CVN21 is the
project name used by the U.S. Navy, its contractors, and Congress
to denote the development of the next design in supercarriers. CVN
21 is a reference to the next class fixed wing nuclear carrier
(CVN) for the 21st Century. The last of the current Nimitz Class
nuclear carriers is named the George H. Bush CVN77 and is expected
to join the fleet around 2007. The new class will commence with the
yet to be named CVN78.
Courtesy of
Northrup Grumman, the three links below reflect the progress on the
CVN21/CVN78 program.
Review
Magazine article regarding CVN21 (PDF format.)
Northrup Grumman CVN21 / CVN78
overview video
Northrup Grumman festivities
surrounding ceremonial steel cutting for CVN21/ CVN78
Northrop Grumman Awarded $1.386 Billion Contract for New Generation Aircraft Carrier, CVN 21
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 21, 2004 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received a $1.386 billion construction preparation contract for work on the new generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, CVN21. Work performed under this contract includes the continued design of the ship's propulsion plant and increased design efforts of the ship to meet the requirements of increased sortie rates, manning reductions and weight reductions.
Innovations for CVN21 include an enhanced flight deck, improved weapons movement, a redesigned island, a new nuclear power plant, allowance for future technologies and reduced manning. Construction is expected to begin in 2007 with delivery to the Navy in 2014.