A5W
The CVN 21-class [CVNX] will incorporate new CVN 77 integrated combat systems, and will add both a new nuclear propulsion plant and a new electrical power and distribution system. The new nuclear propulsion plant will provide immediate warfighting enhancements, immediate life cycle cost reductions, and will enable future warfighting enhancements and further life cycle cost reductions. The first CVNX, which will replace USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in 2015, is expected to be authorized in 2008.
By capitalizing on three generations of submarine reactor development, CVNX will enjoy unparalleled capabilities made possible by 25 percent more core energy—providing more electricity to launch unmanned vehicles, to shift to electromagnetic catapults, and to power the high-energy weapons of the future.
The nuclear propulsion plant design of CVN 21 was well underway by 2007. The new high-energy reactor design for CVN 21 represents a critical leap in capability. Not only will the CVN 21 reactor enable the Navy to meet current forecasted operational requirements, but also just as importantly, it will provide flexibility to deal with projected war fighting needs in the future. The CVN 21 reactor will have increased core energy, nearly three times the electric plant generating capability, and will require only half of the reactor department sailors when compared to today’s operational aircraft carriers. The extra energy will support higher operational tempos or longer reactor life for the CVN 21-class.
