CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier (CVN 78)

CVN 78 was launched on November 17, 2013. CVN 78 weighed 77,000 tons at launch and was 70 complete the highest levels attained in aircraft carrier new construction. In addition, all tanks and voids were final coated, all Dual Band Radar DBR arrays were installed and 6.1 million of 9.5 million feet of electrical cable were pulled by launch. This unprecedented level of completeness has best prepared the ship for the post-launch test program. Material variance factors such as a shrinking supplier base, cost increases for developmental components, and CVN 78 unique items have been contained. As of December 2013, material availability on the waterfront improved and 95 of all material was procured. Further changes to material variance are not anticipated. Previously reported labor factors associated with use of thinner steels, blast and coat, and unit erection are no longer having a negative effect on labor variance Shipbuilder ability to maintain work package completion rates and to attain aggressive yet achievable goals for compartment outfitting, system turn-over and compartment turn-over will be a significant contributor to remaining cost and schedule performance. However, the principal risk remaining on the CVN 78 is the Shipboard test program and risks associated with first time shipboard operation of new systems and components. To mitigate this risk, the program is executing multiple land based test programs to reduce technical risk prior to shipboard testing. Government Furnished Equipment GFE systems such as EMALS, Advanced Arresting Gear AAG, and DBR are all executing robust, multi-year land based tests. New contractor developed systems such as Machinery Control and Monitoring System MCMS, JP-5, and Aqueous Film-Forming Foam AFFF are also subjects of early land based testing.