Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
I agree...IMHO, they should do the upgrades to 12-14 or more of the Independence variety so they have decent AAW protection with SeaRAM for themselves, a decent intrinsic ASuW and ASW defense capability, but then add the MMC Module permanently and make them the new MMC vessels.
They would be more capable than the existing, and could be tasked for other missions when needed.
Finally, as to some of the other things that we would like to see...versus what is actually currently now planned for these vessels, I am pretty sure that the 76mm gun has been rejected because it would have had only marginal benefits against a pretty good additional cost and weight.
I am also pretty sure that no final decision has been made on the OTH anti-surface missile other than to state that it would be in the Harpoon II class.
Other than that, I believe the enhancements to the intrinsic capability will be adding the Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm chain gun, adding spaced armor, the addition of an improved decoy system, using the SeaRAM missile interceptor for AAW on all of them, installing a "lite" version of the SEWIP system, and adding improved signature management through degaussing.
Outside of the spaced armor, the SEWI System, and the degaussing, I believe most of the earlier LCS vessels will ultimately get the other upgrades.
I am also pretty sure that no final decision has been made on the OTH anti-surface missile other than to state that it would be in the Harpoon II class.
Other than that, I believe the enhancements to the intrinsic capability will be adding the Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm chain gun, adding spaced armor, the addition of an improved decoy system, using the SeaRAM missile interceptor for AAW on all of them, installing a "lite" version of the SEWIP system, and adding improved signature management through degaussing.
Outside of the spaced armor, the SEWI System, and the degaussing, I believe most of the earlier LCS vessels will ultimately get the other upgrades.
Do you think that as more this ship comes online the price will come down also have you heard the Saudis are zeroing in on the freedom class armed with vls and sm 6 but no aegis however they will have an aegis like system it seems as though the Saudis got it right some how I think we will follow like we did with M1A2 tank which they bought first
totally agree
I have seen/ heard of the aim9x could be converted to be used on ship and or surface this might just be a perfect combo. offers longer range still over the searam but not as long as the essm aprox. 12-15 miles I think plus easier to install and lighter weight also completely fire and forget no guidance required I think so no need for illuminators or extra guidance as such
Last edited:
I thought the Saudis had decided against the Freedom LCS hull form...but I could be wrong.
No, I do not think we will go that far for the LCS or FFs. There is no need to.
If we do what they are talking about, those FFs will be very capable for their intended role. The US is going to have 84 or more AEGIS vessels as it is and will not be short on those platforms.
The 52 improved LCS/FF combo will offload a lot of lower level stuff from those AEGIS vessels. They will take on the littorals against any peer vessel...and the AEGIS can be a part of a SAG if anything bigger is anticipated.
These new vessels will do a lotof ASW escorting of SAGs, ARGs, (now called ASGs) and CSGs. they will also do a BUNCH of show the flag type deployments, relieving the more capable AEGIS vessels of much of that, take up the MMC, etc....and all of that is a very good thing.
The Block II RAM missiles that will be on SeaRAM are going to reach up into the 10-12 mile range. They are extremely good at shooting down incoming missiles and so I do not think there will be a need for the AIM-9s aboard the LCS.
just thinking that 11 aaw weapons is short of what is needed and they should have a layered defense for aaw don't the searams use componets of the sidewinders according to defense news Saudis are zeroing on freedom class for their eastern fleet very recent article deal apparently to signed by first of the year 4-6 total ships