Why not be ready for years for the new USS Enterprise aircraft carrier?

The new US aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise (CVN 80), is an ambitious project that has received numerous delays in the construction process. The ship, which was due to be added to the US Navy’s fleet since year 2, will now not be operational by the latest forecasts.

The USS Enterprise is one of the largest and most sophisticated US Navy’s military projects. The ship, which will be a successor to the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), preserves the proud US Navy’s legacy in the maritime battlefield. However, the project has faced a number of challenges, including supply chain problems, labor shortages and staggering costs.

History and reasons for delay in the construction of USS ENTERPRISE

The USS Enterprise (CVN 80), which is part of the GERALD R. Ford class, officially began its construction in year 6. According to a report from the US Department of Defense, the ship’s delivery date was changed from September to July, due to problems supplying raw materials and poor supply chain performance. This delay is just one of the few times that the ship’s operational plan has been postponed.

According to Huntington Ingalls, Chris Casner, the shortage of labor and disorders caused by the Kuwavid-1 epidemic, has pushed the ship’s construction plan for at least a year. In addition, problems such as late delivery of vital materials are also one of the main challenges that have had a direct impact on the speed of construction.

Advanced Features and Difference with Nimetz Class

The USS Enterprise ship is part of the new generation of GERALD R. Ford’s nuclear ships that will replace the older Nimetz class. These vessels bring a revolution in operational capabilities by presenting new technologies, such as the EMALS. According to the program, the USS Enterprise is specifically designed to support drones and advanced weapons.

Compared to Nimetz ships, the GERALD R. Ford class requires less maintenance and has a 5 % reduction in operating costs. Also, the propulsion power of these vessels was three times higher, allowing more complex operations to carry out.

Technical and logistical problems

In addition to the supply chain issues, the sophisticated design of the ship has created extra costs and prolonged construction time. For example, equipping the Automated Precision Approach Landing System and updating its computer infrastructure are some of the reasons that have increased project costs.

Also, some of the technologies added to the USS Enterprise, such as the “I-Stalker” system to track advanced satellite threats and infrastructure, have been delayed due to problems with equipment supply. The Navy has also had to use parts of its fleets to reduce costs.

The future of the USS Enterprise and the ahead of the costs

The new ship is set to be equipped with a drone weapons center (UAWC), which will play a key role in identification, refueling and electronic warfare. In addition, a budget of about $ 5 million is intended to improve the construction and installation of advanced technologies.

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However, the USS Enterprise seems to continue to face challenges. From achieving advanced technologies to cost management and assurance of supply chain cooperation, the project will require more careful oversight to be added to the US Navy fleet on a specific date.