Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)

Brumby said:

... back to a more traditional frigate design rather than modular.

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TerraN_EmpirE said:

The word "Much" was used, that's important. As just how much is "Much"? I think it means that the current modular payload bays will be shrunk down in favor of VLS and ...

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Jura said:

from 2011 brochure:

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GE’s Marine Solutions announced it will provide LM2500+G4 gas turbines that will power the Italian Navy’s new Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol ships. The PPA’s hybrid electric propulsion system also will use GE’s shock-proof MV3000 drives and a GE-designed electrical network of motors as part of the propulsion system. Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business headquartered in Italy, will have the design responsibility for the gas turbine packages.
The PPA ships will be built by Fincantieri at its Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano. Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and a leader in the naval shipbuilding industry. According to Fincantieri’s announcement on this project, the PPA patrol ship will serve multiple functions from patrol with sea rescue capacity to civil protection operations. It will be 133 meters long, and will carry 90 crew members with additional accommodations for up to 171 members.
“We are excited to be part of a project that will continue to modernize and strengthen the Italian Navy’s surface fleet,” said Tim Schweikert, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE’s Marine Solutions. “Our contract includes an order for seven LM2500+G4 gas turbines. The ship’s flexible and unique hybrid propulsion plant will feature small gearbox mounted-motors for low speed operations, two propulsion diesels for mid-speed service and the gas turbine to reach more than 32 knots. We will also be responsible for the electrical system integration of the hybrid system,” Schweikert added (see Figure 1).
The PPA’s MV3000 drive developed by GE’s Marine Solutions will drive the electric motor to rotate the propeller in low speed operations. The hybrid motor and drive also can act as the generator to power equipment onboard the vessel, such as weapons and sensors. While conducting disaster relief operations, the PPA will be able to provide up to 2MW of power to the shore. GE drives can convert the frequency of the electricity generated to 50 or 60 hertz, allowing smooth shore connection whatever the location.

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TerraN_EmpirE said:

The word "Much" was used, that's important. As just how much is "Much"? I think it means that the current modular payload bays will be shrunk down in favor of VLS and added weapons. The remaining bay space will likely be retained for uses in carrying RVs and Support craft including H60 series helicopters and RHIB.
As to Flight 0 boats they will be updated and upgunned as best possible and remain in service. There unique options I think will make them special mission assets for SF and Expeditionary forces.

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Jura said:

... and at that point I thought you were in sci-fi Thread, but you actually traveled back in time:

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When responding to questions from Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Harry Harris outlined his strong support for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) programs during a House Armed Services Committee this morning. The Independence class LCS and EPF are built by Austal USA in Mobile.

Admiral Harris called the LCS a “terrific platform to work with our allies and partners in the region.” He went on to say that he has always valued the LCS, dating back to his time as Pacific Fleet Commander for the Navy. “I believe there is a place for LCS in the joint force, now that I am the PACOM commander,” Harris said.

Byrne also asked Admiral Harris to explain why the LCS is so important as it relates to supporting United States allies in the region from adversaries like China and Russia.

“A lot of our friends and partners in the region have small navies,” Admiral Harris said. “They want to learn from us, or they want to learn from somebody, and I’d rather they learn from us than other potential partners. There navies are small and when a cruiser comes in there or even a DDG for that matter, it can overwhelm them. So, an LCS is the right platform to do that. It is also the right platform to train in areas of shallower depths.”

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