Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)

Jeff Head said:

It is the same radar provided by Saab.

I would not be surprised to learn that the LCS version has some enhancements, but the basic Sea Giraffe system is very good as advertised.

It is the naval variant of the GIRAFFE radar including the AMB technology which provides multi-beam 3-Dimensional air and surface coverage up to 100 km (62 mi) in distance, and from ground-level to 20,000 meters (66,000 ft) in altitude with 70 degree elevation coverage. The Sea Giraffe data rate is 1-scan per-second. It maintains a pulse density that suppresses high cluttering in adverse weather conditions.

It can simultaneously handle multiple threats approaching from different directions and altitudes, including diving anti-ship missiles. Also, it is specialized for rapidly detecting small, fast moving targets at all altitudes and small surface targets in severe clutter.

One of the other critical things about it, from the US Navy LCS perspective, is its capability to be integrated into larger coverage systems and feed data to those systems or receive data from it...like AEGIS for example. The US will definitely take advantage of that for its own systems.

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Thanks, Jeff, your answer made me wonder about the Freedom-class LCS radar ... Wikipedia describes it only in the German language (which I don't know at all :-( and it seems to me there's TRS-3D/16-ES on the LCS, while on German F122 frigates: TRS-3D/32
Any comments? Please

Lockheed Martin's Multi-Mission Combatant as shown during Euronaval 2012. Pitched as the export variant of the LCS, it is essentially an LCS design fitted with extra sensors and weapons which turns it into a potent Frigate-like multirole surface combatant. (On this scale model it is fitted with AEGIS, Thales Sonar, MK41 VLS, Oto Melara 76mm, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Millenium 35mm guns)

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Excerpt from FY15 Budget Preview as Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Pentagon Press Briefing Room, Monday, February 24, 2014:

Regarding the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship, I am concerned that the Navy is relying too heavily on the LCS to achieve its long-term goals for ship numbers. Therefore, no new contract negotiations beyond 32 ships will go forward. With this decision, the LCS line will continue beyond our five-year budget plan with no interruptions.

The LCS was designed to perform certain missions – such as mine sweeping and anti-submarine warfare – in a relatively permissive environment. But we need to closely examine whether the LCS has the protection and firepower to survive against a more advanced military adversary and emerging new technologies, especially in the Asia Pacific. If we were to build out the LCS program to 52 ships, as previously planned, it would represent one-sixth of our future 300-ship Navy. Given continued fiscal constraints, we must direct shipbuilding resources toward platforms that can operate in every region and along the full spectrum of conflict.

Additionally, at my direction, the Navy will submit alternative proposals to procure a capable and lethal small surface combatant, consistent with the capabilities of a frigate. I’ve directed the Navy to consider a completely new design, existing ship designs, and a modified LCS. These proposals are due to me later this year in time to inform next year’s budget submission.

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Two things the FFG will do better than the LCS is it could take damage better and provide escort duties

It remains to be seen which way this is going to go but it's the story of 6 or half a dozen

LCS is good at mine clearing and shallow missions and every good ASW

It's going to go on the balance of which two they are willing to fund

asif iqbal said:

Two things the FFG will do better than the LCS is it could take damage better and provide escort duties

LCS is good at mine clearing and shallow missions and every good ASW.

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Well this is my latest propsal for the new FFG design to be used for the 28-32 FFGs that will end up being built instead of the additional LCS.


I updated it somewhat over earlier proposals so it could fit in with the new FFG propsal

This design would be multi-mission and include ASW, AAW, escort duties, and Littoral ASuW warfare. Clearly the Mk-41 VLS could alter its war load for the type of mission, probably always retaining ESM, and some number of ASM and VLASROC, but could be supplemented with more or less SM6s, cruise missiles, or new, VL anti-swarming missiles.

Mine hunting and claring would not be a part and the existing LCS vessels could be tasked for that.

I would design it with growth and emerging technologies in mind...with enough additional electrical for ultimate replacement of the Mk-38s with potentially a single Naval Laser, and ultimately, if they develop it in that caliber, an ultimate 57mm or 76mm railgun forward.

Jeff Head said:

Well this is my latest propsal for the new FFG design to be used for the 28-32 FFGs that will end up being built instead of the additional LCS.

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Jeff would your design include a hangar for helicopter(s)? From the picture you showed above my impression is it wouldn't (?)

Jura said:

Jeff would your design include a hangar for helicopter(s)? From the picture you showed above my impression is it wouldn't (?)

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Oh yes...it does.

The RAM launcher is sitting on top of the hanger. The RAM launcher does not penetrate into the hanger.

One MH-60R and a VUAV.

Do you think Malaysia will really get six of these: in five years from now? the gentleman on the video at says that

the specs of Malaysia’s Gowinds (according to
Length: 111 meters (up from 107)
Breadth: 16 meters
Full load displacement: about 3,000 tonnes (up from 2,730)
Max speed: 28 knots
Crew: 106
Range: 5,000 nm
Endurance: 21 days

The ship models shown at a recent defense exhibition show a full helicopter hangar, and Boustead Heavy Industry Corporation has said that it will be capable of embarking helicopters up to the size the RMAF’s 12 ordered EC725 Caracal search and rescue/ special forces helicopters. Malaysia’s Navy could also choose to embark any of its 6 AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 naval helicopters, or 6 Eurocopter AS 350 Fennec light utility helicopters.
Key Sensors

DCNS’ preference for its SETIS combat system won the day, over the Malaysian Navy’s reported preference for Thales’ Tacticos.
Thales SMART-S Mk2 3D multibeam radar
Rheinmetall’s TMEO Mk2 – TMX/EO Radar/ Electro-optical tracking and fire control system
Thales Captas family for hull sonar
ASW suite with towed array sonar

Weapons Array

Pictures from DSA 2012 Defense exhibition in Kuala Lumpur appear to show 12 vertical launch cells, mounted behind the main gun. These will be DCNS’ Sylver family. Sylver A35 cells are the most likely choice, given the ship’s size and expected weapon fit:

BAE’s 57mm Mk.3 naval gun will be provided in a stealth cupola, courtesy of the BHIC Bofors Asia Sdn Bhd joint venture. Confirmed in 2013.
MBDA VL-MICA air defense missiles and their ACL containers in the Sylver cells
8 of MBDA’s MM40 Exocet Block III anti-ship missiles mounted topside
2 of MSI’s remotely operated 30mm guns on top of the helicopter hanger

Jeff Head said:

Well this is my latest propsal for the new FFG design to be used for the 28-32 FFGs that will end up being built instead of the additional LCS.

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Powerful armament , i think desserve at minimum one 76 mm gun with an integrated mast more stealth.

FORBIN said:

Powerful armament , i think desserve at minimum one 76 mm gun with an integrated mast more stealth.

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Drives the cost up.

For the ASW duties, escort duties, and littoral duties, it would be more than adequate.

A nice article about the issue from USNI