The LCS is a complete disaster going back many many years.
In an attempt to be everything to everybody, it became nothing to anybody. Everybody involved in the planning of this ship should be fired.
“In an attempt to be everything to everybody, it became nothing to anybody.”
You put your finger on the problem. In order to get funded a project promises that it can do every mission and therefore it can get the funding of those other projects that are more specialized. (The more funding you get the more powerful you are.) FCS did this. One vehicle was supposed to be modifiable to do every vehicle’s function. Main battle tank, mobile hospital, ambulance, scout vehicle...It was ridiculous. The Army spent more money than if it had designed all new special purpose vehicles and they ended up with NOTHING.
Absolutely. Of the 3 programs listed if one had to go, please make it the LCS. The missile package thing next. The Ohio replacement and F35 are absolutely mandatory.
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.