LCS 8 completes acceptance trial
The future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has successfully completed acceptance trials following several underway and in-port demonstrations for the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the navy announced on 13 May.
During the four-day trial the ship successfully performed surface and air self-defence detect-to-engage exercises; a four-hour full power run; and launch and recovery operations of its 11-metre rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The ship’s manoeuvrability was also demonstrated, with the vessel accomplishing speeds of over 40 knots and performing tight turns.
The successful trial clears the way for delivery of the ship to the navy in the coming weeks.
Capt Tom Anderson, LCS program manager, said: ‘Ship after ship, we continue to see improved performance at lower cost. Montgomery’s strong performance during acceptance trials is a testament to the navy/industry team that has laboured to incorporate lessons learned and deliver this exceptional and affordable ship.’
Following delivery and commissioning Montgomery will be home-ported in San Diego with sister ships USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Freedom (LCS 1).
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
![Europe’s naval contractors benefit from growing refit and upgrade demand]()
Europe’s naval contractors benefit from growing refit and upgrade demand
Rheinmetall’s order to modernise the German Navy frigate Bayern points to a wider European shift towards extending warship service life as new-build programmes face delay.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity]()
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
