$13,300,000,000: Why the Navy's Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Is So Expensive

Summary and Key Points: The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) faced cost overruns and delays, reaching $13.3 billion, exceeding initial estimates.

-Despite these issues, the Ford-class carriers are projected to save $5 billion each over their lifespan due to reduced maintenance costs and smaller crew sizes.

-The advanced technologies, like EMALS, justify the high upfront costs in the long run by enhancing operational capabilities and efficiency. The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is expected to meet its cost cap of $11.4 billion...