USS Billings completes acceptance trials
The US Navy’s Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Billings, has successfully completed acceptance trials in the waters of Lake Michigan, Lockheed Martin announced on 10 December.
The trials included a full-power run, manoeuvrability testing and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship's combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery, and machinery control and automation.
The future USS Billings is the eighth Freedom-class LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team, and is scheduled for delivery to the US Navy in 2019.
The fleet has been designed to support missions including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
