Lockheed Martin press release
Unique among combat ships, the focused-mission LCS is designed to support mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions and is easily adapted to serve future and evolving missions. The Freedom-variant LCS is:
- Flexible — Forty percent of the hull is easily reconfigurable, able to integrate Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30 mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles designed to meet today’s and tomorrow’s missions.
- Lethal — LCS is standard equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
- Fast — LCS is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
- Automated — LCS has the most efficient staffing of any combat ship.
“Indianapolis’ speed, flexibility and lethality bring a unique set of capabilities to the fleet. She is equipped and ready for today’s threats and can easily integrate new capabilities for tomorrow’s threats. Our team is confident Indianapolis will be what the Navy needs when the fleet needs it.”
Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager of Small Combatants and Ship Systems at Lockheed Martin
“The crew gives the ship its own personality and warfighting spirit. The men and women of USS Indianapolis exemplify patriotism, grit, and what this great country of ours stand for. I am extremely proud to have all of [the USS Indianapolis crew] as shipmates.”
LCS 17’s Commanding Officer, Commander Colin Kane
There are seven ships in various stages of production and test at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, where the Freedom-variant LCS is built. The next Freedom-variant in the class is LCS 19, the future USS St, Louis, which is on track to begin sea trials later this year.
