The Zumwalt class destroyer (DDG-1001) called "Michael Monsour" is included in the US Navy. This is the second destroyer of this type. The first was put into operation in 2016. The third was laid at the shipyard in 2017, it is expected that it will be launched in 2020.
The crew of the destroyer consists of 148 sailors - officers and sailors. Destroyer assignment - the fight against enemy ground forces, the implementation of the support of its troops on the coast and the destruction of enemy aircraft.
According to the US Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, this ship can be attributed to one of the most combat-ready ships in service with the US Navy. It will provide for many years a superior US presence on the seas and ensure the containment of potential adversaries.
The first ship cost 4.4 billion dollars to taxpayers. Due to the high cost, the production program was drastically reduced. Instead of the originally planned 32 destroyers, only 3 will be purchased.
On arms of "Michael Monsur" are cruise missiles Tomahawk and one of the most expensive guns in the world. They have a 155 mm caliber capable of firing not only with traditional projectiles, but also with high-precision active-reactive type ammunition. These tools are, in fact, unique, since they are not installed anywhere else. Not so long ago, in the publication Defense News, they calculated that one salvo from such a weapon cost the US budget 800 thousand dollars.
A bit of history
"Michael Monsour," which was part of the fleet, failed during the tests. The reason was the power unit. Defects, including cracks, were found on its blades. As a result, taxpayers laid out $ 20 million to repair this power plant.
