SMALL SURFACE COMBATANTS
Freedom class LCS
_The new LCS will provide a platform for intelligence gathering, employ surface (anti-ship) and land attacks precision weapons, and operate manned and unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAV/USV). To further adapt for specific missions, LCS will incorporate a modular and interchangeable approach, enabling it to be reconfigured to specific missions such as antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pier-side in a matter of hours, adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.
Freedom is specifically designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. The 377 foot vessel has a displacement of 3,000 metric tons and is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship is designed with a survivable, semi-planning steel monohull offering proven sea-keeping characteristics and good maneuverability to support launch and recovery operations, mission execution and optimum crew comfort.
Freedom is specifically designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. The 377 foot vessel has a displacement of 3,000 metric tons and is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship is designed with a survivable, semi-planning steel monohull offering proven sea-keeping characteristics and good maneuverability to support launch and recovery operations, mission execution and optimum crew comfort.
Independence class LCS
_The new 127 meter long Independence Class LCS will provide a platform for intelligence gathering, employ surface (anti-ship) and land attacks precision weapons, and operate manned and unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAV/USV). To further adapt for specific missions, LCS will incorporate a modular and interchangeable approach, enabling it to be reconfigured to specific missions such as antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pier-side in a matter of hours, adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.
The Independence Class LCS, built by General Dynamics is designed to offer the largest usable payload volumes per ton of ship displacement of any U.S. Navy surface combatant afloat today -- providing the flexibility to carry out one mission while a separate mission module is in reserve. Its large flight deck sits high above the water, sized to support near-simultaneous operation of two SH-60 helicopters or multiple unmanned vehicles. In addition, the deck is suitable for landing the much-larger H-53 helicopters, should that become a future requirement.
The Independence Class LCS, built by General Dynamics is designed to offer the largest usable payload volumes per ton of ship displacement of any U.S. Navy surface combatant afloat today -- providing the flexibility to carry out one mission while a separate mission module is in reserve. Its large flight deck sits high above the water, sized to support near-simultaneous operation of two SH-60 helicopters or multiple unmanned vehicles. In addition, the deck is suitable for landing the much-larger H-53 helicopters, should that become a future requirement.
Ambassador III class FMC
_Ambassador III is a class of fast missile crafts (FMC) built in the United States by VT Halter Marine. Their propulsion system is based on six diesel engines developing altogether 30,000-shp to allow a top speed of 41 knots. The armaments provided to each Ambassador III craft consists of eight RGM-84L Harpoon Block II, one Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), one OTO-Melara 76mm gun, and one Mk 31 RAM HAS weapon system.
The primary mission of the FMC is to conduct independent and joint operations, primarily against armed surface adversaries. The FMC offers the capacity to combat these threats and to patrol and defend coastal waterways.
The primary mission of the FMC is to conduct independent and joint operations, primarily against armed surface adversaries. The FMC offers the capacity to combat these threats and to patrol and defend coastal waterways.