Microsoft Joins DD-21 Blue Team for Zumwalt-Class Destroyer

Strategic Insights -

The US Navy's DD-21 Blue Team, led by General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works and Lockheed Martin, has announced that Microsoft has joined the team to provide computer hardware and software integration work on the next-generation Zumwalt-class land attack destroyer. The addition of Microsoft is expected to leverage software and information technology marketplace trends, ensuring that the DD-21 enjoys the benefit of the most modern and cost-effective computer processing software, hardware, and architecture available. This partnership is a significant milestone for Microsoft, marking a paradigm shift in the company's involvement in complex military solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft will provide commercial software and hardware for the DD-21 program, used in various applications including logistics, command and control, communications, intelligence, navigation, and information infrastructure.
  • Microsoft's role in the Blue Team will be fluid due to the nature of commercial computer technology, with the possibility of bi-annual or annual upgrades during the design phase.
  • The Navy wants to build 32 Zumwalts, with the first DD-21 to be delivered in FY '10 and initial operational capability in FY '11.
  • The Zumwalt-class destroyers will provide a littoral warfare advantage for U.S. forces, with greatly improved firepower and capabilities compared to current hulls.
  • The Navy will select the winning DD-21 design from one of the teams in April 2001.
  • Microsoft's partner companies on the Blue Team include General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works and Lockheed Martin.
  • Microsoft spent over $3 billion in the research and development of new technology annually, with the potential for bi-annual or annual upgrades during the design phase.

Statistics:

  • $3 billion: The amount Microsoft spends annually on research and development of new technology.
  • FY '10: The delivery year for the first DD-21.
  • FY '11: The initial operational capability year for the DD-21.
  • 2010: The expected year the first operational Zumwalt-class destroyer will be in service.
  • 32: The number of Zumwalts the Navy wants to build.
  • 3: The number of ships the Navy plans to build per year.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft, Lockheed Martin's Bath Iron Works Partner on DD-21 Blue Team" (Defense Daily, no date).
  • "Microsoft Added to Systems Integration Team Supporting CVN-77" (Defense Daily, July 14, 2000).
  • "Sun Microsystems Wins Total Ship Computing Architecture Contract" (Defense Daily, April 28).
  • "DD-21 Blue Team Has Potential Lead Weeks Away from Submission of Final Design" (Defense Daily, Jan. 27).