1:700 USS Zumwalt Class Destr. DDG-1000 Carson 737141 500737141

The US Navy’s (USN) pending new guided-missile destroyer class looks like something entirely out of a science fiction movie. Known as the Zumwalt class (Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was the youngest officer ever to serve as Chief of Naval Operations, and he led the USN during the time of the Vietnam War), it features a wave-piercing hull and sleek form to reduce its radar cross-section. The first-of-class USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) was launched in October 2013 and she’s expected to reach initial operating capability in 2016 at a cost of about $1.4 billion. Only three 14,654-ton Zumwalt-class destroyers will be built by General Dynamics. With a crew of 142, USS Zumwalt will reach speeds of 30.3 knots. Her armament includes 20 MK 57 VLS missile modules, two 155mm guns and two Mk 46 30mm cannons, plus she will carry two SH-60 helicopters and three MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Just to prove that the Black Label series consists of more than just 1/35 scale armored vehicles, this futuristic destroyer will be offered in this innovative collection of kits. Dragon’s exclusive line has been receiving a very popular response and this, the fourth Black Label kit to be released, will be no different. USS Zumwalt is produced in 1/700 scale and it features 100% all-new toolings as befitting such a radical new design. The parts separation is very smartly engineered so that the plastic kit masterfully replicates the unusual shape of this stealth destroyer. Modelers perhaps didn’t dream that a kit of this remarkably modern destroyer would be available so soon, but Black Label is happy to deliver this delightful surprise!