Ford Class Weapons Systems and Sensors

Radars

Dual Band Radar (DBR)

It is the first radar system in the U.S. Navy fleet capable of simultaneously operating over two frequency ranges (S-band and X-band), coordinated by a single resource manager. It combines the functionality of the X-band AN/SPY-3 Multifunction Radar and the S-band Volume Surveillance Radar (VSR) to provide an unprecedented level of performance and capability to detect and track hostile targets.

The AN/SPY-3, operating in the X-band with high-accuracy, narrow beam width and wide frequency bandwidth, provides superior coverage and effective discrimination of low-altitude targets. It also provides target illumination and uplink/downlink capabilities for SM-2 and Evolved SeaSparrow missiles (ESSMs).

Using the S-band, the VSR delivers effective, all-weather search capabilities via its high-power aperture, and narrow beam width, enabling it to accurately resolve and track targets.

Many search and track functions, such as cued acquisition and precision track (providing high update rate, fire control quality data) can be allocated to either or both frequencies, automatically or through command and control direction.

DBR requires no dedicated operator or manned display consoles, eliminating reaction time and potential human errors associated with manual operation. Its tactical operations are directed by command and control-level personnel through the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), an open-architecture solution that integrates all of the ship's systems through a single enterprise network.

Missiles

2 - RIM-162 Extended Sea Sparrow Missile Launchers (ESSM)
2 - RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile Launchers (RAM)

Guns

3 - Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS)
4 - M2 .50 Cal. (12.7 mm) Machine Guns

Aircraft Carried

75+ Fixed Wing Aircraft and Helicopters