The lead ship of the USN’s guided-missile programme is facing construction issues and delivery delays. (US Navy)

Design instability has created construction problems for the new US Navy (USN) guided-missile frigate (FFG) and delayed delivery of the ship, according to a recent US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

To reduce technical risk for the FFGs, the navy and shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) modified an existing design to incorporate USN specifications and weapon systems, the GAO noted in its report
Navy Frigate Unstable Design Has Stalled Construction and Compromised Delivery Schedules
released on 29 May.

“However, the navy’s decision to begin construction before the design was complete is inconsistent with leading ship design practices and jeopardized this approach,” the GAO said.

“Further, design instability has caused weight growth,” the GAO reported. “The frigate’s 3D design – a component of design stability – is incomplete over one year after construction began.”