Posted on 09/14/2013 9:16:12 AM PDT by yoe
I know nothing about these ships, so you might need to explain it like I am five.
That said, are any ships armored enough to withstand a direct hit by one of those Russian or Chinese missiles? If that is the case, should the goal be sipped and aggressive defense (like a phalanx).
Again, I know nothing about this. Just wondering.
The LCS has far less capability than a fletcher class destroyer from WII. That’s true in every measure except electronics and the ability to briefly speed like a motorboat.
The LCS firepower is a sad joke. A Fletcher could operate in water just as shallow, but it comes with a deadly battery of five 5 inch guns, and was festooned with 20mm and 40mm. It carries depth charges and 10 torpedoes.
An LCS basically carries the gun from a Bradley fighting vehicle, and an indirect rocket launcher that is the equivalent in range and power of large mortar.
The LCS is exempted from time proven USN damage control standards.
An LCS would be in grave danger if it comes within 2 miles of shore. It could easily be bested by a standard main battle tank on the beach.
You mentioned Leyte gulf. Think of the USS Johnston. That ship took on a column of Japanese cruisers and Battleships. It blew the bow off one and set it afire with a torpedo, and raked the superstructure of another with a storm of 5 inch fire.
They bought precious time for the CVEs.
No matter how brave the lesbian captain might be, an LCS is utterly helpless if any other ship whatsoever decides to attack it
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