LCS-2 USS independence?

I would agree a trimaran design based LCS is the perfect solution. Yet, I would like to see a little more firepower…………;)

I think the idea is that they are configurable, I would be amazed if they could not be fitted out pretty comprehensively for any task they might be given.

This is a bit of an email I got the other day about enlisted assignments for the LCS program.

Subject: Enlisted Detailing Word of the Day: Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
program

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Word of the Day >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program **

Due to the confusion surrounding the status of the Littoral Combat Ship
(LCS) program, PERS-402D is having difficulty in obtaining nominations for the
program. Here is an update for anyone who may have questions regarding LCS.

– The production of LCS 3 (the second Lockheed Martin hull) has been cancelled
due to cost overruns. To date, there are no plans for another Lockheed Martin
ship.

– LCS 1, 2, and 4 are still being produced with LCS 4, (the second General
Dynamics hull) scheduled for delivery June 2009.

So it looks like Lockheed isn’t building any more LCS’s at this time.

LCS is not realy a small patrol boat, in fact it is not far short of a full blow frigate (I would argue that that is what the trimaran design is). These seem to be perfect replacements for the OHP’s.;)

I would agree a trimaran design based LCS is the perfect solution. Yet, I would like to see a little more firepower…………;)

The USN seems to have a on and off affair with small patrol boats? With the Cyclone Class being a perfect example…………….:eek: So, should we expect the LCS to be any different????:eek:

LCS is not realy a small patrol boat, in fact it is not far short of a full blow frigate (I would argue that that is what the trimaran design is). These seem to be perfect replacements for the OHP’s.;)

The USN seems to have a on and off affair with small patrol boats? With the Cyclone Class being a perfect example…………….:eek: So, should we expect the LCS to be any different????:eek:

Freedom might yet get a second chance yet, after the USN retired the Cyclone class boats that were used as “Patrol” vessels (aka seal boats), there now is a real possibility that the LCS 1 program might yet go ahead under the guise of a replacement Fast Seal Support Vessel.

Think about it though, these vessels have a very shallow draft (6m/20′) meaning that they could sneak right up close to shore if need be. They are able to operate with a variety of mission packages in support of the current need and they also have Aviation capability meaning that a Seal team could be on mission in the minimalist amount of time. Now add in the high speed factor and stealth characteristics and tell me that you wouldn’t consider this as a possibility?

Fair enough, I’ve done the same thing from time to time.

Personally, I think that the LCS-2 design shows far more promise than LCS-1, and just might be exactly what the USN is looking for.

Other way around, isn’t it? It was LCS-3 (the sister to LCS-1 Freedom) that had a “stop work” order issued in Jan 2007, and was cancelled in April 2007… no such order has been given on LCS-4.

The contract to build LCS-4 (USS Liberty according to www.naval-technology.com/projects/littoral/ ) was signed in Dec 2006, and work is still going forward (unless you have heard otherwise?) for completion in 2009.

BTB, LCS-2 is on schedule for launch in Dec 2007, and commissioning in 2008, according to the Austal May 2007 newsletter.

Sorry, meant Freedom, edited as appropriate.

Other way around, isn’t it? It was LCS-3 (the sister to LCS-1 Freedom) that had a “stop work” order issued in Jan 2007, and was cancelled in April 2007… no such order has been given on LCS-4.

The contract to build LCS-4 (USS Liberty according to www.naval-technology.com/projects/littoral/ ) was signed in Dec 2006, and work is still going forward (unless you have heard otherwise?) for completion in 2009.

BTB, LCS-2 is on schedule for launch in Dec 2007, and commissioning in 2008, according to the Austal May 2007 newsletter.

I never really envisioned just how big Indy was going to be, Dang it’s big, far bigger than Freedom!

The worrying thing is that the Freedom is going to be the last of her type as shes too expensive!:eek:

I never really envisioned just how big Indy was going to be, Dang it’s big, far bigger than Freedom!

Thanks Wanshan.;)

Welcome :rolleyes:

Thanks Wanshan.;)

A keel laying ceremony was held Jan. 19, 2006, at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala. The AUSTAL shipyard suffered little damage from Hurricane Katrina, and no delay in production is expected. LCS 2, due for delivery in late 2007, is scheduled to be commissioned in 2008. 11 December 2006: The option for a second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has been confirmed following the announcement in October 2005 for the first General Dynamics / Austal LCS. After securing a second LCS order, successfully launching the largest ever aluminium high speed vessel built in the USA and releasing exciting plans to expand its US shipyard, Austal has reinforced its position as the world leader in advanced aluminium vessel construction. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Class Squadron (CLASSRON) was formally established Feb. 15 2007 in San Diego.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22016
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27877
http://www.gendyn.com/news/press_releases/2006/NewsRelease%20January%2019,%202006-2.htm
http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=E576E1C9-65BF-EBC1-2E9D85F51F0B9536
http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=6E9B7245-65BF-EBC1-2EB5A5C3D4B0FB39
http://www.austal.com/go/news-and-images/photo-galleries?DELID=0D74E2C6%2D65BF%2DEBC1%2D2EEDDD62375A4708
http://austal.com/download.cfm?DownloadFile=794FF2E5-65BF-EBC1-2B3E5D2D9A4B456F
http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=A97D7896-A0CC-3C8C-D9EC29D4B7BB5CEF

LCS progress at July 2006

LCS progress at October 2006: construction picture of advanced structural work on “Independence”, scheduled for launch in December 2007.