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The design for
Independence (LCS 2) is based on a proven high-speed trimaran (Benchijigua
Express) hull built by Austal (Henderson, Australia).
With 11,000 cubic meters of payload volume the ship is designed with enough
objective payload and volume to carry out one mission while a separate
mission module is in reserve. The large flight deck, 1,030 m2 (11,100 sq ft),
will support operation of two SH-60 helicopters, multiple UAVs, or one large
CH-53 class helicopter (which is larger than a V-22 transport). The stable
trimaran hull will allow flight operations up to sea state 5.
Fixed core capabilities will be carried for self-defense and command and
control. However unlike traditional fighting ships with fixed armament such
as guns and missiles, innovative and tailored mission modules will be
configured for one mission package at a time. Modules may consist of manned
aircraft, unmanned vehicles, off-board sensors, or mission-manning
detachments - all in an expandable open systems architecture.
The large interior volume and payload is greater than larger destroyers and
is sufficient to serve as a high-speed transport and maneuver platform. The
mission bay is 11,800 square feet (1,100 m2), and takes up most of the deck
below the hangar and flight deck.
In addition to cargo or container-sized mission modules, the bay can carry
four lanes of multiple Strykers, armored Humvees, and their associated troops.
An elevator allows air transport of packages the size of a twenty-foot long
shipping container that can be moved into the mission bay while at sea. A
side access ramp allows for vehicle roll-on/roll-off loading to a dock and
allows the ship to even transport the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
The habitability area is under the bridge with bunks for many personnel.
The Independence also has an integrated LOS Mast, Sea Giraffe 3D Radar and
SeaStar Safire FLIR. Side and forward surfaces are angled for reduced radar
profile. In addition, H-60 series helicopters provide airlift, rescue,
anti-submarine, radar picket and anti-ship capabilities with torpedoes and
missiles.
The Raytheon Evolved SeaRAM missile defense system is installed on the hangar
roof. The SeaRAM combines the sensors of the Phalanx 1B close-in weapon
system with an 11-missile launcher for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM),
creating an autonomous system.
To reduce the risk of fire on the all aluminum ship, many parts are protected
from fire, and smoking is not permitted on board.
Northrop Grumman has demonstrated sensor fusion of on and off-board systems
in the Integrated Combat Management System (ICMS) used on Independence.
History
The contract was awarded to General Dynamics in July 2003. The contract to
build her was then awarded to Austal USA of Mobile, Alabama, on 14 October
2005 and her keel was laid down on 19 January 2006. Delivery to the United
States Navy was scheduled for December 2008, but will most likely be pushed
back to September 2009.
The originally planned second General Dynamics ship (LCS-4) was canceled on
November 1, 2007. On May 1, 2009, a second vessel was reordered by the Navy,
the Coronado (LCS-4), with delivery scheduled for May 2012.
The Navy currently plans a new bidding process with the FY2010 budget between
Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics for the next three littoral combat
ships, with the winner building two ships and the loser only one. USS
Independence was christened October 5, 2008 by Doreen Scott, wife of 10th
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry D. Scott.
Austal has proposed a much smaller and slower trimaran, called the Multi-Role
Vessel or Multi-Role Corvette. Though it is only half the size of their LCS
design, it would still be useful for border protection and counter piracy
operations.
The development and construction of Independence as of June 2009 was running
at 100% over-budget. The total projected cost for the ship is $704 million.
The Navy had originally projected the cost at $220 million. Independence
began builder's trials near Mobile, Alabama on July 2, 2009, three-days
behind schedule because of maintenance issues.
In response to problems with the propulsion plant, the ship experienced a
leak in the port gas turbine shaft seal, General Dynamics has resequenced the
builders trials to test other systems until this is fixed. The ship completed
builder's trials on October 21, 2009 and acceptance trials on November 19,
2009.
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