The US Navy has received the first electronic modular enclosure (EME) for the Zumwalt Class destroyer (DDG 1000) from Raytheon.
The EME is a large subsystem, which creates an optimal environment for mission equipment while insulating the combat electronics from shock, noise and electromagnetic interference.
The subsystem measures 35ft long and 12ft wide, with an average weight of up to 18t when fully populated.
The EMEs streamline the shipboard combat system installation, integration and testing thereby reducing the ship integration costs.
Each Zumwalt destroyer carries 16 EMEs, each comprising more than 235 individual electronics cabinets.
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Zumwalt vice-president Bill Marcley said the EME delivered capability and efficiencies in ship production that translate to cost savings for the navy throughout the life of the ship.
The EME unit, encapsulating ruggedised and commercial electronic equipment for the ship’s external communications has been shipped to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding at Pascagoula in Mississippi for its integration into the DDG 1000 advanced composite deckhouse.
Electronics integration and testing of the EMEs are being carried out at the company’s facilities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Florida and Pennsylvania.
