Littoral Combat Ships

[ghost]

I'm looking forward to seeing these in active service with the Navy. They've got two prototypes that they're testing right now. One of them is Lockheed Martin's design, the USS Freedom(LCS-1), and the other one is a design by General Dynamics, the USS Independence(LCS-2).

http://artec-machine.com/artec-pages/images/home_page/LCS-Navy.jpg

http://defense-update.com/images_large/lcs_side.jpg


http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/SHIP_LCS-GD_cutaway.png

The first two images are of LCS-1, and the third one is of LCS-2.

The general idea for the Littoral Combat Ship is to allow the ship to operate fairly close to shore, or in shallow waters, with a high speed hull, while packing just as much heat as a Destroyer. Not to mention they have a very stealthy design, as well.

So, what do you guys think?

[Cruelbreed]

I think it's a great concept. Can't argue with more bang for the buck and having large amounts of smaller very capable ships. I'm curious if they'll only operate off our shores though or if they're intended to travel anywhere and be capable of operating near a war zones coast line.

I feel as if this brings another element of specialization into the Navy, where Littoral Combat ship crews will be extremely efficient in certain war scenarios. Not the best analogy but it's almost like SOF personnel but for ships. Smaller group size, more freedom to maneuver,less overhead etc etc.

[Cruelbreed]

The crews are so small I feel there will be a sort of brotherhood on each ship as well. I wouldn't mind serving on a combat ship such as this as I'd feel much more important (not as if I really know what it's like to be in the Navy) (15-20 people?)

Here's some more info

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/littoral/

Also if one ship goes down it's much better than losing some of our other ships that operate at further distances. These ships will help provide more protection for our carriers against subs etc, and will act almost as deterrents.

[nastyleg]

hmmmmm