They are characterized by their high velocity and precision strikes. The CPS program utilizes a hypersonic glide vehicle that can achieve speeds up to Mach 8, approximately 6,140 mph. Recent reports indicate that each Zumwalt-class ship will be equipped with four launch tubes, with each tube capable of carrying three of these sophisticated missiles.
The system benefits from its ability to ascend to altitudes of up to 50 miles above sea level, which reduces air resistance and enhances missile performance. Experts in defense have pointed out that this high-altitude approach decreases drag and improves speed, presenting a significant challenge to interception by contemporary defense systems.
Difficulties in Interception
Despite the advantages of hypersonic missiles, including their rapid speed and unpredictable flight paths that complicate detection and interception, the technology is not without challenges. While some defense systems are able to forecast missile trajectories and deploy interceptors, the low maneuverability of hypersonic missiles presents difficulties. Reports suggest that enhancing accuracy has taken precedence over increasing agility, as swift directional changes might compromise speed and heighten the risk of being intercepted.
Technological Innovations of the Zumwalt-Class
The Zumwalt-class destroyers stand out for their innovative technologies, including electric propulsion, reduced radar visibility, and unique wave-piercing hull designs. Current reports suggest that the integration of the CPS system will substantially boost the Zumwalt’s offensive capabilities, establishing it as a critical asset in contemporary naval warfare.
Upcoming tests for the hypersonic capabilities aboard the USS Zumwalt are on the horizon, representing a crucial milestone in the integration of these advanced missile systems into active naval strategy.
Source
www.gadgets360.com