Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

Norfolk said:

Nice post, Jeff.

Just wondering, although the LCS is not intended for high-seas use, it will still face harsh storms, especially on the Atlantic seaboard. Just how stable will either of the two versions be in such circumstances, especially for those engaged in ASW operations?

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I believe both will be stable in heavy sea states and inclement weather and are being desinged that way.

As i understand, both may well have task force escort duty from time to time, particularl in the ASW role.

They are really not all that small...at 2800 tons or so full load, each is really more like a frigate sized vessel.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

Jeff Head said:

Based on what I am seeing and hearing, I believe they are going to end up producing both ships. The bidding will probably end up determining which company produces the most. Both designs have merit.

My guess is they will produce like 36 or so of one design and 24or so of the other. But we shall see.

As it is, it sounds like 3 of one and 2 of the other to get through this second round altogether.

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I just have to wonder why they are using two designs to do the same thing. So both corporations can get their paydays? The Navy should pick one design and stick with it.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

Finn McCool said:

I just have to wonder why they are using two designs to do the same thing. So both corporations can get their paydays? The Navy should pick one design and stick with it.

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It's deeper strategic reasons. The US needs to maintain a shipbuilding industry that is quickly capable of ramping up production, or if one yard experiences a major work stoppage (attack, strike, etc).

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

I'm not normally a fan of US shipbuilding* but this ship I really like. Obviously the Aussie in t . But seriously, I think they are under-armed; I'd rather see it in a GP frigate version to replace the Perry's. I'd give it the stealthier Bofor's mount (as per Visby), two quad SSM launchers forward facing in stealthy bins either side of the superstructure, two Oerlikon Skyshield 35mm AAA wih AHEAD (in place of the RAM) and 32 ESSMs. Space for all this would be made by reducing the size of the helipad to about 1/2 what it currently is.

But that's just me. Still great ships.




*only because I think the designs lack the flare of European designs.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

planeman said:

I'm not normally a fan of US shipbuilding* but this ship I really like. Obviously the Aussie in t . But seriously, I think they are under-armed; I'd rather see it in a GP frigate version to replace the Perry's. I'd give it the stealthier Bofor's mount (as per Visby), two quad SSM launchers forward facing in stealthy bins either side of the superstructure, two Oerlikon Skyshield 35mm AAA wih AHEAD (in place of the RAM) and 32 ESSMs. Space for all this would be made by reducing the size of the helipad to about 1/2 what it currently is.

But that's just me. Still great ships.




*only because I think the designs lack the flare of European designs.

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There will be an ASW package, and anti-mine package, a spec ops package, and I believe an ASuW package. That latter package will probably include some type of anti-surface launchers. Not sure what though. Whether its a quad Harpoon or two, or PVLM (which I doubt for this vessel) or what.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

GD design just looks so much nicer. They should just all the ships to GD. Again, I have no respect for Lockmart's shipbuilding capacity.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

planeman said:

Obviously the Aussie in t.

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Let's not forget the inspiration from Triton - British design.

But seriously, I think they are under-armed

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I've read suggestions that it will have Harpoon and a Mk-41 VLS, amongst other things.

Is that outdated information, or still planned for the ship?

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

Nice vessel, she looks so ... futuristic.

I think perhaps later on, when the navy realizes it needs replacements for the OHPs, design changes will be made to the LCS to allow a Mk41 VLS to make the ships light FFGs.
Currently they come as light multi-mission FFs. Really suited for fast littoral intrusions under cover from others or alone on covert operations. They are not really to strike or fight, but bring in special assets or capabilities really fast and close when needed.
The Netfire in the ASuW version is a good missile to strike other FACs or smaller targets on shore, but not to fight warships.

I also think the ongoing bidding process is aimed at maintining a broader naval industrial base by paying two vendors, for now. Furthermore, both teams didn't really do that well with time schedules and staying on budget. Now both get a change to show they can do better, and the navy can further evaluate.

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

I'd like to place an order for 20+ of these for the RN right now! Well after doing all the trials work with Triton We should get some of our money back... I'd prefer a heavier gun for shore bombardment work (assuming the L in the LCS actually does mean Littoral), but overall I'm glad to see the 'future' as promised in sci fi movies when I was a kid has finally turned up. So glad to see ships that can hover over the sea instead of cutting through it. What was that? Drydock? Oh Sod it...

Re: US Navy LCS-2 Independence Floated/Launched

Obi Wan Russell said:

I'd like to place an order for 20+ of these for the RN right now!

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Absolutely...I wish the RN would buy 20...and I hope the USN actually goes ahead and orders 20.

It will be interesting to see which design ultimately wins out. I believe both designs havr merit and actually hope to see 24 or more of each.

If they get the extended range munitions for the 57mm too, it will help a lot in its shore support role. But I would have rather seen an auto-fire 76mm or even larger for the shore support role too.

The SEA RAM CIWS looks good on the vessel.