Radar reflectors will have to be fitted so that other ships can detect its presence and not bump into the $22.5 billion destroyer.

When ship designers designed America’s new Zumwalt class destroyers with an emphasis of stealth little did they expect that the capability will exceed their design scope and make the ship almost undetectable.

Although that sounds excellent, it comes with an unforeseen baggage: as per this news report, during sea trials, to the U.S Navy’s amazement, the reduced ship’s signature on the radar made it very difficult to detect even during normal times. Radar reflectors may now have to be installed so that the U.S. Navy can locate and detect it.

The 610-feet long destroyer appears just 40 to 50 feet long on a radar screen. This stealth capability can be further boosted if the testing equipment onboard is removed. Although this stealth could play a significant role during warfare, it could also a less-than-an-ideal situation when the destroyer is navigating busy shipping channels or operating during stormy weather.

The U.S. Navy has naturally tested the use of onboard reflectors to improve its radar visibility. Moreover, the destroyer has its own array of advanced radars to detect ships from miles away so as to minimize chances of collision. However, so as to protect the $22.5 billion vessel from adventurous fishing boats, the Zumwalt is equipped with a railgun. Better safe than to be sorry.