Title: USN LCS updates
Description: USS Independence, etc.
Description: USS Independence, etc.
yoshino - September 15, 2004 07:49 AM (GMT)
Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $20,972,472 cost-plus-incentive-fee type of letter contract for the Advanced Deployable System (ADS).
The award calls for Lockheed Martin to provide the ADS program office with the design and system engineering required to establish a Preliminary Design and an Integrated Baseline for the ADS variant that is to be deployed by the Littoral Combat Ship.
This contract is to complete technology development with options for System Development and Demonstration and Initial Low Rate Production of the ADS for a Littoral Combat Ship - deployable variant.
ADS is a ship-deployable undersea surveillance system employing distributed passive acoustic arrays linked to a receiving platform for data processing, evaluation and reporting. This variant of the ADS will be designed to be embarked on the LCS and deployed from its deck.
This contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $239,075,471.
Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (32.1 percent); Manassas, Va. (26.3 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (11.5 percent); Pennington, N.J. (10 percent); Everett, Wash. (5.5 percent); Riviera Beach, Fla. (5.5 percent); Anaheim Hills, Calif. (3.0 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2.4 percent); McLean, Va. (2.3 percent); and Boston, Mass. (1.4 percent). Work is expected to be completed by October 2005. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured.
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-04-C-0035).
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/sys...cs-side-001.jpg
The award calls for Lockheed Martin to provide the ADS program office with the design and system engineering required to establish a Preliminary Design and an Integrated Baseline for the ADS variant that is to be deployed by the Littoral Combat Ship.
This contract is to complete technology development with options for System Development and Demonstration and Initial Low Rate Production of the ADS for a Littoral Combat Ship - deployable variant.
ADS is a ship-deployable undersea surveillance system employing distributed passive acoustic arrays linked to a receiving platform for data processing, evaluation and reporting. This variant of the ADS will be designed to be embarked on the LCS and deployed from its deck.
This contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $239,075,471.
Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (32.1 percent); Manassas, Va. (26.3 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (11.5 percent); Pennington, N.J. (10 percent); Everett, Wash. (5.5 percent); Riviera Beach, Fla. (5.5 percent); Anaheim Hills, Calif. (3.0 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2.4 percent); McLean, Va. (2.3 percent); and Boston, Mass. (1.4 percent). Work is expected to be completed by October 2005. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured.
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-04-C-0035).
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/sys...cs-side-001.jpg
HydronPrime - July 14, 2006 01:06 PM (GMT)
Hello guys,
I'm not sure if this will be of good use but this would make a good reading material.
from the Executive Summary:
"... small network combatants have an important role to play in 21st century
naval warfare, ..."
I'm sorry but this is currently what I can give as a hint asides from the title.
The url is:
Naval Transformation and the Littoral Combat Ship
www.csbaonline.org/4Publications/ Archive/R.20040218.LCS/R.20040218.LCS.pdf
I'm not sure if this will be of good use but this would make a good reading material.
from the Executive Summary:
"... small network combatants have an important role to play in 21st century
naval warfare, ..."
I'm sorry but this is currently what I can give as a hint asides from the title.
The url is:
Naval Transformation and the Littoral Combat Ship
www.csbaonline.org/4Publications/ Archive/R.20040218.LCS/R.20040218.LCS.pdf
phichanad - October 22, 2006 08:36 AM (GMT)
How about the new class of Littoral Combat Ships of the US Navy, about the size of a corvette....can be armed with SSM, SAM, 2 helicopters, ASW.... sprints at about 40 knots max....
USN Coastal Ship Attracts Foreign Interest
Two Different Versions of Multirole Combat Vessel Under Construction
By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS
Foreign interest in the U.S. Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program could result in sales of U.S.-built hulls to other navies, said Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton.
Speaking Jan. 12 at the Surface Navy Association’s annual gathering in Washington, Hamilton, the Navy’s program executive officer for ships, said five countries were very interested in acquiring the ships. “I think sales of platforms will occur,” he said.
Hamilton noted that talks with other countries about taking part in the LCS program have been ongoing for several years. “Eighteen or 19 countries knocked on our door,” about the program, he said.
Interest in the mission modules being developed for the ships was expected, he said, but the ships, being built under a cost cap of $220 million apiece, also have proved attractive to potential foreign customers.
Hamilton declined to identify the countries, other than to say, “They’re all over the world.”
A source in the Pentagon, however, said Israel and Saudi Arabia were two of the five countries interested in acquiring LCSs. Norway and Denmark could be among the five, the source said, while the fifth country is thought to be a “Southeast Asian country.”
Two competing versions of the LCS are being built. Lockheed Martin’s planing-hull version is under construction and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in February 2007. General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works is set to have a keel-laying ceremony this week for its first tri-hull LCS, and Congress moved two more ships — one built to each design — into the 2006 Pentagon budget just approved. The Navy intends to build a total of 55 Littoral Combat Ships, with procurement stretching into the 2020s.
But the prospect of building more ships for foreign customers should lower prices.
“I see nothing but goodness coming out of this,” Hamilton said. “There’ll be a price break as well.”
Beneficiaries of increased LCS construction could include all three shipyards in the program. Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis., and Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La., are alternating in building Lockheed’s ships, while Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is constructing the General Dynamics ships. The Navy will evaluate both designs after they’re in service, and has indicated more of each design could be procured.
Hamilton confirmed that foreign navies are interested in both designs.
The LCS is a relatively cheap warship for the U.S. Navy, and the mission module concept has proved particularly attractive. The idea — developed from the Danish STANFLEX concept of the 1980s — is to build ship platforms or trucks that would then rapidly switch out various equipment packages tailored to specific missions, such as anti-mine, anti-surface or anti-submarine.
A major advantage is that improvements in capability can be made in the modules, rather than taking the ships out of service for expensive upgrades.
With a displacement of about 3,000 tons, the ships are smaller than 9,200-ton DDG destroyers now being built for the Navy. Due to their smaller size, and also to the rapid pace of development since first proposed in 2001, the ships use a higher percentage of foreign-supplied parts and systems better suited to smaller ships. Hamilton noted that about 20 percent of the components in each LCS design come from overseas suppliers, another factor that make the ships attractive to foreign purchasers.
Hamilton said financial deals would likely be made with individual customers for the LCS.
Israel is known to be interested in acquiring new warships, but the Israeli Knesset last year decided to delay a plan to acquire new corvettes. The LCS is three times bigger than the largest surface warships currently in Israeli service, the three Sa’ar 5 corvettes built in Pascagoula, Miss., in the mid-1990s.
Saudi Arabia operates a larger surface fleet of French-built frigates, but its force of 13 smaller U.S.-built missile corvettes is now more than 20 years old. •
I believe Singapore is that Southeast Asian country, but the Philippine Navy can also look if it is within our requirements and budget...
USN Coastal Ship Attracts Foreign Interest
Two Different Versions of Multirole Combat Vessel Under Construction
By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS
Foreign interest in the U.S. Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program could result in sales of U.S.-built hulls to other navies, said Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton.
Speaking Jan. 12 at the Surface Navy Association’s annual gathering in Washington, Hamilton, the Navy’s program executive officer for ships, said five countries were very interested in acquiring the ships. “I think sales of platforms will occur,” he said.
Hamilton noted that talks with other countries about taking part in the LCS program have been ongoing for several years. “Eighteen or 19 countries knocked on our door,” about the program, he said.
Interest in the mission modules being developed for the ships was expected, he said, but the ships, being built under a cost cap of $220 million apiece, also have proved attractive to potential foreign customers.
Hamilton declined to identify the countries, other than to say, “They’re all over the world.”
A source in the Pentagon, however, said Israel and Saudi Arabia were two of the five countries interested in acquiring LCSs. Norway and Denmark could be among the five, the source said, while the fifth country is thought to be a “Southeast Asian country.”
Two competing versions of the LCS are being built. Lockheed Martin’s planing-hull version is under construction and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in February 2007. General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works is set to have a keel-laying ceremony this week for its first tri-hull LCS, and Congress moved two more ships — one built to each design — into the 2006 Pentagon budget just approved. The Navy intends to build a total of 55 Littoral Combat Ships, with procurement stretching into the 2020s.
But the prospect of building more ships for foreign customers should lower prices.
“I see nothing but goodness coming out of this,” Hamilton said. “There’ll be a price break as well.”
Beneficiaries of increased LCS construction could include all three shipyards in the program. Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis., and Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La., are alternating in building Lockheed’s ships, while Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is constructing the General Dynamics ships. The Navy will evaluate both designs after they’re in service, and has indicated more of each design could be procured.
Hamilton confirmed that foreign navies are interested in both designs.
The LCS is a relatively cheap warship for the U.S. Navy, and the mission module concept has proved particularly attractive. The idea — developed from the Danish STANFLEX concept of the 1980s — is to build ship platforms or trucks that would then rapidly switch out various equipment packages tailored to specific missions, such as anti-mine, anti-surface or anti-submarine.
A major advantage is that improvements in capability can be made in the modules, rather than taking the ships out of service for expensive upgrades.
With a displacement of about 3,000 tons, the ships are smaller than 9,200-ton DDG destroyers now being built for the Navy. Due to their smaller size, and also to the rapid pace of development since first proposed in 2001, the ships use a higher percentage of foreign-supplied parts and systems better suited to smaller ships. Hamilton noted that about 20 percent of the components in each LCS design come from overseas suppliers, another factor that make the ships attractive to foreign purchasers.
Hamilton said financial deals would likely be made with individual customers for the LCS.
Israel is known to be interested in acquiring new warships, but the Israeli Knesset last year decided to delay a plan to acquire new corvettes. The LCS is three times bigger than the largest surface warships currently in Israeli service, the three Sa’ar 5 corvettes built in Pascagoula, Miss., in the mid-1990s.
Saudi Arabia operates a larger surface fleet of French-built frigates, but its force of 13 smaller U.S.-built missile corvettes is now more than 20 years old. •
I believe Singapore is that Southeast Asian country, but the Philippine Navy can also look if it is within our requirements and budget...
Numbers - October 23, 2006 10:51 AM (GMT)
Very very reasonable, in fact the PN is essentially a littoral navy with its current vessels.
The only unreasonable facore - the US LCS and other designs are very unreasonably priced. :armysad:
The only unreasonable facore - the US LCS and other designs are very unreasonably priced. :armysad:
tirad - February 6, 2008 03:55 PM (GMT)
Cost of US Navy’s LCS Rises Again
Feb. 5, 2008
DefenseNews.com
The price to buy each of the U.S. Navy’s first two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) has crashed through the $500 million barrier, and the final tab to deliver the ships is well over $600 million apiece, according to service budget documents released Feb. 4.
Soaring cost growth has severely disrupted the program, which once envisioned the purchase of a series of relatively inexpensive, $220 million warships that would take about two years to build. Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics (GD) are building ships to very different designs in a competition to be decided in 2009.
In January 2007, the Navy revealed that costs had exploded on Lockheed’s first ship. Service officials have never offered specific numbers for the new price tag, but repeatedly characterized it as “about $375 million.” Privately, sources have said for months that the costs for both competitors’ ships were well over $400 million. Now, Navy figures contained in justification documents submitted with the 2009 defense budget request show a “basic construction” cost for Lockheed’s USS Freedom (LCS 1) of $471 million; for GD’s USS Independence (LCS 2), $440 million.
Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. John Schofield, in response to a reporter’s query, explained that “basic construction cost is what has been previously used to baseline LCS cost.”
The 2004 original baseline for the ships was $220 million. Further charges bring the “total end cost” for the Freedom to $531 million. Those charges include $15 million in change orders, $12 million for government-furnished equipment (GFE) and $33 million listed as “Other.”
Similarly, the total end cost for the Independence is $507 million, including $20 million in change orders, $7 million in GFE and $40 million for Other.
>More
Feb. 5, 2008
DefenseNews.com
The price to buy each of the U.S. Navy’s first two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) has crashed through the $500 million barrier, and the final tab to deliver the ships is well over $600 million apiece, according to service budget documents released Feb. 4.
Soaring cost growth has severely disrupted the program, which once envisioned the purchase of a series of relatively inexpensive, $220 million warships that would take about two years to build. Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics (GD) are building ships to very different designs in a competition to be decided in 2009.
In January 2007, the Navy revealed that costs had exploded on Lockheed’s first ship. Service officials have never offered specific numbers for the new price tag, but repeatedly characterized it as “about $375 million.” Privately, sources have said for months that the costs for both competitors’ ships were well over $400 million. Now, Navy figures contained in justification documents submitted with the 2009 defense budget request show a “basic construction” cost for Lockheed’s USS Freedom (LCS 1) of $471 million; for GD’s USS Independence (LCS 2), $440 million.
Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. John Schofield, in response to a reporter’s query, explained that “basic construction cost is what has been previously used to baseline LCS cost.”
The 2004 original baseline for the ships was $220 million. Further charges bring the “total end cost” for the Freedom to $531 million. Those charges include $15 million in change orders, $12 million for government-furnished equipment (GFE) and $33 million listed as “Other.”
Similarly, the total end cost for the Independence is $507 million, including $20 million in change orders, $7 million in GFE and $40 million for Other.
>More
MSantor - May 4, 2008 11:04 PM (GMT)
Some new pics of the LCS, upon its recent completion!!!! :armyeek:
Some pic's of LCS 2.Looks awesome !! :)
Some pic's of LCS 2.Looks awesome !! :)
strikeeagle - August 4, 2008 04:15 AM (GMT)
As the first Littoral Combat Ship USS Freedom began its sea trials on July 28, 2008 in Lake Michigan Israel formally request to buy up to four such light frigates built by Lockheed Martin. The Israeli variant (LCS-I) has been refined in the past two years, under close cooperation between the Israel Navy, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Lockheed Martin, in an effort to optimize the vessel for Israeli Navy requirements.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the total cost of the program could reach $1.9 billion, provided that all four ships are procured. Israel's MOD has set aside $200 million from its five year defense budget planning to fund the first ship, with additional $160 for its weapon systems suite. The second vessel will be funded under the next five-year budget, commencing 2013.
If the program is approved, Lockheed Martin will build the hull, mechanical and electrical systems, while the installation and integration of combat systems performed in both, US and Israel. Rafael Advanced defense Systems, Elbit Systems and Ness Technologies have already teamed with Lockheed Martin on the LCS-I program. As the program progresses, IAI is also expected to join, with Elta and MBT providing key systems including sensors, command, control and communications, as well as offensive and defensive systems.
Maximizing Multi-Mission Capability
The new vessel has a cruising speed of 40 knots, and a range of will benefit from speed and agility uncommon with current frigates, making it especially effective, to conduct operations in littoral waters. It is designed to be capable pf operating at low speeds, on littoral mission operations, transit at economical speeds, and conduct high-speed sprints, which may be necessary to avoid approaching threats, such as, for example, a small boat or submarine, conduct intercept operations over the horizon, or provide for naval commando insertion and extraction missions. The US Navy considers the LCS particularly effective in defeating asymmetric threats in the littorals, including mine warfare, engaging quiet diesel submarines and defeating fast surface craft. The vessel will also introduce dramatic improvements in support of manned and unmanned special operations, relying on its spacious integrated flight deck and capability to launch and recover manned or unmanned watercraft such naval comando fast boats or Rafael's 'Protector' unmanned surface vessel.
Unlike the US 'flexible design' approach, the Israelis require their vessel to perform all the LCS missions in a single platform. As a multi-mission frigate LCS-I will be equipped as the baseline for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-missile warfare missions, as well as special operations. This demanding approach required some compromises, including the elimination of the gun, which will be replaced by a Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. The 'sacrifice' of the medium caliber cannon has not been exceptional, since modern guided weapons are far more effective and cause less collateral damage, compared to a traditional cannon.
Considering the limited operational theater defined by Israel's geo-strategic situation, Israel's Navy has limited its requirement for large 'corvette' size vessels, rather than the larger frigates commonly operated in the ocean sea. The littoral combat ship design was found suitable for Israel's specific operational concept. However, while the original LCS was designed to operate independently, or as part of a force-package, supported by much larger vessels, it's mission in the Israeli Navy, is expected to become the centerpiece of Israel's naval force, providing command, control, situational awareness and protection for a larger force, combining Saar 5/5B corvettes and Saar 4.5 missile boats.
Originally Israel considered have its LCS-I 'piggy back' on the construction of LCSs for the US Navy LCS, however, after construction for the first hull was exceeding $450 million. The US Navy cancelled the program. Israel and Saudi Arabia are currently the only potential buyers for this design. Israel requested competing proposals for similar designs, from four different shipyards, including Northrop Grumman, which has recently expanded its shipbuilding activity, the US Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Company Alion.
Assessing Alternatives
Despite of the significant cost increase of the LCS platform, Lockheed Martin's Freedom remains the only light frigate class vessel that could be procured, meeting the current Israeli schedule. All current naval vessel platforms under construction in the US are much larger. Some shipbuilders in Europe offer 'light frigates', but most of the active programs are focusing on larger vessels. Two European shipbuilders were approached by Israel - the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) which produces the F125 frigate for the German Navy and the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, which has produced four corvettes for the Italian Navy. None is suitable for the Israelis, which require a 2,000 – 3,000 ton platform. Israel could benefit from similar programs currently underway in other countries, such as the Republic of Korea, which has launched the construction of the 'FFX', a light and stealthy frigate, the first is planned to be completed by 2015.
TKMS, through its subsidiary HDW has already supplied three Dolphin submarines for the Israeli Navy and is on contract to deliver two additional subs. TKMS is currently producing four F125 a 6,800 ton Frigates for the German Navy. At present, TKMS does not have a US based subsidiary, which could benefit it from the U.S. Foreign Military Sale funding, allocated for Israel. A fifth proposal was submitted by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, currently associated with two major programs - the joint Italian-French 5,900 ton FREMM class frigates, to build a new generation of frigates and four Cigala Fulgosi class 1,500 ton corvettes, for the Italian Navy. While Fincantieri does have an American based subsidiary, it is not yet geared for major shipbuilding operations in the US.
LCS-I Weapons Complement
According to the US announcement, the LCS-I combat system will comprise of two MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems, each fitted with eight ready-to-fire missiles. These launchers could be equipped with Barak-8 medium-range air defense missiles, extending the ship's protection beyond the range currently provided by the Barak-1 point defense systems, employed on Saar 5 corvettes and Saar 4.5 missile boats. Barak 8 is currently under development for the Indian and Israeli navies. Consequently, the Barak 8 will have to be integrated with the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), opening significant export potential for the new Israeli naval air-defense weapon systems.
The LCS-I will carry a single Phalanx Block 1A Close-In-Weapon System, replacing the Mk110 57mm stabilized gun. The Israeli vessel is likely to be installed with two Typhoon remotely controlled naval gun systems or its US Mk-38 Mod 2 derivative. As a self-contained, above-deck system, this configuration could provide the Israelis with enough space to more vertical launchers for Barak 8 or other missiles, extending its capability as an air-and missile-defense asset.
Four Enhanced HARPOON launchers will also be carried on deck, these could potentially carry either Harpoon or Gabriel V anti-ship missiles. As part of its anti-submarine warfare system, the LCS-I will also be equipped with two MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (SVTT). This weapon complement is not significantly different from that carried on the current Saar 5 corvettes. Traditionally, the Israeli Navy packs significantly more weapons on deck, a trend that could be repeated with its new LCS.
Further adaptation could be made to the ship's combat system. The vessel comes with the Lockheed Martin SPY-1F(V) and MK-99 Fire Control System as standard, parts of the AEGIS weapon system. The vessel will be controlled through the COMBATSS-21 which will also integrate with Israel's Navy Command and Control (IC2) systems. The new EL/M-2248 MF-STAR phased array naval radar, locally built IAI/Elta Systems will be considered, as it is claimed to be superior and lighter than SPY-1F(V). Israel has an option to integrate this radar as well as its own combat system, datalinks and communications systems, sensors and defensive measures.
http://www.defense-update.com/features/200...8/lcs.html#more
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the total cost of the program could reach $1.9 billion, provided that all four ships are procured. Israel's MOD has set aside $200 million from its five year defense budget planning to fund the first ship, with additional $160 for its weapon systems suite. The second vessel will be funded under the next five-year budget, commencing 2013.
If the program is approved, Lockheed Martin will build the hull, mechanical and electrical systems, while the installation and integration of combat systems performed in both, US and Israel. Rafael Advanced defense Systems, Elbit Systems and Ness Technologies have already teamed with Lockheed Martin on the LCS-I program. As the program progresses, IAI is also expected to join, with Elta and MBT providing key systems including sensors, command, control and communications, as well as offensive and defensive systems.
Maximizing Multi-Mission Capability
The new vessel has a cruising speed of 40 knots, and a range of will benefit from speed and agility uncommon with current frigates, making it especially effective, to conduct operations in littoral waters. It is designed to be capable pf operating at low speeds, on littoral mission operations, transit at economical speeds, and conduct high-speed sprints, which may be necessary to avoid approaching threats, such as, for example, a small boat or submarine, conduct intercept operations over the horizon, or provide for naval commando insertion and extraction missions. The US Navy considers the LCS particularly effective in defeating asymmetric threats in the littorals, including mine warfare, engaging quiet diesel submarines and defeating fast surface craft. The vessel will also introduce dramatic improvements in support of manned and unmanned special operations, relying on its spacious integrated flight deck and capability to launch and recover manned or unmanned watercraft such naval comando fast boats or Rafael's 'Protector' unmanned surface vessel.
Unlike the US 'flexible design' approach, the Israelis require their vessel to perform all the LCS missions in a single platform. As a multi-mission frigate LCS-I will be equipped as the baseline for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-missile warfare missions, as well as special operations. This demanding approach required some compromises, including the elimination of the gun, which will be replaced by a Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. The 'sacrifice' of the medium caliber cannon has not been exceptional, since modern guided weapons are far more effective and cause less collateral damage, compared to a traditional cannon.
Considering the limited operational theater defined by Israel's geo-strategic situation, Israel's Navy has limited its requirement for large 'corvette' size vessels, rather than the larger frigates commonly operated in the ocean sea. The littoral combat ship design was found suitable for Israel's specific operational concept. However, while the original LCS was designed to operate independently, or as part of a force-package, supported by much larger vessels, it's mission in the Israeli Navy, is expected to become the centerpiece of Israel's naval force, providing command, control, situational awareness and protection for a larger force, combining Saar 5/5B corvettes and Saar 4.5 missile boats.
Originally Israel considered have its LCS-I 'piggy back' on the construction of LCSs for the US Navy LCS, however, after construction for the first hull was exceeding $450 million. The US Navy cancelled the program. Israel and Saudi Arabia are currently the only potential buyers for this design. Israel requested competing proposals for similar designs, from four different shipyards, including Northrop Grumman, which has recently expanded its shipbuilding activity, the US Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Company Alion.
Assessing Alternatives
Despite of the significant cost increase of the LCS platform, Lockheed Martin's Freedom remains the only light frigate class vessel that could be procured, meeting the current Israeli schedule. All current naval vessel platforms under construction in the US are much larger. Some shipbuilders in Europe offer 'light frigates', but most of the active programs are focusing on larger vessels. Two European shipbuilders were approached by Israel - the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) which produces the F125 frigate for the German Navy and the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, which has produced four corvettes for the Italian Navy. None is suitable for the Israelis, which require a 2,000 – 3,000 ton platform. Israel could benefit from similar programs currently underway in other countries, such as the Republic of Korea, which has launched the construction of the 'FFX', a light and stealthy frigate, the first is planned to be completed by 2015.
TKMS, through its subsidiary HDW has already supplied three Dolphin submarines for the Israeli Navy and is on contract to deliver two additional subs. TKMS is currently producing four F125 a 6,800 ton Frigates for the German Navy. At present, TKMS does not have a US based subsidiary, which could benefit it from the U.S. Foreign Military Sale funding, allocated for Israel. A fifth proposal was submitted by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, currently associated with two major programs - the joint Italian-French 5,900 ton FREMM class frigates, to build a new generation of frigates and four Cigala Fulgosi class 1,500 ton corvettes, for the Italian Navy. While Fincantieri does have an American based subsidiary, it is not yet geared for major shipbuilding operations in the US.
LCS-I Weapons Complement
According to the US announcement, the LCS-I combat system will comprise of two MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems, each fitted with eight ready-to-fire missiles. These launchers could be equipped with Barak-8 medium-range air defense missiles, extending the ship's protection beyond the range currently provided by the Barak-1 point defense systems, employed on Saar 5 corvettes and Saar 4.5 missile boats. Barak 8 is currently under development for the Indian and Israeli navies. Consequently, the Barak 8 will have to be integrated with the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), opening significant export potential for the new Israeli naval air-defense weapon systems.
The LCS-I will carry a single Phalanx Block 1A Close-In-Weapon System, replacing the Mk110 57mm stabilized gun. The Israeli vessel is likely to be installed with two Typhoon remotely controlled naval gun systems or its US Mk-38 Mod 2 derivative. As a self-contained, above-deck system, this configuration could provide the Israelis with enough space to more vertical launchers for Barak 8 or other missiles, extending its capability as an air-and missile-defense asset.
Four Enhanced HARPOON launchers will also be carried on deck, these could potentially carry either Harpoon or Gabriel V anti-ship missiles. As part of its anti-submarine warfare system, the LCS-I will also be equipped with two MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (SVTT). This weapon complement is not significantly different from that carried on the current Saar 5 corvettes. Traditionally, the Israeli Navy packs significantly more weapons on deck, a trend that could be repeated with its new LCS.
Further adaptation could be made to the ship's combat system. The vessel comes with the Lockheed Martin SPY-1F(V) and MK-99 Fire Control System as standard, parts of the AEGIS weapon system. The vessel will be controlled through the COMBATSS-21 which will also integrate with Israel's Navy Command and Control (IC2) systems. The new EL/M-2248 MF-STAR phased array naval radar, locally built IAI/Elta Systems will be considered, as it is claimed to be superior and lighter than SPY-1F(V). Israel has an option to integrate this radar as well as its own combat system, datalinks and communications systems, sensors and defensive measures.
http://www.defense-update.com/features/200...8/lcs.html#more
saver111 - May 6, 2009 09:38 AM (GMT)
USS Freedom: Quicker, High-Tech and Pirate-Proofed
by Vera H-C Chan
May 5, 2009 11:52:12 AM
Pirates, quiver in your skiffs. Put down your rocket launchers and run. The USS Freedom has just landed. Or launched. Whatever, just be afraid.
The high-seas bandits' advantage had long been in their nimbleness in a huge ocean. Now, however, the United States Navy is touting the USS Freedom, the lead mothership in its class of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS, and littoral means coastal).
Specifically designed for the "Global War on Terrorism," the 378-foot craft aims at pirates and oh so much more. According to a fact sheet, Freedom can also defy "asymmetric 'anti-access threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface crafts." So seafaring villains thinking of trading in the crafts for submersible diesels, forget about it.
The rip-roaring Freedom has been called the Navy's corvette, but it runs on Rolls-Royce MT turbines, as pictured here. Other Freedom factoids:
* 3,000 tons
* 45 knots (52 mph)
* Staffs smaller crews (Blue and Gold crews, 40 members each)
* Has a helicopter launch pad
* Feels like a submarine.
* Can discharge manned or unmanned boats attached to its sides. Yeah, kind of like Transformers...but not really.
* Packs Raytheon RAM missiles, guns, and decoy launching systems
Its success isn't just the boat itself, but a faster shipbuilding process (by about half) and lower materials cost. That may have helped stave off 300 planned or considered layoffs for Marinette Marine: The shipyard that built Freedom received a contract for a second LCS ship.
When it's not cruising around Somalia or any other dangerous waters, USS Freedom will be hanging in San Diego. So beware, beach bums... Dude, don't even think about boarding without an invite.
http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92536?fp=1
by Vera H-C Chan
May 5, 2009 11:52:12 AM
Pirates, quiver in your skiffs. Put down your rocket launchers and run. The USS Freedom has just landed. Or launched. Whatever, just be afraid.
The high-seas bandits' advantage had long been in their nimbleness in a huge ocean. Now, however, the United States Navy is touting the USS Freedom, the lead mothership in its class of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS, and littoral means coastal).
Specifically designed for the "Global War on Terrorism," the 378-foot craft aims at pirates and oh so much more. According to a fact sheet, Freedom can also defy "asymmetric 'anti-access threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface crafts." So seafaring villains thinking of trading in the crafts for submersible diesels, forget about it.
The rip-roaring Freedom has been called the Navy's corvette, but it runs on Rolls-Royce MT turbines, as pictured here. Other Freedom factoids:
* 3,000 tons
* 45 knots (52 mph)
* Staffs smaller crews (Blue and Gold crews, 40 members each)
* Has a helicopter launch pad
* Feels like a submarine.
* Can discharge manned or unmanned boats attached to its sides. Yeah, kind of like Transformers...but not really.
* Packs Raytheon RAM missiles, guns, and decoy launching systems
Its success isn't just the boat itself, but a faster shipbuilding process (by about half) and lower materials cost. That may have helped stave off 300 planned or considered layoffs for Marinette Marine: The shipyard that built Freedom received a contract for a second LCS ship.
When it's not cruising around Somalia or any other dangerous waters, USS Freedom will be hanging in San Diego. So beware, beach bums... Dude, don't even think about boarding without an invite.
http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92536?fp=1
saver111 - July 4, 2009 02:16 PM (GMT)
090702-N-0000X-001 MOBILE, Ala. (July 2, 2009) The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Independence (LCS 2), the U. S. Navy's first trimaran littoral combat ship, departs Mobile, Ala. to begin builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico July 2, 2009. LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission ship designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The 417-foot Independence is designed and built by the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship team. Builder's trials test the vessel's propulsion, communications, navigation and core mission systems, as well as all related support systems. Following the completion of builder's trials, Independence will prepare for acceptance trials that will be conducted by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey later this summer. Independence will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly. These mission packages focus on three mission areas: mine counter measures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Independence is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy later this year and will be home ported in San Diego, Calif. (Photo courtesy of General Dynamics/Released)
saver111 - July 9, 2009 12:46 PM (GMT)
090702-N-XXXXG-006 GULF OF MEXICO (July 2, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics/Released)
(Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics/Released)
(Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics/Released)