So if you were the United States Navy where would you go to test new ship designs? If your answer was Lake Pend Oreille in North Idaho you would be right! The lake, which is the fourth deepest in the U.S. at 1100+ feet, has been used for decades by the Navy to test submarine technology. Now, for the first time, it is being used to evaluate some new skimmer (surface ship) technology. The test platform is a 1/4 size model based on the next generation Destroyer DD(X). The model was built by Dakota Creek Industries of Anacortes, home of the fighting Seahawks!!
The model is testing some new water jet propulsion system (catapiller drive?) along with alternative power systems that are supposed to make her much quieter when underway. The hull design is also new, incorporating much stealth technology borrowed from the Air Force.
I think the concept is very interesting and will improve our Navy's ability to fulfill it's primary mission, maintain sea dominance. The only drawback as far as I'm concerned is that ships have a certain beauty and grace, this new ship doesn't maintain that traditional shape. But, I'll never be one to choose appearance over substance.
In the end DD(X) is just another target for submarines like all the other surface ships.
p.s. notice how much the DD(X) looks like a surfaced submarine?
Pyro
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