DDG-51 Class Louvers

Problem: The 47 intake/exhaust louvers on the ARLEIGH BURKE Class DDGs were corroding at an alarming rate, even before the ship was launched. Vast amounts of manpower were required to keep up with the maintenance and corrosion control.

Solution: MTTC, in conjunction with ACL, Ltd., verified the "Fluidized Bed Powder Coating" system by coating 3 louvers and placing them on USS COOK for at-sea testing. The results were outstanding.

Benefits

Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:

Minimum annual:          $700 K

Minimum 15 Year:   $10,500 K

Fleet Impact: Essentially eliminates the need to strip, prime and paint these large and complex topside parts. Now incorporated into ship production for all new DDG's.

Status: Complete

Type Commanders are sending ship-sets for coating as soon as ships' schedules allow. Now included in all new production ships. This will no longer be an issue by end of 2002.

Applications Include:

Unique to DDG-51 Class at this time.

Method is proven and in library for future issues on other ship classes.