Why does the USS Zumwalt look weird?
The vessels’ distinctive appearance results from the design requirement for a low radar cross-section (RCS). The Zumwalt class has a wave-piercing tumblehome hull form whose sides slope inward above the waterline, which dramatically reduces RCS by returning much less energy than a conventional flare hull form.
What is tumblehome on a ship?
Tumblehome is a term describing a hull which grows narrower above the waterline than its beam. The opposite of tumblehome is flare.
Why does USS Zumwalt look different?
The destroyer uses a unique “tumblehome hull” design. According to sailors that have spent time on the ship at sea, it actually handles rough seas better than most ships.
Who designed the Zumwalt destroyer?
SPY-3 Radar and Combat System Integrator: Raytheon is the prime contractor responsible for the Design and Development of the ZUMWALT Mission System, including software, Combat Systems Equipment (CSE) and many of the sensors for the DDG 1000 Class.
What is a Strake on a ship?
On a vessel’s hull, a strake is a longitudinal course of planking or plating which runs from the boat’s stempost (at the bows) to the sternpost or transom (at the rear). The garboard strakes are the two immediately adjacent to the keel on each side.
How stealthy is the USS Zumwalt?
The Stealthiness of the Zumwalt-class The 610-foot Zumwalt-class ships have stealth characteristics from a small radar cross-section that is supposed to give the ships the ability to cruise closer to shore and fire their ordnance without being detected.
What is a tumblehome on a ship?
Tumblehome is a term describing a hull which grows narrower above the waterline than its beam. The opposite of tumblehome is flare. A small amount of tumblehome is normal in many naval architecture designs in order to allow any small projections at deck level to clear wharves.
What are the characteristics of a tumblehome?
This includes a roof tapering in, and curved window glass. Tumblehome was common on wooden warships for centuries. In the era of oared combat ships it was quite common, placing the oar ports as far abeam as possible.
What is the origin of the tumblehome?
Origins. Tumblehome was common on wooden warships for centuries. In the era of oared combat ships it was quite common, placing the oar ports as far abeam as possible. This also made it more difficult to board by force, as the ships would come to contact at their widest points, with the decks some distance apart.
What is a tumblehome carriage?
A tumblehome remains a feature of railway carriages in Great Britain and can be seen in most modern designs of passenger rolling stock.