Independence class Littoral Combat ship
 
 
The below  photos are of the U.S. Navy's latest ship design - an Independence class Littoral Combat ship. This particular ship is is the USS Independence (LCS-2), first of it's class with more to come. The Independence will be ready for active duty in a month or so, plus some remaining testing of ship systems.

The purpose of the ship is to serve as a small assault transport off-shore. It responds to the need to combat pirate or insurgent activity off the East Africa coast, or any other such location. It's 418 ft. long with a 104 ft. beam, 14 ft. draft, and is capable of speeds over 40 knots. Range is 4,300 nautical miles at 20 knots. The stable all aluminum trimaran hull displaces 2,800 tons full, and allows flight operations up to sea state 5. The designers indicate that, with modifications, speed can be increased to 60 knots, and range more than doubled to 10,000 nm. Propulsion involves two gas turbines, two diesels, four water jets, four retractable thrusters, and four diesel generators.

Air capability includes 2 standard Navy SH-60 helicopters, and 1 unmanned MQ-8 Fire Scout helicopter. Armament includes a 57 mm gun, 4 .50 caliber machine guns, 11 cell missile launcher, 32 missile vertical launch system, 8 Harpoon missiles, 2 Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and 6 ASW torpedoes.

In addition to cargo or container sized mission modules, the 11,000 sq. ft. mission bay can carry four lanes of multiple Strykers, armored Humvees, and their associated troops. Ship's complement is 40 sailors, including 8 officers, and there's ample room for as many as 35 Marines and/or Seals, depending on the missions.

The total projected cost for the Independence is $704 million, which is over twice the original budget. However, this ship is the prototype with an uncommon design, and a completely new set of problems that had to be overcome and retested. The Navy currently plans a new bidding process with the FY2010 budget, and this will involve competition between the incumbent General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. The winner will build two ships, and the loser only one.

Go get those pirates!