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DD-963 SPRUANCE-class
The thirty-one SPRUANCE-class destroyers
were developed for the primary mission of anti-submarine warfare,
including operations as an integral part of attack carrier forces.
The Spruance class ships are more than twice as large as a World War
II destroyer and as large as a World War II cruiser. Utilizing
highly developed weapons systems, SPRUANCE is designed to hunt down
and destroy high speed submarines in all weather, but can also
engage ships, aircraft, and shore targets. These multi-purpose
combatants are also capable of providing naval gunfire support in
conjunction with Marine amphibious operations worldwide.
Built with future growth in mind, their design is modular in nature,
allowing for easy installation of entire subsystems within the ship.
Space and power reservations have been made to accommodate future
weapons and electronics systems as they are developed. Originally
developed as Anti-Submarine (ASW) destroyers, 24 ships of this class
were upgraded with the installation of a 61 cell Vertical Launch
Missile System (VLS) capable of launching Tomahawk and Harpoon
missiles.
Navy destroyers have historically been retired by 30 years of
service. But in 1998 the seven Spruance-class destroyers which did
not receive the Tomahawk VLS upgrade are being decommissioned after
only two decades of service, to accomodate the introduction of the
improved AEGIS-capable Arleigh Burke destroyers. All decommissioned
ships are scheduled to be scrapped
The Spruance-class destroyer's inherent capabilities make it an
ideal ship for surveillance operations. Endurance and response from
the ship's four gas turbine engines make it possible to conduct such
operations with minimal notice and with less fuel logistics
concerns. Excellent command and control capabilities assures a
thorough, carefully controlled effort.
ANTI-SUBMARINE
Anti-submarine warfare capabilities include a sonar suite that
contains the most advanced underwater detection and fire control
system yet developed. ASW weapons include two triple-barrel Mk 32
torpedo tubes and the Vertical Launch ASROC missile. In addition the
ships can embark two SH-60B LAMPS Mk III helicopters to extend the
range of the ship's weapons and sensors. Ultimately fitted with the
SQS-53 hull-mounted active sonar, SQR-19 tactical towed passive
acoustic array, anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) launchers and with
twin hangars for LAMPS Mk III helicopters, these ships were in the
forefront of the surface Navy’s defense against submarine attacks.
The equipment on board SPRUANCE enables detection of submarines at
considerable ranges. The Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR)
transmits a sound wave, which is reflected by the submarine to allow
range and bearing assessment. When the position of the submarine has
been determined, either by the ship or the ship's SH-60B Helicopter,
computers will pass the necessary information to Anti-Submarine
Rocket (ASROC) Missile System and the helicopter. An attack can be
conducted with the ASROC (rocket-thrown torpedo). Once the ASROC is
fired, at a predetermined time, the missile releases a homing
torpedo which hunts down the submarine until it is destroyed. An
attack can be conducted using the ASROC or a torpedo launched from
the ship's torpedo launchers. SPRUANCE can stream a decoy from the
stern to divert torpedoes fired at the ship. Another device, an
expendable bathythermograph (XBT) measures the sea's temperature at
varying depths and indicates how SONAR waves are bent by layers of
warmer and colder water.
AN/SQR-19 The AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array SONAR (TACTAS) is a
series of acoustic modules designed to be towed at the end of a long
cable out of the stern of the ship. This allows for the reduction of
the noise emanating from the SPRUANCE and increasing the ship's
passive capability. The Hoist Room, located under the fantail,
contains the cable and the array. The display consoles are located
in SONAR Control.
AN/SQQ-89 SONAR SYSTEM The AN/SQQ-89 SONAR System is designed to
incorporate several subsystems, including the AN/SQS-53B
Hull-Mounted SONAR, AN/SQS-19 Towed Array, LAMPS MK III Sonobuoys,
and MK 116 MOD 6 Underwater Fire Control System (UFCS). It is the
most advanced SONAR system in today's Fleet. Combining three SONAR
systems and a fire control system into one suite, it gives SPRUANCE
the ability to use the best of all systems, while overcoming the
disadvantages of any one system.
SH-60B HELICOPTER The Light Airborne Multi-Purpose Systems, or LAMPS
MK III, is a twin-engine helicopter that carries a crew of two
pilots and a sensor operator/crewman. The primary mission of LAMPS
MK III is Anti-Submarine Warfare. The SH-60B Seahawk is equipped
with a sonobuoy deployment and interpretation system, Magnetic
Anomaly Detection (MAD) gear, and threat detection/display
equipment. Additionally, the aircraft is capable of carrying ASW
torpedoes. LAMPS MK III secondary missions include gunfire spotting,
over-the-horizon targeting, MEDEVAC, and search and rescue
operations. SPRUANCES's flight deck has been modified to accommodate
the Recovery Assist Securing and Transversing (RAST) System. This
system allows helicopter flight operations in heavy weather.
ANTI-SURFACE
SPRUANCE is the first destroyer to be back-fitted with MK 41
Vertical Launching System (VLS) which is capable of firing the
Tomahawk Cruise Missile. This system enables SPRUANCE to engage
shore- based, and naval surface targets at long range. In its strike
platform role, modernization of 24 ships with vertical launch
systems (VLS) and the Advanced TOMAHAWK Weapons Control System (ATWCS)
makes these ships formidable platforms for offensive strikes against
targets of military significance deep in enemy territory.
State-of-the-art computer and satellite technology allow the ships
to launch up to 61 precision guided TOMAHAWK cruise missiles from
its Mk 41 VLS at land targets as far away as 700 nautical miles.
Ships of this class fired 112 TOMAHAWK land attack cruise missiles
into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. They have subsequently been
used for preemptive strikes at the direction of National Command
Authorities in both Iraq and Bosnia.
These ships have traditionally had a major role in Naval Surface
Fire Support for troops ashore, employing Harpoon antiship missiles
and two 5-inch guns (also used for air defense and shore
bombardment). The Harpoon Missile System is proven effective in
engaging shipping at intermediate ranges. Fitted with two MK 45
lightweight 5 inch/54 caliber guns guns when built, their main
battery can throw a projectile over 12 miles with a firing rate of
20 rounds per minute. The five-inch/54-caliber gun represents a
major step forward in medium- caliber ordnance for the U.S. Navy.
The result is a weapon which allows a single man in a control center
to fire a load of 20 shells without help.
ANTI-AIR
Air defense capabilities include the NATO Sea Sparrow surface to air
missile system, two 20mm Close-ln-Weapons Systems, and the SLQ-32
Electronic Counter Measures system. NATO Sea Sparrow Point Defense
Missile System, also know as Sea Sparrow, is a close-in air defense
system employing the RIM-7M Sparrow Missile. The system is designed
to counter the threat of enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise
missiles. The system is produced as a cooperative effort by the U.S.
and other NATO countries - Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Italy and the
Netherlands.
The DD-963 Class has a very capable self defense system, with
adequate low flyer detection source Mk 23 TAS/NSSMS FCR in sector
search. It provides moderate field-of-fire blockage zones for NSSMS
off port/starboard bow, and may be stationed in ID zone to
supplement shotgun and provide additional air defense surveillance.
However, the missile range is short, and the long range air search
radar is 2D. The ship must be within 1.5nm of MEU and on threat axis
to provide realistic area defense.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TACTICAL INFORMATION
The radio equipment aboard the ship enables SPRUANCE to send and
receive messages from any part of the world. Operating 24 hours a
day, speed and accuracy have been refined to an art by SPRUANCE
radiomen. Communicating within a battle group for tactical purposes
is accomplished through the Naval Tactical Data Systems (NTDS). All
combat detection, tracking and fire control systems are integrated
through the ship's digital Naval Tactical Data System Computer,
providing the ships with fast and accurate processing of tactical
information. Using high speed computer-to-computer data links, NTDS
welds together the processing capabilities and sensors (radars,
SONAR, etc.) of each of the individual units in company, presenting
a complete tactical picture.
ENGINEERING
The ships are the first class of ships in the US Navy to have gas
turbine power. The four General Electric LM-2500 engines are marine
shaft power versions of the TF39 turbofan used on DC-10 and C-5A
aircraft. Producing a total of 80,000 shaft horsepower, they can
drive the ship in excess of 30 knots. Each of the three gas turbine
generators produces 2,000 kilowatts of power. Twin
controllable-reversible pitch propellers provide these ships with a
degree of maneuverability unique among warships of its size.
A high degree of automation permits a reduced crew of 24 officers
and 302 enlisted to operate the ship. Comfort and habitability are
integral elements to the ship's design, which includes amenities
such as a crew's lounge, ATM machine, gymnasium, class room, and
ship's store.
Specifications
Power plant 4 - LM 2500 General Electric gas turbines with
two shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower
Length 563 feet (171.6 meters)
Beam 55 feet (16.8 meters)
Displacement 9,100 tons (8,190 metric tons) full load
Speed 33 knots (38 mph, 60.8 kph)
Range 6000 NM @ 20 knots
Aircraft Two SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters
Crew 30 officers, 352 enlisted
Armament 2 - MK 143 Armored Box Launchers for Tomahawk SLCM or
1 - MK41 Vertical Launch System for Tomahawk SLCM
2 - MK 141 quad launchers w/ 8 Harpoon missiles
MK 29 launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System
2 - MK 15 20mm Phalanx CIWS Close-In Weapons Systems
2 - 5-Inch 54 Cal. MK 45 Guns (lightweight gun)
2 - MK 32 triple tube mounts w/ six Mk-46 torpedoes)
MK 112 Launcher for ASROC
Combat Systems SPS-40E Air Search Radar
SPS-55 Surface Search Radar
SPG-60 Gun Fire Control Radar
SPQ-9A Gun Fire Control Radar
SQS-53B Sonar SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array Sonar
SLQ-32 (V)3 OUTBOARD II
COMMAND AND CONTROL JOTS
Link 11
HF Radios
UHF Radios
VHF Radios
Unit Operating Cost
Annual Average ~$35,000,000 [source: [FY1996 VAMOSC]
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