PEO LCS: Delivering Capability to the Fleet

2017

Fleet demand for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is strong; SE Asia deployments show value of LCS to Sea Control /
Distributed Lethality
The Navy is committed to the 52 ship LCS/FFG(X) program to defeat threats in the littorals, including fast surface
craft, quiet submarines, and multiple types of mines. Navy requirement remains 52 small surface combatants
(SSC) as validated again in the Force Structure Assessment released Dec 2016.
Growing demand signal from the Fleet:
o I am a huge fan of the LCS. Its modularity and tactical speed will do us well in the years ahead. We
haven't even thought about everything we will be able to wedge into that platform and onto that flight
deck, we're so busy cranking these things out. It has a capacity to do modernization and add capability
like no other warship we've ever built, and I'm looking forward to seeing that modernized in years to
come." Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, November 2017
o to be quite honest, I cannot wait to have [more LCS] in the fleet and cannot get them there fast
enough. This tool, this ship will soon be deployed in numbers to our forward fleet commanders and will
provide them with a highly valued and absolutely necessary capability. Vice Admiral Tom Rowden,
Naval Surface Forces commander, Feb 2016
o When we really use LCS to its full potential, we use it like a ninja warrior. It sneaks in from the shadows,
it attacks from the shadows and then it disappears. Its gone immediately or before anybody has a
chance to locate it. It gets lost in the clutter of the islands so that it complicates anyones ability to
attack it. Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73, August 2017
USS FORT WORTH deployed to the Asia Pacific Region in November 2014. Lessons from USS FREEDOMs maiden
Western Pacific deployment were instrumental in improving performance on FORT WORTH.
USS CORONADO (LCS 4) deployed to Singapore Fall 2016, marking the first overseas deployment of the
INDEPENDENCE variant, as well as the first LCS to deploy with over the horizon (OTH) missile capability
(Harpoon).

LCS is the most cost effective solution to fulfill these essential missions.
LCS performs vital Navy missions for one third the cost of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer (DDG51), while
freeing larger surface combatants to perform the high end missions for which they were intended.
LCS has been, on average, 20% under its Congressional cost cap.
LCS Mission Packages allow for a tailored capability to meet specific mission needs without the cost/complexity
associated with traditional multi-mission ships such as cruisers and destroyers. The modular, open-systems
architecture inherent in the ships combat system allows for rapid integration of technological solutions that
increase capability at reduced cost.
Unmanned Systems are key to the success of LCS.
LCS is the first ship class designed and built from the keel up to support unmanned systems
Modularity allows inclusion of latest and greatest technology as systems evolve

PEO LCS is delivering the goods.

Stable serial production of Ships
o Total of 11 ships delivered and 18 more in construction or under contract.
o With the 2016 completion of Full Ship Shock Trials on LCS 5 and LCS 6, ship testing is complete.
o Both LCS variants have completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and achieved Initial
Operational Capability (IOC).
We are fielding mission package (MP) capability today, with additional capability delivering incrementally
o Surface Warfare is mature, fielded in 2014 and LCS is deploying with those capabilities today.
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Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited
 PEO LCS: Delivering Capability to the Fleet
2017
Next focus is on Longbow Hellfire surface-to-surface missile module (SSMM)
capability integration testing going well to support 2018 delivery.
o Delivering Mine Countermeasures (MCM) capability today while incorporating lessons learned from
2015 testing
All airborne MCM MP systems [Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS), Airborne Mine
Neutralization System (AMNS), and Cobra] have achieved IOC.

Testing MCM unmanned surface vehicle (USV) currently as platform for sweep (UISS) and it will
also serve as platform for the minehunting sonar (vice RMMV) -- 240 hours in the water so far
(contractor testing)
Knifefish unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) testing going well all previous issues addressed
and system performing well, moving forward with contractor Sea Acceptance testing and then
formal Navy testing
We are looking for every way possible to get MCM capability to the fleet as quickly as possible
Operating MCM MP systems from other than LCS modularity affords flexibility to
deploy MCM MP systems from vessels of opportunity [VOO] (expeditionary capability).
o If the capability is ready, we will find a craft to put it on, or operate it from
shore. (e.g. ALMDS deployment to Fifth Fleet, MHUs from PULLER)
Operating other MCM assets from LCS
o LCS will take any MCM personnel or systems to the fight (e.g. RIMPAC 2016
LCS 1 expeditionary MCM)
Dynamic tailoring modularity affords maximum flexibility to bring exactly the MCM systems
that are needed to a given operation.
o Anti Submarine Warfare
ASW at-sea testing has shown jaw-dropping system performance; Advanced Development
Model (ADM) tested on USS Freedom (LCS 1) in 2014. Exceptional detection ranges with
Continuous Active Sonar (CAS) and Multi-Function Towed Array (MFTA).
Awarded Escort Mission Module Contract to Raytheon in 2017. Fielding planned for 2019.

The future Guided Missile Frigate [FFG(X)] will add multi-mission capability to the Navys family of Small Surface
Combatants (SSCs).
As maritime threats continue to evolve, the Navy is placing greater emphasis on distributed operations,
highlighting the need for a multi-mission Frigate with improved lethality and survivability as a part of the full
complement of 52 SSCs.
To promote and provide for full and open competition, the Navy will consider any hull form foreign and
domestic that meets the requirements and will be built at US shipyards. Having multiple offerors compete
for the FFG(X) design will ensure competitive pricing and enable the Navy to select the best value design.
The Navy will specify what combat systems will be required on the FFG(X) to maximize capability,
interoperability, and commonality, and to reduce development, integration and future modernizations
costs.
Awarding the FFG(X) contract in FY2020 will enable the Navy to expand competition, mature designs, and
better understand the cost and capability drivers across the various design options and allow the Conceptual
design phase to inform the final specifications that will deliver the required capability at an affordable price
and achieve the best value solution for the American taxpayer.

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