Quote:
Originally Posted by gunnut
DDX and CGX should be used as demonstrators for future technologies. Evolved Burkes for series production and workhorse for the fleet. There can't possibly be enough DDX and CGX to replace 84 Aegis ships.
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Argreed. Although I'm not entirely sure that a Burke variant could provide a Ticonderoga replacement. Could you fit 128+ cells on it, probably. Also, I recall that the Burke was to provide 75% of the Tico's capability for 66% of the price. I'm sure this doesn't hold true anymore...but I would not be at all surprised if the Tico was still the superior platform.
I believe the Tico's still have 20 years left in them...perhaps a more conventional replacement can be designed and fielded after the Navy comes to the realization that the DDX and CGX are not practical.
I think the biggest priority for the US Navy should be finding a proper replacement for the LCS program which should be axed. A proper Frigate design and a littoral combat ship in the form of a modified LSD would be my first choice.