Navy Completes LCS Trials ( a new breed of focused mission ships, the Littoral Combat Ship. )

Daily Tech ^ | October 22, 2009 3:41 PM | Michael Barkoviak

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Navy sea trials of LCS Independence are complete

DailyTech previously published an article noting the United States Navy was planning on testing its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) in trials after an aborted attempt and months of delay.

During testing, the General Dynamics-created Independence had an average speed of 44 knots, with a top speed of 45 knots.  The ship, which was tested in the Gulf of Mexico, endured 25-knot winds and eight-foot waves.

Previously, engineers expected the ship to top 44 knots -- during testing in July, engine issues stopped maximum speed tests before Independence could reach 44 knots.  Exact engine issues weren't released, and the Navy won't officially receive the ship until it successfully passes all required testing.

"Independence exceeded our expectations in terms of maneuverability, stability, handling and speed,” said Jeff Geiger, GD subsidiary Bath Iron Works President.

[MHGinTN]

That has to be photoshopped ... where are the skiers out the back?

[NormsRevenge]

A Stealth PT boat w/heliport.. cool.

[null and void]

Set image size with height=XXX

<img height=300 src=http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/12481_large_090712-N-0000G-001.jpg>

Displays:

[RC2]

Obama will either put a stop to it or leave it tied up in port so it doesn’t offend those in the middle east.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

I'm assuming it has a small radar signature also? What is the armament of that thing, anyone know?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

LOL....

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks....I was too lazy to dig out my HTML books.

[LSUfan]

RAM missile system abaft the superstructure, 57mm rapid fire gun forward, Advanced Sea Sparrow VLS just forward of the bridge.

[Mmogamer]

Thats a rather small gun,, it’s got missles and such i assume?

[PapaBear3625]

If it’s going to operate in littoral waters, I’d like to see some stabilized 20mm gun mounts on her.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

How fast is 44 knots...translated to mpg?

And I wonder if it is going at its max speed....that is a pretty sharp turn....impressive at any speed.

[tanknetter]

RAM missile system abaft the superstructure,

SEA-RAM actually. Unlike RAM it used the Phalanx radar system (aka R2-D2 dome).

[Mmogamer]

Oh. Sorry didn’t see the post above me. 57’’ whats that equivalent to ala WW2 calibers.

[PAR35]

That’s not nice to do without a warning in the headline to folks on dialup. I’ve got a decent connection, but some of the rural folks are still stuck on dial up.

[null and void]

Nully's quick FR HTML guide

Bookmark me...

[NormsRevenge]

50 mph roughly.

http://www.military.com/news/article/lcs-tops-50-mph-in-tests.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

[NormsRevenge]

top end is classifed. :-]

Sammy Hagar would not drive this.. unless ya converted it to a Cabo party boat.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Looking around ...found this:

Littoral Combat Ships - LCS-- Fact File

***********************************EXCERPT*****************************

Description
LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

Features
The LCS 1 Freedom class consists of two different hullforms – a semiplaning monohull and an aluminum trimaran – designed and built by two industry teams, respectively led by Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. These seaframes will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called Mission Packages, which can be changed out quickly. Mission packages are supported by special detachments that will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.

Background
Initiated in February 2002, the LCS program represents a significant reduction in time to acquire, design and build ships in comparison to any previous ship class. USS Freedom (LCS 1), was delivered to the Navy on 18 September 2008. Freedom was constructed by a Lockheed Martin led industry team in Marinette, WI. The second ship of this class, Independence (LCS 2), is currently being built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Independence is scheduled to be delivered in 2009. In April 2007, the Navy terminated its contract with Lockheed Martin for the construction of LCS 3 after negotiations to convert from a cost-plus contract to a fixed-price contract were unsuccessful. The second General Dynamics ship (LCS 4) was also terminated in November 2007 after similar efforts failed

Point Of Contact
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command (OOD)
Washington, DC 20362

General Characteristics, Freedom class

Builder: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics

Date Deployed: Under Construction

Length: Lockheed Martin variant: 378 ft. (115.3 meters)
General Dynamics variant: 419 ft. (127.6 meters)

Beam: Lockheed Martin variant: 57.4 ft. (17.5 meters) General Dynamics variant: 103.7 ft. (31.6 meters)

Displacement: Lockheed Martin variant: approximately 3,000 MT full load, General Dynamics variant: approximately 3,000 MT full load

Draft: Lockheed Martin variant: 12.8 ft. (3.9meters) General Dynamics variant: 14.1 ft (4.3 meters)

Speed: 40+ knots

Ships:

USS Freedom (LCS 1), Norfolk, VA

PCU Independence (LCS 2), No homeport

Last Update: 15 January 2009

Printer Friendly View of Fact Sheet