CVN-21
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CVN-79-Rendering.jpg
CVN-79 Rendering ()
The CVN-21 ("21st Century Aircraft Carrier") is the next generation supercarrier for the United States Navy. It should not be confused with CV-21, the hull designation for the post-World War II carrier USS Boxer, which was in service from 1945-1969.
The first hull of CVN-21 (formerly CVNX) will be CVN-78. The CVN-21 uses the basic hull design of the Nimitz-class, though that is where the similarities will end.
CVN-21 will incorporate many new design features including a new nuclear reactor design (the A1B reactor), stealthier features to help reduce radar profile, electromagnetic catapults, advanced arresting gear, and reduced crewing requirements. The U.S. Navy believes that with the addition of the most modern equipment and extensive use of automation they will be able to reduce the total cost of future aircraft carriers. If the Navy can reduce the cost of constructing and maintaining an aircraft carrier, they will overcome the biggest complaint received in the U.S. Congress — that of funding.