American strike cruiser design (CSGN) 1970s

strike cruiser concept

Spruance-class destroyer

In the 1970s was the design of a nuclear powered strike considered to succeeded the Virginia and California-classes. She was to have a conventional hull configuration although Navy studies proved that a so-called SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) was a possibility. Original planned to have a nuclear propulsion was in 1975 a conventional gas turbine design studied on base of a Spruance-class destroyer (DD963). Fitted out with Aegis air defence system and advanced surface-to-surface missiles was the latter design much cheaper. General George S. Brown commented that the strike cruiser was able to operate to indepently except for the highest threat level where she was to act with aircraft carriers. One ship was to be realized as proposed under the Fiscal Year 1978 programme, the second one under the planned Fiscal Year 1981 programme to be commissioned in 1984 respectively 1986. Late 1976 proposed the Ford Administration the building of 8 ships. However Secretary of Defense Harron Brown stated on 22 February 1977 that the programme was cancelled, he preferred to have 2 Aegis-equipped destroyers against one strike cruiser regarded the costs.

Full load displacement 17,210 tons and as dimensions 211.3 (waterline)-213.4 (overall) x 23.5 x 6.7 metres or 660-700 x 77 x 22 feet. Crew was to number 572 men. Propulsion consisted of 2 geared turbines, 2 shafts, 2 pressurized-water cooled D2G nuclear reactors and a speed of around 30 knots. Planned to be fitted out with 2 SH-3 Sea King helicopters or advanced (LAMPS) helicopters or VTOL aircraft. New studies spoke however of a nearly full-lenght flight deck includling deck hangar facilities for a large number of VTOL aircraft. Her missile armament was to be retained although the Mk 26 launchers were to be replaced by an advanced system. Armament consisted of Mk 26 mod 2 2x2 Tartar-D surface-to-air missile launchers,16 Harpoon surface-tot-surface missile tubes, 1-20.3cm/8” MCLWG Mk71 gun, 2-2cm Phalanx CIWS, ASROC Mk26 launchers and Mk32 torpedo tubes.