The US Navy’s littoral combat ship (LCS) 17, the future USS Indianapolis, has completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan, Lockheed Martin said.
This is the ship’s final significant milestone before its delivery later this year.
The trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing, and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship’s combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated, including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery and machinery control and automation.
LCS 17 is the ninth Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team at Fincantieri Marinette Marine yard.
“LCS 17 is joining the second-largest class of ships in the U.S. Navy fleet, and we are proud to get the newest littoral combat ship one step closer to delivery,” Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, Small Combatants and Ship Systems, said.
“This ship is lethal and flexible, and we are confident that she will capably serve critical U.S. Navy missions today and in future,” he added.
LCS is designed to complete close-to-shore missions and is a growing and relevant part of the US Navy’s fleet. As explained, LCS can be modified to integrate capabilities including over-the-horizon missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems and decoys, with 40 percent of its hull easily reconfigurable. Able to reach a speed of more than 40 knots, LCS is equipped with rolling airframe missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin and the Independence variant team by Austal USA.