General Dynamics Bath Iron Works to build 3 new Arleigh Burke class destroyers.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 1, 2023, Bath Iron Works, located in Bath, Maine, has been awarded a multiyear contract with a fixed-price incentive for the construction of three DDG 51 class ships, scheduled for each fiscal year 2023, 2024, and 2026.
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First Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas. (Picture source: US DoD)

This agreement also includes options for modifications via engineering change proposals, design budgeting requirements, and post-delivery availabilities for the awarded ships.

The contract also has provisions for the potential construction of additional DDG 51 class ships. The project's expected completion date is December 2033.

About the Flight III destroyers

To power the AN/SPY-6 AMDR and other systems, the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have been equipped with a more potent power plant. The generators have been upgraded from the former three-megawatt, 450 V AG9140 to four-megawatt, 4160 V AG9160 generators. This enhancement means that these destroyers can handle higher power consumption demands.

Another significant technical improvement is the ship's enhanced cooling capabilities. With the introduction of more sophisticated electronic systems, the ship's air conditioning plants have been upgraded to increase cooling capacity. This enhancement ensures the proper functioning of all electronic systems and improves overall crew comfort.

In addition, the Flight III design includes various alterations to the ship's physical layout. For instance, the area near where the rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) are stored has been enclosed to provide extra room for crew members.

Other modifications include the replacement of the Halon-based fire suppression system with a more modern and effective water mist system. Also, the hull has been strengthened to accommodate the additional weight from these upgrades and to maintain the ship's structural integrity.