Littoal combantants

[Jschmus]

This hasn't been posted on in a while, but the DOD have decided, after much deliberation, to buy both designs of the LCS in quantity:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/business/global/30ships.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha24

[Cliffy B]

WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!

[PR19_Kit]

WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!

It says in the link that it was because they wanted them in a hurry, and two yards can build twice as fast as one.

[anthonyp]

Also, each design does something different, as the mission modules are taking longer to design and integrate for each class.

Another example of putting all your experimental eggs in one basket before making sure they all work (see Zumwalt class, FCS, ARH, RAH, etc).

[GTX]

The last sentence of the article is probably the most telling reason why:  "The prospect of job gains in both states helped the Navy win Congressional support."

Regards,

Greg

[Joe C-P]

Why the USN couldn't adapt an existing design by another navy, building it in the US with US weapons and electronics, I'll never know. There are other navies with littoral vessels whose designs could have worked.

[anthonyp]

Why the USN couldn't adapt an existing design by another navy, building it in the US with US weapons and electronics, I'll never know. There are other navies with littoral vessels whose designs could have worked.

Three words:  "Planet Pentagon's Ego."

There's still too many MBA Admirals there to ever think about looking outside the box.

[Thorvic]

Well its nice that they have ordered more ships of both classes but what have they decided upon re-armament fit - Phalanx, RAM, Sea Ram ?
Also what are they doing about the offensive armament, as originally it was planned to fit an Army based program for a surface to surface missile, have the USN found an alternative system, what have they got for anti-ship or SAM systems or even ASW systems ?

I suppose the other question is when will Cyberhobby do the LCS1 class ?

[anthonyp]

Well its nice that they have ordered more ships of both classes but what have they decided upon re-armament fit - Phalanx, RAM, Sea Ram ?

SeaRAM on the LCS-2 class, RAM on LCS-1 class (at least right now).

Also what are they doing about the offensive armament, as originally it was planned to fit an Army based program for a surface to surface missile, have the USN found an alternative system

Nope.

what have they got for anti-ship or SAM systems or even ASW systems ?

Well, they've got that 57mm pea-shooter up front, as well as a few MG's, so there's that 

As for ASW, they've got their embarked LAMPS helos... yeah...

I suppose the other question is when will Cyberhobby do the LCS1 class ?

Here's to hoping!

[Thorvic]

Hi Ant

I know its Sea Ram on Independence, but AFAIK there's only one sea going installation as yet, the UK tested it for a year on one of the Batch III Type 42s, and its now on Indepenence, but i was wondering what they will fit on the rest of the class as they get built ? 

G

[anthonyp]

From my understanding, each class will be built following their first of class, no different "flights" till next contract award.