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USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier Images

Manufacturer: Huntington Ingalls Industries
Category: Aircraft Carriers
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Large Flight Deck Supports simultaneous launch/recovery of multiple aircraft
Onboard Air Wing 60+ fixed-wing and rotary aircraft
Advanced Command & Control Integrated CMS and CIC
Defensive Weapon Systems CIWS, RAM, decoy systems

Full Specifications

1. Physical Characteristics

Ship Type	Aircraft Carrier
Class	Nimitz-class
Length	333 m
Beam (Width)	77 m
Flight Deck Width	78 m
Draft	12 m
Displacement (Full Load)	97,000 tons

2. Propulsion & Performance

Propulsion Type	Nuclear
Powerplant	2 × A4W nuclear reactors
Shafts	4
Maximum Speed	30+ knots
Range	Unlimited (nuclear)
Endurance	45+ days at sea

3. Flight Operations

Aircraft Launch System	CATOBAR
Catapult Type	Steam
Recovery System	Arresting gear
Total Aircraft Capacity	60+ aircraft
Hangar Capacity	Full-length
Aircraft Types Supported	Fighters, AEW, ASW helos, transport helos

4. Sensors & Electronics

Primary Radar	3D surveillance / multifunction
Navigation Radar	Standard naval system
Fire Control Radar	Supports air defense & CIWS
Electronic Warfare Suite	ESM, ECM, jammers
Communication Systems	SATCOM, Link-16

5. Weapons & Defense Systems

CIWS	Phalanx
Short-Range SAMs	RAM
Missile Launchers	Limited surface-defense
Decoy Systems	Chaff, flare launchers

6. Command & Control

Combat Management System	Integrated CMS
Combat Information Center (CIC)	Central command hub
Air Operations Center	Manages flight operations
Data Links	Tactical & satellite communication systems

7. Crew & Capacity

Ship Crew	3,200
Air Wing Personnel	1,700
Total Complement	4,900+

8. Construction & Cost

Shipbuilder/Manufacturer	Newport News Shipbuilding, USA
Construction Started	1970
Commissioned	1977
Estimated Cost	$4.5 billion

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.5

Performance 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 9 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Nuclear propulsion enables near-unlimited range
Capable of deploying 60+ aircraft simultaneously
Advanced radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems
Proven operational record in multiple theaters
Self-sustained for long-duration deployments

CONS

Extremely high construction and maintenance costs
Vulnerable to modern anti-ship missile threats
Requires extensive logistical support for crew and air wing
Large size limits port access
Aging systems require ongoing modernization

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower – Nimitz-Class Supercarrier

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) stands as one of the U.S. Navy’s premier power projection platforms, a testament to modern naval engineering. As a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, it delivers unmatched maritime air superiority, strategic deterrence, and global strike capability.

Manufacturer and Origin: Built by Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Industries) in Virginia, USA, the Eisenhower was commissioned in 1977 and remains a central asset in U.S. naval operations. Its nuclear propulsion enables extended deployments without refueling, giving it near-unlimited operational range.

Purpose and Capabilities: Designed to support a full carrier air wing, the Eisenhower provides multi-role operational flexibility. It can launch fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, electronic warfare platforms, and helicopters for anti-submarine, reconnaissance, and logistical missions. The carrier’s CATOBAR launch system with steam catapults ensures rapid deployment of fixed-wing aircraft, while its advanced arresting gear enables safe recoveries.

Technology and Systems: The carrier integrates sophisticated radar and electronic warfare suites, including 3D surveillance radar, fire-control systems, and satellite communications. Defensive armament includes Phalanx CIWS, RAM missile systems, and decoy countermeasures, ensuring survivability in contested environments. Its combat information center (CIC) coordinates air, sea, and electronic warfare operations seamlessly.

Operational Use: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier has participated in numerous global operations, ranging from deterrence missions in the Persian Gulf to humanitarian assistance worldwide. Its endurance of over 45 days at sea without resupply, combined with a crew complement exceeding 5,000 personnel including the air wing, makes it a self-sustained warfighting platform capable of sustained global presence.

With decades of operational experience, the Eisenhower exemplifies the strategic mobility, power projection, and technological sophistication of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear carrier fleet.

Reviews

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Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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