Navy Explores LCS Validation with Swift Vessels

Strategic Insights -

The United States Navy is utilizing two high-speed vessels (HSV), the Joint Venture (HSV-X1) and the Swift (HSV-2), to validate components of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. Additionally, the Navy plans to employ the Littoral Support Craft-Experimental (LSC-X) to further test and validate LCS concepts. Rear Adm. William Landay, program executive officer (PEO) for littoral and mine warfare, highlights the advantages of using the Swift vessel, which features a large mission bay, allowing for easy transportation and deployment of equipment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Navy is leasing two HSV ships, the Joint Venture (HSV-X1) and the Swift (HSV-2), from an industry team consisting of Incat and Bollinger Shipyards for a variety of tasks, including lift and mine-countermeasures missions.
  • Pieces of the mine warfare suite were tested on the Swift, including battlespace preparation autonomous underwater vehicles and mission systems.
  • LCS has three core missions: counter-mine warfare, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • The Navy will utilize LSC-X as a test bed for new technologies and operational capabilities that may be chosen for LCS, with a builder-expected delivery date in February 2005.
  • The LSC-X will be managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and will enable the Navy to conduct sea trials, mission module demonstrations, and follow-on evaluations.
  • Rear Adm. Landay stated that the X-craft will tend to be used more for LCS experimentation, and the Navy will have more things going on with this vessel.

Statistics:

  • The Navy is leasing two HSV ships, the Joint Venture (HSV-X1) and the Swift (HSV-2), from an industry team.
  • $11.1 million authorized for the Navy to complete construction of LSC-X.
  • LCS will have three core missions: counter-mine warfare, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

Sources:

  • Defense Daily, October 6, 2004.
  • Defense Daily, October 12, 2004.
  • [The exact format of the original source is used without any additional details.]