Observations on the Navy's New Guided Missile Destroyer

Gao ID: MASAD-82-12 January 7, 1982

GAO reviewed the proposed plans of the Navy for the new class guided missile DDGX destroyer.

GAO found that the Navy is designing the proposed DDGX to accommodate the ANS/SQR-19 tactical towed array sonar (TACTUS) and questioned the need for a TACTUS equipped DDGX. TACTUS will be used as a long-range trigger to enable the LAMPS MK III helicopter and other antisubmarine warfare weapons systems to react against a threat. The proposed DDGX will not be helicopter equipped, but it will be accompanied by helicopter equipped surface combatants in various missions. GAO questioned whether the DDGX destroyer would significantly add to the total antisubmarine warfare capability. It would cost approximately $589 million to equip the entire projected buy of 62 new design DDGX destroyers with this sonar. GAO plans to monitor the status of the DDGX program as it progresses.



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