Navy Shipbuilding: Cost and Schedule Problems on the DDG-51 AEGIS Destroyer Program.

The Navy currently plans to acquire at least 33 Arleigh Burke DDG-51 class guided missile destroyers at a total cost of about 27 billion. The ships will replace retiring battleforce destroyers and will be equipped with the AEGIS combat system Originally, the Department of Defense DOD estimated the total cost of the lead ship at about 1.25 billion in 1985 dollars after design, construction, and outfitting with the AEG1S combat system. The lead ships complex design incorporates features to increase its ability to survive during battle. For example, it will have a seakeeping hull, which increases stability by reducing vertical motion all-steel construction and extensive armor around vital spaces and a collective protection system to protect the crew from contaminated air. Because of the programs importance to the Navy mission and its significant costs, GAO assessed the status of the program. MM