LCS cost reduction ‘hull over hull’

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Navy is achieving cost reductions with each Littoral Combat Ship hull completed, and with fewer discrepancy results from acceptance trials, LCS program deputy Neal White told attendees Jan. 11 at the Surface Navy Association National Symposium. In recent years, each LCS has been delivered at a progressively lower cost, all within the congressionally imposed 2010 cap of $480M per ship-variant, he said. LCS shipbuilders Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and Lockheed Martin at Marinette, Wis., have delivered 11 ships in two separate variants – Independence and Freedom. Eighteen are under contract; and two are in the FY 2018 budget. The 2018 defense budget authorized a third LCS, but it awaits funding. If it’s funded, there would be a total production of 32 LCS. The program office has been incorporating changes in design from lessons learned in operations. Modifications and changes to Austal’s Independence variant include USS Jackson (LCS 6) will include habitability improvements and bridge wings; and USS Kansas City (LCS 22), which will be delivered with habitability improvements, increased magazine protection, shock-hardened water system, a Lightweight Tow assembly; and space for a future over-the-horizon missile. (Source: Seapower Magazine 01/11/18)