User:Curtis Conway/sandbox

The class uses passive phased-array radar and was originally planned as a class of nuclear powered destroyers (DLGN). However, the increased combat capability offered by the Aegis Combat System and the AN/SPY-1 radar system was used to justify the change of the classification from DLGN (guided missile destroyer) to CG (guided-missile cruiser) shortly before the keels were laid down for Ticonderoga and Yorktown. Removing the nuclear propulsion and adding conventional gas turbine propulsion saved development and construction money, and enabled retention of the original hull design, which would have to been changed dramatically to hold a nuclear propulsion system. The USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) Class replaced what was to be a nuclear Destroyer Leader class of combat vessel.

A "Double-Ender" is a surface combatant that has a specific combat capability on both ends. The CG-47 Class Cruiser has a 5" gun on both ends. Every gun system was designed to handle guided projectiles.  The US Navy has only recently begun the process of developing and fielding that very potent, cost effective, and versatile capability on its surface combatants that employ 5" guns. that single upgrade to the ammunition available to the 5" gun will enable the upgrade of every cruiser and destroyer platform with this very potent capability. If rocket assist is developed, which is much easier on guided projectiles over purely ballistic performance, then other capabilities can be added to the platform such as over the horizon gun fire support for Marines ashore.  The rocket assisted guided projectile could intercept airborne targets at a much lower cost than using missiles for every engagement.