Milestone trials taking place for new U.S. Navy Zumwalt-class destroyer

BATH, Maine, April 21 (UPI) -- The first-in-class guided missile destroyer for the U.S. Navy has left a shipyard in Maine to perform acceptance trials.

The trials for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey will test the Zumwalt's (DDG-1000) key systems. "While underway, many of the ship's key systems and technologies including navigation, propulsion readiness, auxiliary systems, habitability, fire protection and damage control capabilities will be demonstrated to ensure they meet the Navy's requirements," The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command said.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works conducted four days of builder's trials last month to test the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical systems.

The Zumwalt is expected to be delivered to the Navy next month, with commissioning to follow in the fall.

The Zumwalt is 600 feet long, 80.7 feet in the beam and has a speed of more than 30 knots.