A new entry has been added to Add-Ons Library, category FSX Ships

Description: Spruance class destroyers and variants, for FSX.

First commissioned in 1975, the class was designed with gas-turbine propulsion, all-digital weapons systems, automated 5-inch guns. Serving for three decades, the Spruance class was designed to escort a carrier group with a primary ASW mission, though in the 1990s 24 members of the class were upgraded with the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) for the Tomahawk surface-to-surface missile. Rather than extend the life of the class, the navy accelerated its retirement. The last ship of the class was decommissioned in 2005, with most examples broken up or destroyed as targets.

The class ran to 31 units and 4 Kidd class DDG general purpose Destroyers. 27 of the strategic Anti-Air and Space TICONDEROGA cruiser versions were also constructed, and the LM2500 engineering plant and AGEIS combat system have gone on to become the world naval gold standard.

2 unbuilt versions are also presented. DDH-997 Hayler was planned as a large hangar and flightdeck helicopter carrying destroyer, much like the JMSDF`s Shiriane class DDH. Capable of supprting up to 4 LAMPS I or II helio`s, or the more capable SH-3 ASW helicopter, the Hayler would also have been able to operate and hangar the large CH-53E. Cancelled due to cost over-runs, the Hayler was completed as th 31st and last Spruance.

The last model presented is the Air-capable (Ghiradella) Spruance CVE.

A study by Cdr.Ghiradella appeared in 'Proceedings' in the mid seventies, depicting a very light harrier carrier on a Spruance DD hull and machinery. Taking advantage of the significant growth built into the Spruance platform, Ghiradella schemed a 8500 ton ASW/Sea control escort carrier. With a air group of 4-6 Sh-60 or SH-3 helio's, 2-4 AV-8 STOVL fighter-bombers, and substantial gun/missile armament comprising ASROC, SeaSparrow and Phalanx CWIS, 5inch54 auto cannon, Harpoon ASM, 2 triple ASW torpedo launchers, SURBOC batteries; and a full range of radar, sonar and ESM, the design would have been well suited to ASW convoy escort and sea control missions. The vessel aroused considerable comment in naval circles, and was under serious consideration during the cold war.

This is an impression of the Spruance`s for FSX, for use with AICarriers2 or other traffic compiles. The base model is from 3DS warehouse, and has been totaly rebuilt to reduce poly count,fix scale, added detail,versions and is totally texture mapped. The models cover the ASROC,ABL and VLS Spruance destroyers, all 4 Kidd class DDG`s, DDH Hayler as planned, and an impression of Cdr.Gihradella`s CVE Spruance, in FSX service as the CVE-128 Ernest. E Evans class.

Offered in attached effect and no effects versions, minor animations(radar), mapped lighting and landable decks.

To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit Spruance class destroyers and variants, for FSX.zip
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.