Nichols Martin
A Lockheed Martin-led industry team has completed acceptance testing of the ninth Freedom-variant littoral combat ship in Lake Michigan in preparation for the ship's delivery this year.
The ship demonstrated maneuverability, aviation support, small boat launch handling, machinery control and detect-to-engage tasks during the series of trials, Lockheed said Wednesday.
Designed to traverse seas at speeds of over 40 knots, LCS vessels address threats via rolling airframe missiles. The ships also feature automated functions and hulls that are 40 percent customizable to accommodate various weapon systems.
“LCS 17 is joining the second-largest class of ships in the U.S. Navy fleet, and we are proud to get the newest littoral combat ship one step closer to delivery,†said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager for small combatants and ship systems at Lockheed Martin.
Fincantieri Marinette Marine is an industry partner in the Lockheed-led Freedom-variant ship program.
