Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)

bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Its a lot of posturing and negotiations, which is understandable, with, unfortunately, far too much politics sprinkled in. But, when has that ever been different?

The game has always been played the same way! It ain't changing anytime soon. Bottom line is that the USN needs these ships and is tired of esclating cost. Therein starts the pressure game!

Gotta go.....be back later today!
 

bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

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MOBILE, Ala. (March 9, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, is guided off the aluminum hull of pre-commissioned ship Independence (LCS 2) during a tour of Austal Shipyards. Austal is one of three yards that has been contracted to build the littoral combat ship. The SECNAV toured the shipyard to further his understanding of the challenges facing the U.S. shipbuilding industry. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund (RELEASED)

Humm. Even though the construction LCS-2 continues>>> Looks like the SECNAV is on the job over this LCS cost overrun. That's his job..to be sure the building gets done on time and on schedule.
 

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bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Great news for us USN Fans!! >>>>Looks like the SECNAV is going to allow the construction of LCS-3 to continue..I hope is replacement in two years keeps the program alive!

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WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Based on a comprehensive review of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) acquisition program, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced March 15 that he is prepared to lift a previously issued stop work order for construction of LCS 3.

The ship is currently under contract to Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems & Sensors unit, Moorestown, N.J. Lifting the stop work order is contingent upon the Navy and Lockheed Martin reaching agreement on a renegotiated contract.

As a result of a nearly two-month assessment, the Navy has revalidated the warfighting requirement and developed a restructured program plan for the LCS that will improve management oversight, implement more strict cost control, incorporate selective contract restructuring and ensure that an important warfighting capability is provided to the fleet consistent with a realistic schedule.

This plan will ensure best value to the Navy for the completion of LCS ships 1-4, procurement of existing designs in fiscal 2008 and 2009 to fill the critical warfighting gap and establish a sound framework for transition to a single selected design in fiscal 2010. The Navy will work closely with Congress on reprogramming actions necessary to bring this program forward.

“It is vital that the Navy continue through first of class construction challenges to complete LCS 1 and LCS 2. When these ships are delivered, we will be able to fully evaluate their costs and capabilities,” said Winter. “LCS 3 construction may be resumed under revised contract terms that rebalance the risk of cost growth between the government and industry. LCS 4 construction will continue as long as its costs remain defined and manageable.”

Under the restructured program plan, the Navy will recommend deferral of procurement of LCS in fiscal 2007 and use those funds to complete the construction of LCS 1-4. The Navy intends to continue with a plan to procure a reduced number of ships in fiscal 2008 and 2009 within existing budget resources and with the approval of Congress because of the compelling need to address critical warfighting gaps in the littorals and strategic choke points.

The Navy will transition to a single seaframe configuration, incorporating a Navy-specified open architecture combat system, in fiscal 2010 after an operational assessment of all critical factors between LCS 1 and LCS 2. The Navy will hold a full and open competition of the selected design (flight 1) for the fiscal 2010 seaframe procurement to reduce life cycle costs of the program.

“LCS is needed now to fill critical, urgent warfighting requirements gaps that exist today. It is imperative that the Navy deliver this warship class and its important capabilities to the fleet as soon as possible,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen. “It is just as imperative that we do so in the most cost effective manner possible.”

The LCS is an entirely new type of U.S. Navy warship. A fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, LCS’s modular, focused-mission design will provide combatant commanders the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to ensure maritime dominance and access for the joint force. LCS will operate with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions as assigned by combatant commanders.

Operational experience and analyses indicate that potential adversaries will employ asymmetric capabilities to deny U.S. and allied forces access in critical coastal regions to include strategic choke points and vital economic sea lanes. Asymmetric threats will include small, fast surface craft, ultra-quiet diesel submarines and various types of mines.

LCS will also perform special operations forces support; high-speed transit; maritime interdiction operations; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and anti-terrorism/force protection. While complementing capabilities of the Navy’s larger multi-mission surface combatants, LCS will also be networked to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.
 

Scratch

Captain
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Though each design offers specific benefits, I nonetheless wonder if it really makes sense to procure both designs in the end, given the fact that they already experiance cost overruns on both versions.
I see that there could still be 27 vessels of each type (I think plans are for 55vessels in total?), but would the benefits of the different designs justify the cost issue? I'm not really sure.
Regarding the 200 CM module: If they are really stored in VLS, what kind would these be, Mk41? Where are these supposed to be? If I'm correct Burkes and Ticos carry 90 and 122 missiles respectively. I know the LCS is of a optimized modular design, but it's also much smaller.
 
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bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Scratch I think what will eventually happen is that one design will be chosen over the other. At this time, since no LCS is in actual service, I'm sure the USN will do a full "shakedown" of both designs before chosing one over the other.
 

Scratch

Captain
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Here's an interesting (though to me it seems rather negative) article on the LCS at
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.

After there seems to have been the wishes to buy more vessels of both designs, it seems now much more likely that one competetor will get the full order.
LCS-1 price is said to reach $375M already, and LCS-2 320-350.
 

joshuatree

Captain
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

I always thought the premise was to build 2 of each design to see how they perform and then simply choose one design. It was wishful thinking to envision both designs being bought in large numbers, especially in this day and age of spiraling costs.
 

Scratch

Captain
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

I always thought the premise was to build 2 of each design to see how they perform and then simply choose one design. It was wishful thinking to envision both designs being bought in large numbers, especially in this day and age of spiraling costs.

Well, yes in the beginning I think the project was to build two prototypes of each design and then selsect a winner.
After some controversy of building more of each type, they seems to go back to the first conecpt now.
Wich is probably the wiser move.
 

joshuatree

Captain
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Anyone have a favorite? The Lockheed design looks rather very traditional while the General Dynamics design looks to be pushing the boundaries.
 

bd popeye

The Last Jedi
VIP Professional
Re: Construction Progress on USS Independence, LCS 2

Anyone have a favorite? The Lockheed design looks rather very traditional while the General Dynamics design looks to be pushing the boundaries.

I like the General Dynamics design for the reasons you stated. The hull looks easier to maintain. Operationally both ships have close to the same ablity. The test will be when the USN shakes down these ships.
 
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