LCS Competition Ends In A Tie

The Strategy Page ^ | 09/08/2010 | The Strategt Page

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The U.S. Navy has made a decision on which of two competing designs for its "Littoral Combat Ship" (LCS) will enter mass production. The navy surprised everyone by choosing both designs, and requesting that the fifty or so LCS ships be split between the two very different looking ships. It was only recently, after over a decade of development, construction and delays, that both versions of the LCS entered service. Both were worked hard, to determine which model should become the standard design. Both ships delivered impressive performance. But the navy also believes that having two suppliers, even with different designs, will provide the kind of competition that will keep costs down and quality high. If one of the builders began to screw up, they would lose some, or all, of their orders. Such an incentive program has worked in the past. Current plans are to place an initial order for to 20 LCSs, to be built between 2011-15.

[Mr. Blond]

Good idea.

[miliantnutcase]

This is about time. Tired of the tax payer being ripped off by going over budget. We’ll see if competition works in getting this project moving along.

[SuperLuminal]

Good grief! You mean to tell me that “common sense” exists somewhere within the Pentagon?

[mazda77]

I would wager to say that the Pentagon sees an influx of common sense coming to Congress. CYA mode on display.

[Oztrich Boy]

Still an overpriced APD