The LCS modules have been under development for something on
the order of two decades, now, and none are yet ready at anything approaching
the original specifications or concepts.
In fact, the anti-submarine (ASW) module has been terminated. The anti-surface (ASuW) module is a joke,
having little capability and what there is, is a faint shadow of the original
intent and specifications. The mine
countermeasures (MCM) module is ready in the sense that there are a group of
individual components that kind of perform limited mine clearance. Even those components are constrained in
their performance, as a Naval News website article documents.[1]
For starters, the entire MCM module doesn’t fit in the LCS!
The unmanned tow vessel is also causing performance problems.
Communications are another issue.
The original intent was to keep the host LCS well away from the actual minefield but the communication issues are causing the ship to operate near the minefield, nullifying the original intended benefit of unmanned operations.
The Navy is looking to incorporate some kind of UAV as a
communications relay.
The MCM module is becoming a real ‘Rube Goldberg’ collection of increasingly ridiculous, mismatched, and constrained components attempting to meet a bare minimum capability.
A reminder … Even if all this works perfectly, it’s still a
failure in that it’s predominantly a one-at-a-time hunting method which is
operationally useless in a combat situation.
Yes, the Navy claims to have an influence sweep capability but, to the
best of my knowledge, that has never been tested and certainly not
realistically. I have severe doubts that
the sweeping method will work against modern smart mines.
Two decades or more of work and we have a cobbled together
collection of misfit, limited capability MCM components. Well done, Navy! You’ve made us proud.
____________________________
The components of the LCS MCM mission module were not originally designed to be loaded into the 30,000 square feet of mission bay space and shortcomings have been encountered in balancing the space between 11 meter CUSVs, four or five 12-foot CONEX boxes, a lift system for the CUSVs, and an independent berthing box for the operators of the MCM suite.[1]
The unmanned tow vessel is also causing performance problems.
According to Captain Scott B. Hattaway, Director of the SMWDC Mine Countermeasures Technical Division, the 11 meter CUSV is currently limited by form factor, limiting the endurance of the platform and the weight of the cable for towed sonar depth. The current form factor of the CUSV is limiting the maximum performance that can be extracted from the AN/AQS-20C sonar suite.[1]
Communications are another issue.
Another limiting factor, according to Captain Hattaway, is the range offered by the CUSV. Line of sight between the LCS mothership and the CUSV is required. In heavy sea states, effectiveness is limited. Bandwidth is taxed by the amount of information that needs to be shared back and forth to the operator and the sensor suites.[1]
The original intent was to keep the host LCS well away from the actual minefield but the communication issues are causing the ship to operate near the minefield, nullifying the original intended benefit of unmanned operations.
“We’re looking at having a UAV with a towed antenna, raising the elevation to hundreds of feet in the air that will allow us to increase the range of USVs …[1]
The MCM module is becoming a real ‘Rube Goldberg’ collection of increasingly ridiculous, mismatched, and constrained components attempting to meet a bare minimum capability.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/01/update-on-the-u-s-navys-littoral-combat-ship-mine-countermeasures-mission-package/
Here's a very not surprise....https://www.twz.com/news-features/cost-of-navys-newest-flight-iii-arleigh-burke-destroyers-is-ballooning
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we just contract to build some other country's mine sweeper design?
ReplyDeleteLutefisk
Are you aware of any foreign minesweeper design that is combat-sweep capable? I'm not but I'd be interested to hear of one!
DeleteUnmanned vessels are crucial in mine sweepings which are very danger. I cannot imagine why it takes so long to develop one for LCS.
ReplyDeleteBack in Vietnam War, China used unmanned vessel - type 312 to help Vietnam swept away mines laid by US to blockade Haiphong Port. Stunning results were achieved according to information released by US after the War.
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ship-mine-vn.htm
Rather than develop a specific one for LCS, Navy should consider develop a common module (unmanned vessel and communication system) which can be carried by many different ships.
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ship-mine-vn.htm
You have a lemon. It cannot carry loads which you need but keep giving you maintenance bills. If you want to make some uses of it, it breaks down and costs you a lot to repair. Promised modules have never been delivered but now the vendor promises you, just spend some money, I will ........
ReplyDelete^&%$#@!*