05/12/2024
The U.S. Navy consistently highlights during commissioning ceremonies for Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) the "new" capabilities of these vessels in its PRs. A typical statement is as follows:
"LCS-class ships, like the USS Nantucket, will be equipped with the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) featuring the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The OTH-WS provides the U.S. and its allies with a long-range, anti-surface offensive strike capability while also enhancing coastal defense, deterrence, and interoperability. This system includes the MK 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS), which leverages the combat-proven MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) technology to deliver mid-range precision firepower."
In light of this, I have several questions:
1. Mk 70 and AAW Capability: If the Mk 70 system is intended for AAW, the ship would require suitable sensors, such as a MFR or FCR systems. However, these systems are not present. In image n. 2, showing the Lethality Upgrade, the VLS installation is complemented by two CEROS 200 FCRs. Does this imply a significant limitation or a specific focus on other roles for the Mk 70?
2. Mk 70 and NSM compatibility: Could the Mk 70 system be intended to deploy the NSM instead of traditional VLS-compatible missiles? Is such a configuration technically feasible? Or the NSM will be installed forward of the bridge (image n. 4)?
3. Containerized VLS limitation: The placement of a containerized VLS on the flight deck severely restricts helicopter operations, all for just four missile cells. This highlights a design limitation of the Freedom-class LCS—its inability to fully integrate a VLS into the superstructure, apart from the smaller Hellfire system. What is the rationale behind this trade-off?
4. 30mm gun omission: Why are Freedom-class LCS being commissioned without their intended 30mm guns? Is this indicative of future installations, and if so, what might those be? For example: NSM launchers installed amidships (as in image n.3) or placement of the Mk 70 systems within the superstructure similarly to those VLS in image n. 2? Furthermore, why was the latest LCS commissioned with a containerized system instead of an integrated solution?
5. Primary role of LCS: With these configurations, will the LCS primarily serve as a weapons carrier to provide missiles to other ships (Arleigh Burke DDGs will provide data), or is the NSM its sole integrated offensive capability? If so, how does this affect its intended operational role? Where will they operate?
