Largest hi-tech US destroyer begins sea trial — Navy

This photo from the US Navy Twitter account shows the $4.3-billion USS Zumwalt headed for sea trials. FROM US NAVY TWITTER ACCOUNT

WASHINGTON, United States — The largest US destroyer ever built headed for sea trials Monday, its angular radar-evading form cutting a distinctive figure on Maine’s Kennebec River, the US Navy said.

The $4.3 billion USS Zumwalt is the first in a new line of revolutionary guided missile destroyers.

Hundreds of workers were on hand to cheer the ship as it departed the Bath Iron Works in Maine on Monday traveling down the Kennebec River to the sea, local media reported.

Pictures of the futuristic-looking ship, commanded by Captain James Kirk, were posted on Navy Twitter accounts.

“Zumwalt sails for the first time,” the US Navy Sea Systems Command tweeted.

The ship is 600 feet (roughly 180 meters) long and weighs nearly 15,000 tons, making it the largest destroyer in the US fleet.

But thanks to its angled hull and deck house, it is designed to look no bigger than a fishing boat on radar.

Its motors are electric powered, driven by an innovative integrated power system that may one day also support an array of energy-intensive weapons like lasers and electromagnetic rail guns.

It is intended to be capable of operating in shallow coastal waters, laying down fire to support forces on shore, as well as conducting anti-aircraft and naval surface warfare.

Only three Zumwalt-class ships will be built, as Congress cut back funding for original plans for 32 ships, driving up the costs per ship.