US Navy’s LCS Wichita completes acceptance trials
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team has completed acceptance trials of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 13, the future USS Wichita, in the waters of Lake Michigan, the company announced on 13 July.
Wichita is the seventh Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin team and is scheduled for delivery to the US Navy in the coming months.
Conducted from 9 to 12 July, the trials included a full-power run, manoeuvrability testing and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the vessel’s combat system. Major systems and features demonstrations included aviation support and small boat launch handling and recovery.
The Freedom-variant LCS is a lethal and adaptable ship designed to support missions in the areas of mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment
The country's long-term growth plan to overhaul its fleets well into the 2030s could open the door to an array of opportunities for suppliers.
-
FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults
The new platform is designed to put reconnaissance, obstacle clearance and fire support ahead of the crewed force in a contested landing.
-
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.