Nimitz class aircraft carrier.

Technical Data

• Weapons Systems and Protection Systems on Board

  The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are equipped with a variety of advanced weapons systems to ensure their defense against multiple threats. These systems include the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), which employs automated gatling guns for close-in defense against anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The carriers also utilize the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) for short- and medium-range defense against anti-ship cruise missiles and aerial threats. The Mk 29 Guided Missile Launching Systems are capable of deploying eight RIM-162 ESSM or RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles each, offering substantial defensive capabilities. Additionally, the carriers are equipped with 2–3 Phalanx CIWS systems for close-range defense and two Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching Systems, each capable of launching 21 RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles. For surface defense, the carriers are fitted with Mk 38 25 mm Machine Gun Systems, providing additional firepower against small boats and close-in threats. These systems, combined with advanced electronic warfare suites, create a comprehensive defensive posture that enhances the survivability of the carrier in hostile environments.

• Design and Features

  The design of the Nimitz-class carriers features a large, angled flight deck and a distinct island superstructure offset to the starboard side. This layout allows for simultaneous aircraft launch and recovery operations, maximizing the efficiency and tempo of air operations. The flight deck is equipped with catapults and arrestor wires, facilitating the rapid deployment and recovery of aircraft. The angled deck design is specifically engineered to support high-intensity air operations, providing space for various aircraft types and missions. The carriers are multi-mission platforms, supporting air superiority, power projection, sea control, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance roles. They are designed to operate in various environments, from open ocean to littoral zones, ensuring that they can adapt to the demands of modern warfare and international crises.

• Engine and Propulsion

  The Nimitz-class carriers are powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, each generating energy through 93.5% highly enriched uranium (HEU). These reactors drive four steam turbines connected to four shafts, delivering an impressive output of 260,000 shaft horsepower (shp) or 194 megawatts (MW). This configuration allows the carriers to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h or 35 mph), ensuring rapid mobility and strategic flexibility. The nuclear propulsion system provides nearly unlimited endurance at sea, allowing the carriers to remain deployed for extended periods without the need for refueling, a significant advantage in maintaining global reach and operational readiness.

• Onboard Equipment

  The Nimitz-class carriers are outfitted with a sophisticated array of radar sensors and processing systems designed to ensure comprehensive situational awareness and command and control capabilities. Key radar systems include the AN/SPS-48E 3-D air search radar, which provides precise tracking of air targets, and the AN/SPS-49(V)5 2-D air search radar, offering long-range detection of aerial threats. The AN/SPQ-9B target acquisition radar enhances the carrier's targeting capabilities by providing high-resolution tracking of surface and air targets. For air traffic control, the carriers utilize the AN/SPN-46 and AN/SPN-43C air traffic control radars, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft operations in the carrier's airspace. The AN/SPN-41 landing aid radars further assist in guiding aircraft during landing procedures. The Nimitz-class carriers also feature advanced electronic warfare and decoy systems to counter sophisticated electronic threats. The AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite is capable of detecting and jamming enemy radar and communications signals, providing an additional layer of defense. The Nulka active missile decoy system offers further protection by creating a false target, diverting incoming threats away from the carrier.

• Flight capabilities

  Nimitz-class aircraft carriers boast impressive flight capabilities, serving as a floating airbase that can accommodate a wide range of aircraft types. The typical air wing aboard a Nimitz-class carrier consists of around 90 aircraft, including a mix of fighter jets, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft, and helicopters. The primary fixed-wing aircraft deployed on these carriers is the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, serving as the backbone of the carrier's strike and air superiority missions. These versatile aircraft are capable of performing a variety of roles, from air combat and ground attack to reconnaissance and electronic warfare. In addition to the F/A-18 variants, the carriers operate EA-18G Growlers, specialized electronic warfare aircraft used to jam enemy radar and communications. The E-2C/D Hawkeye provides airborne early warning and control, offering extended radar coverage and battle management support. The C-2A Greyhound is used for carrier onboard delivery (COD), transporting personnel, mail, and cargo between the carrier and shore bases. Helicopters play a critical role in the carrier's operations, with the MH-60S Seahawk and MH-60R Seahawk providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), and logistics support. The flexibility of these helicopters allows them to operate in a wide range of conditions, from open ocean to urban environments, enhancing the carrier's mission capabilities.