Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship
 

The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."

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Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship
 
 
 
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
 
Description

The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."

To meet changing warfare needs, the Lockheed Martin design incorporates large reconfigurable paces, an integrated launch, recovery and handling system, a large flight deck certified to Level I Class I and mission flexibility through rapid change-out of mission modules and support equipment. Freedom class ships incorporate semi-planing monohull that combines high speeds (>47 knots), payload and range to provide flexibiility in executing the full spectrum of LCS missions. Optimized for watercraft launch and recovery, Lockheed Martin's design includes stern and side launch apability near the waterline and an integrated command and control system to support mission module operation.

The Freedom class design also integrates non-developmental sensors and weapons systems, providing proven technologies for combat power and mission flexibility, as well as a robust, layered self-defense system. These solutions offer a flexible, survivable warship for littoral operations with inherent margin for capability growth.

The head of class, USS Freedom (LCS 1) was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2008 and deployed two years early. She completed her maiden deployment in 2010 and participated in the world’s largest international maritime exercise, know as RIMPAC 2010. USS Freedom’s design meets all requirements and has completed sea trials, helicopter landings, weapons firings, small boat launch and recovery testing.
Second ship of the Freedom class, USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) was
launched in December 2010.

In total, ten Freedom class LCS are to be built, at a rate of 2 per year until 2015.

 
Shiplist
Name
Hull Number
USS Freedom
LCS 1
USS Fort Worth
LCS 3
USS Milwaukee
LCS 5
USS Detroit
LCS 7
USS Little Rock
LCS 9
USS Sioux City
LCS 11
 
Variants

Surface Combat Ship: Export variant of LCS with Lockheed Martin’s Agile Management System (LMACS) and customizable components such as AEGIS, MK41 VLS, Oto Melara 76mm, Millenium 35mm, Phalanx guns, Anti-ship missiles, Sonars, EW systems... depending on customer needs.

Technical Data
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Design
Advanced semi-planing steel monohull. Sloped aluminum superstructures . Large reconfigurable spaces. Integrated launch, recovery and handling system. Large flight deck. Modular weapon zone.
Can be reconfigured for various roles by changing mission modules.
Weapons
  • Anti-ship missiles:
    45x NLOS missiles (ASuW mission module)
  • Anti-air missiles:
    21x RIM-116 RAM block A1
  • Guns:
    BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm (main gun)
    2x Mk44 Bushmaster II 30mm guns
    4x .50-cal machine guns
Sensors, Electronics and Decoys
  • EADS TRS-3D 3D air and surface search radar
  • Lockheed Martin COMBATSS-21 combat management system
  • Thales Captas 4249 low frequency active variable depth sonar (LFA-VDS)
  • Argon ST WBR-2000 ESM system
  • Terma A/S SKWS decoy system
Propulsion
Combined diesel and gas turbine with steerable waterjet propulsion.
 
Specifications
Type
Littoral Combat Ship
Crew
Less than 50
(accomodations for 75)
Operators
US Navy.
Surface Combat Ship version available for export.
Performance
Top Speed: 47+ kts
Range: 3,500 nm @ 18 kts
Endurance: 21 days
Displacement
3,000 tons
Engines
2 Rolls-Royce MT30 36 MW gas turbines, 2 Colt-Pielstick diesel engines, 4 Rolls-Royce waterjets.
Aircraft
Hangar for 2 mid-size helicopters (10 tons class) or 1 mid-size helicopter + 3 VTUAV.
Dimensions
Length: 115 m
Breadth: 17.5 m
Maximum Draft: 4 m
Detailed View
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
 
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."
 
Pictures - Video
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All pictures © US Navy