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."
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.
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.
090928-N-7241L-091
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)
USS Freedom (LCS1) AT2 Sea Trials
100330-N-7058E-253
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 30, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts joint counter-illicit trafficking operations with the guided-missile frigate USS McInerney (FFG 8) in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)
100330-N-7058E-464
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 30, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts joint counter-illicit trafficking operations with the guided-missile frigate USS McInerney (FFG 8) in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)
100423-N-4774B-081
SAN DIEGO (April 23, 2010) The NavyÕs first littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) pulls into Naval Base San Diego after completion of her maiden deployment. Freedom successfully conducted operations including counter-illicit trafficking and port visits to Columbia, Panama, and Mexico in support of global maritime security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)
110607-N-DB113-082
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 7, 2011) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 prepares to land aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Aaron Burden/Released)
110607-N-DB113-207
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 7, 2011) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 flies alongside the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Aaron Burden/Released)
090928-N-7241L-149
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)
090928-N-7241L-245
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)
100203-N-7058E-546
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 3, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) is underway off the coast of Florida at sunset during pre-deployment workups. Freedom is undergoing final crew training and certification before deploying to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)
100204-N-4774B-302
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb.4, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) performs high-speed maneuvers during open-sea operations. Freedom is taking part in Southern Seas 2010 as part of a scheduled homeport shift. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)
100220-N-7058E-085
CARIBBEAN SEA (Feb. 20, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) transits the Caribbean Sea during its maiden deployment. Freedom is conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)