U.S Navy Second New Carrier

Key Points

• Lead ship Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) is tracking to cost around USD12.9 billion
• The USN is planning to procure second-in-class John F Kennedy (CVN 79) for USD11.3 billion
• A 3-D computer-aided product tool may help shipbuilders reduce costs on Ford-class carrier construction

As the US Navy's (USN's) new Ford-class aircraft carrier programme prepares for lead ship launch in mid-November, a 3-D computer-aided modelling tool may hold the key to helping shipbuilders cut costs and save time constructing future carriers.

At Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), the division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) building the USN's new first-of-class Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), officials told IHS Jane'sthat achieving cost savings and efficiencies on subsequent Ford-class ships involves the assembly of larger-size units and a greater degree of outfitting of those units earlier in the construction process.