Exploring lethality on LPD-17s

As the Navy pushed for more distributed weaponry throughout the fleet, defense contractor Lockheed Martin is exploring ways to put elements of its Aegis missile defense system software on San Antonio-class (LPD-17) amphibious transport docks ships. The amphib was designed with space and weight for the Mark 41 vertical launching system, according to LM executive Jim Sheridan. “So you think of taking a Mark 41 vertical launching system, along with some of the capabilities that are inherent in the (Aegis) common-source library and transitioning that to that class, that’s where you can really exploit” distributed lethality. MK 41 VLS is an eight-cell module designed to accommodate a wide variety of missiles. It’s currently in use by the Navy’s fleet of cruisers and destroyers, which are equipped with the Aegis system. San Antonio-class amphibs are primarily used as platforms to transport Marines, sailors and equipment. (Source: DOD Buzz 01/10/17) Gulf Coast Note: Huntington Ingalls’ shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., is the sole provider of the San Antonio (LPD 17) class of amphibious transport dock ships for the Navy.