USN accepts Freedom-variant LCS as combining gear fix found
The Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Freedom. (Photo: USN)
The fix comes after the USN halted deliveries of Lockheed Martin’s Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship due to a class-wide flaw in the design.
On November 18, the USN accepted delivery of Freedom-variant LCS the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul after ‘rigorous testing’ of a modification to the variant’s combining gear.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is the first Freedom-variant LCS to receive the fix, which will eventually be rolled out to all ships of the variant.
Shephard Defence Insight notes the variant suffered from a material defect with its combining gear, which transmits power generated by the ship’s engines to its waterjet propulsion system.
In a statement, Lockheed Martin told Shephard: ‘Lockheed Martin is proud of its longstanding partnership with the USN and continues to
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
