$7 Billion for a Destroyer? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

retmil46 · #1 04-13-2012, 01:29 PM

Now I'm retired Navy, and like to see that (within reason) the guys are getting enough new ships and equipment as needed to be able to do their jobs - but even for me, this is just way over the top - even the Navy wanted to cancel the bloody thing because it cost so much.

Cutting-edge Navy warship being built in Maine - Yahoo! News

The sub force had a "Cadillac" of their own back in the 90's, the Seawolf class fast attacks, but the bloody things were so expensive that after the Soviet Union folded they only built 3 of them and switched to the more reasonable Viginia class.

Guess the reason this gold-plated skimmer is still being built is it's an election year, and various people need to get their "street cred" when it comes to defense.

Kuan · #2 04-13-2012, 02:10 PM

I think it's badass. Why not? Everyone needs something to rally around and be proud off.

retmil46 · #3 04-13-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

I think it's badass. Why not? Everyone needs something to rally around and be proud off.

One Mk 48 torpedo and you'd have a $7 billion artificial reef.

JiveTurkey · #4 04-13-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

One Mk 48 torpedo and you'd have a $7 billion artificial reef.

Right? I didn't see a ****ing thing about submarine defense in that article. A good sub crew could take that ****er out blindfolded.

Hatterasguy · #5 04-13-2012, 04:14 PM

Well as long as they work.

I just question very expensive weapons like this when what really wins wars are decent weapons in great numbers.

I rather have 12 ok ships than 3 really good ones.

They need to bring back the battleships, they had the armor protection to absorb hits that these ships just can't withstand. Slam an Exocet into the side of one of these and its going down, slam one into the Mississippi and she will probably do just fine.

dynalow · #6 04-13-2012, 04:16 PM

Mitch,

I read recently the Navy is cutting out (decommissioning) 4 Ticonderoga class criusers and a few other ships including the USS Rueben James.

11 ships to be decommissioned in fiscal 2013 - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Out with the old, in with the new.

Heads Up: Big cuts coming in DEF in fy13. Enlistments will be way down next year.

Hatterasguy · #7 04-13-2012, 04:20 PM

I hope they name another carrier Enterprise instead of after lame politicians no one likes.

The name Enterprise has earned a lot of battle colors.

Botnst · #8 04-13-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

One Mk 48 torpedo and you'd have a $7 billion artificial reef.

Perfect.

The Clk Man · #9 04-13-2012, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

Perfect.

It would probably be cheaper in the long run.

Stoney · #10 04-13-2012, 07:18 PM

The problem with the Seawolf was the cost of fabrication and major welding issues with the dissimilar metals used for the pressure hull.

My Welding Team Leader at AWS CWI was involved with the inspection of the fabrication welding and said it was way too complex for the technology available at the time. The rejection factor was insane.

The Brits also has similar issues with their version of the same design.

The cost of development of new ships is based on the failure of the Navy to lock in a design before production, instead they are going the "design-build" route.

Also the rapid changes in tech are dooming some designs before they get off the drawing board.

rs899 · #11 04-13-2012, 07:28 PM

Well, they are going to be insanely expensive in small lots as the R&D costs for every stinking piece is amortized over 3 boats. Not only that, I doubt that there are any parts on these boats that are competitively procured.

I bought quite a few million bux worth of nuclear propulsion equipment for the 688 fast attack class (S6G) and Ohio class (S8G) subs 30 years ago and there was precious little competition even then. We just don't have than many firms capable of doing this stuff anymore.

This isn't something we can buy from the Chinese either, since they will be the enemy...

anghrist · #12 04-13-2012, 07:50 PM

"You know, I have one simple request...and that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads. Now evidently, my cycloptic colleague informs me that that can't be done. Ah, can you please remind me what I pay you people for? Honestly, throw me a bone here...what do we have?"