View non-flash version
Navy draft, and maneuverability will allow LCS to employ its mission packages much more effectively and keep the larger, multi-mission ships from being placed in sub-optimum positions. As such, LCS is optimized to serve as a force-multiplier to the other SCFOS members. As a ship specifically focused on the mission of pro- viding assured access and countering the threat of mines, small boats and diesel submarines, LCS offers the opportunity to significantly optimize warfighting abilities in these areas and employ a family of unmanned vehicles to do these missions. LCS could also be capable of conducting secondary missions such as Maritime Interdiction Operations and Homeland Defense (MIO/HLD); Special Operations; Command, Control, Communications and Computers, Intelli- gence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR); and logistic support for movement of personnel and sup- plies. To accomplish its assigned missions, LCS will need characteristics that are tailored to fight in the littoral. In addition to its speed, shallow draft, and maneuver- ability, LCS will operate as part of a netted and distrib- uted force. In this net-centric force, LCS will need to provide near-instantaneous flow of useful tactical data to a maritime or ground component commander. This netted architecture will allow participating units to share data from key sensors and weapons scattered by various units throughout an operating theater. LCS will benefit from the combined sensor data from all platforms, keeping LCS' installed sensors to a mini- mum and reserved for self-protection and critical mis- sion capabilities. LCS is expected to have a flight deck and hanger for operating and maintaining manned rotary wing air- craft. The flight deck will also be able to operate, fuel and support Unmanned Air Vehicles. Indeed, LCS will make extensive use of a variety of organic manned and unmanned aerial, surface and underwater vehicles. These organic vehicles will be fully netted to the ship in order to facilitate real-time data exchange and sup- port littoral warfare combat operations. And, they will provide inherent modular-mission capability through easily interchangeable vehicle payloads. Finally, the ship's configuration will allow for the rapid launch and recovery of boats and SOF craft while the LCS is oper- ating at tactical speeds. To enhance mission accomplishment and survivabil- ity, LCS can leverage the latest in human systems inter- faces, integrated through a robust local-area network. These smart systems will take into account optimal manning concepts, ship operations, crew support ser- vices, and an Integrated Command Environment type approach. LCS can also leverage its modular capabil- ities while accommodating a crew size determined pri- marily by a ship's mission package detachments. The Navy recently asked industry to help explore dif- ferent approaches to meeting the requirement for a focused-mission, high-speed ship optimized for littoral combat. The information gained through these studies will be reviewed and may be used to formulate future Let us take care of all your insulation and abatement needs We accept MasterCard, Visa and Amex TEMP-SET INSULATION COVERS MANUFACTURING AND CONTRACTING Removable Reusable Temp-Set Insulation Covers, Manifolds, Turbos, Silencers, and complete Exhaust Systems. ACOUSTICAL INSULATION ASBESTOS ABATEMENT TURN-KEY JOBS WANT SUPERIOR QUALITY WANT SUPERIOR SERVICE CALL SUPERIOR ENERGIES INC. 1-800-BUY-SEI-1 P.O. Drawer 386, Groves TX 77619 Telephone: (409) 962-8549 Fax: (409) 962-4027 Website: www.insulationsei.com SUPERIOR ENERGIES INC. Reduce engine room temperature Lower engine room noise Easy to assemble Coast Guard Compliant The Navy will evaluate various hull designs for the Littoral Com- bat Ship. LCS will be configured with mission modules for its focused missions, and will rely on helicopters and unmanned systems. (Illustration courtesy of Kvaerner Masa) ship requirements. The Navy will select up to six con- tractors to conduct the ship concept design studies. Each proposal must provide one specific concept for a ship that could be built in the United States, but foreign industry can participate in the concept study effort. While the proposals sought by the Navy are not con- cepts for a specific ship that we build, they will be a critical step in defining what kind of platform will best help us meet the challenges of operating in the littoral and meeting mission requirements. The result of all of these efforts will help the Navy find a best-of-breed solution to the requirements of a high-speed focused mission ship operating in the lit- toral. An All-Around Solution With its high speed, shallow draft, maneuverability, and modular characteristics, LCS will be optimized to confront littoral threats that can deny access of U.S. forces to a given theater of operations. It will offer unique capabilities that no other platform can provide. Employing netted sensors and organic weapons for self-defense, LCS will break new ground for use of remotely employed sensors and delivery of weapons by a family of unmanned vehicles operating on, above and below the ocean's surface. Its modular, focused- mission design will enable rapid insertion of new tech- nology throughout the ship's service life. In short, LCS has the potential to be a key element of the U.S. Navy's Surface Combatant Family of Ships. Commander Chiaravallotti is assigned to the Surface Ship Branch, in the Surface Warfare Division, in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations staff. Circle 267 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com LNG Engine Room Automation ABS Type approved trsnsro-tterv vaive pos»'t;r«>w*. ar>^J APAC£> one of the largest fleets in th Great Lakes, it must be good Circle 278 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com Time, Experience, & Reliability... THE MARITIME GROUP Since 1939 The Maritime Group has been a leader in the marine industry. Today it's supported by a network of publications and electronic products. MARITIME REPORTER AND ENGINEERING NEWS m * The Maritime Group has a combined audience of over 450,000 each month. In a unsure market make sure you get the most out of your advertising dollar. Reserve your ad today! Call: 212-477-6700
