According to information published by the US DoD on February 10, 2023, the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) antenna landed on the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29).
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San Antonio class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (Picture source: US DoD)
This marks the completion of EASR system deliveries for what will be the first LPD 17 Class ship and the first U.S. Navy install and activation of the SPY-6(V)2, rotating variant, S-Band radar.
SPY-6(V)2 provides the U.S. Navy with a common hardware variant for carrier and amphibious ships. In addition to providing hardware and software commonality, the radar will also contribute to increased engagement and overall ship self-defense.
As with all incremental technology enhancements, the Navy is applying an increased focus to ensure that the system is provided on schedule, integrated into the ship/combat system, and activated. Ultimately, EASR will be made ready as an integral sensor in an integrated Ship Self-Defense System to support the ship’s employment.
About the LPD
USS Richard M. McCool Jr. has a full displacement of 25,000 tons and an overall length of 208.5 meters (684 feet) and a waterline length of 201.4 meters (661 feet). Its extreme beam is 31.9 meters (105 feet) and its waterline beam is 29.5 meters (97 feet) and it has a draft of 7 meters (23 feet).
The ship is powered by four Colt-Pielstick diesel engines, with a total power output of 40,000 horsepower (30 MW), and is capable of reaching speeds of 22 knots (41 km/h).
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock can carry two LCACs (air cushion) or one LCU (conventional) landing craft and has a capacity of 699 personnel (66 officers and 633 enlisted), with the ability to surge to 800 total.
The ship's complement consists of 28 officers and 333 enlisted personnel. For defense, the LPD is armed with two 30 mm Bushmaster II cannons for surface threat defense and two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers for air defense. She can also carry and launch or recover either four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters or two MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft simultaneously.
