What is LCS shipping?

What is LCS shipping?

The littoral combat ship (LCS) is a set of two classes of relatively small surface vessels designed for operations near shore by the United States Navy. Possessing lower air defense and surface warfare capabilities than destroyers, the LCS concept emphasizes speed, flexible mission modules and a shallow draft.

How much does an LCS ship cost?

The swappable modules proved so finicky that the Navy gave up on ever installing more than one different module in any given LCS. Perhaps worst of all, to keep down the roughly $500-million-per-ship cost of the hulls, the Navy chose to arm them only with light weaponry—guns and short-range self-defense missiles.

Are LCS ships frigates?

Summary. The Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)/Frigate program is a program to procure a large number of LCSs and modified LCSs. The modified LCSs are to be referred to as frigates. Prior to December 14, 2015, Navy plans called for procuring a total of 52 LCSs and frigates.

Is the LCS a failure?

Once hailed as ships of the future, the supposedly inexpensive littoral combat ship (LCS) marks one of the greatest failures of US military spending in the last two decades, far eclipsing the costly F-35 stealth fighter which still works as intended. Today, the ship costs $600 million to produce.

How fast does the LCS go?

Core capabilities of the littoral combat ship A 10ft full load displacement draft allows the ships to access very shallow waters. Ships will have a top speed of 50k and the range at sprint speed is 1,500nm. At an economical speed of 20k, the range is 4,300nm. The ships are configured with a helicopter deck and hangar.

How fast is the Littoral Combat Ship?

How fast can a LCS go?

Each LCS is aviation capable, allowing it to conduct search and rescue (SAR) and airborne logistics. The 40+ knot sprint speed of LCS allows for quick, intra-theater positioning. With a shallow draft, LCS will be able to access a wider range of littoral water space than any other combatant.

When did the LCS 3 join the Navy?

The Navy commissioned LCS 3 on Sept. 22, 2012 in Galveston, Texas, after which she joined sister ships USS Freedom and USS Independence in homeport San Diego. Both LCS 2 and LCS 3 are conducting Post Delivery Test and Trials, which are scheduled to conclude in 2014.

When is the last LCS to be delivered?

Deliver LCS 19, 21, 22, 24 & 26 By the end of 2020: •70% of LCSs will be delivered •16 and 46% of LCSs will be in Sustainment Last ships deliver in 2024

How does the Littoral Combat Ship ( LCS ) work?

Unlike most surface ships, LCS utilizes a combination of ship’s force and contracted personnel to conduct preventative maintenance due to the LCS minimal manning model.

Is there a training facility for the LCS?

The staffs of the LCS Squadron (LCSRON), LCS Training Facility (LTF) and Surface Ship Type Commander (TYCOM) Afloat Training Group (ATG) provide training and certification functions. There are two primary facilities designed to support LCS.