The USS Zumwalt, touted as America's most advanced warship, sailed for testing on Monday, and what is even more awesome is that its commanding officer is a real Capt. James Kirk, no less.
"We are absolutely fired up to see Zumwalt get underway," Kirk told the Associated Press, "For the crew and all those involved in designing, building, and readying this fantastic ship, this is a huge milestone."
The 610-foot USS Zumwalt is both strange and futuristic. It has sharp, angular lines that recall a sleek yacht and even a spaceship. From some angles, it also looks like an upside-down ship with its inverse bow designed to easily cut through waves.
Aside from its striking appearance, the new warship is also outfitted with state-of-the-art technology. It is so advanced that it only registers as a small vessel, the size of a fishing boat, on radar, the Telegraph reported. It is also equipped with advanced weapon system such as a computer-guided missile that can hit a target from as far away as 63 miles. Kirk will also have laser weapons and an electromagnetic railgun at his disposal.
The USS Zumwalt is classified as a destroyer, which means that its role is to protect larger warships from small, deadly threats at sea, Popular Science reported. At 610 feet long, it is now the largest destroyer made for the U.S. Navy. The warship will join a fleet of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers.
The destroyer sails to the Atlantic for a series of sea trials before finalling joining the U.S. Navy next year.
