The future USS John F Kennedy comes together
The future USS John F Kennedy, the US Navy’s next aircraft carrier, has had its final major steel structural section installed by Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News Shipbuilding division.
The section, known as a superlift, comprises the upper bow section and the forward portion of the flight deck, weighing 780 tons.
Lesson learned from the construction of the lead ship of class USS Gerald R Ford by the shipyard has resulted in changes to the build process, including fewer and larger superlifts, with the build requiring 18 percent fewer construction manhours than Gerald R Ford.
The shipbuilder has also increased the use of digital shipbuilding technologies, using virtual walkthroughs in the 3D product model and other data to determine what work, such as equipment installations and electrical work, can occur prior to erecting the superlift on the ship, in order to increase the level of outfitting and equipment installation.
The vessel is set to be launched and christened by the end of 2019.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.