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 and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026]()
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.
-
![US Navy starts acquisition process for uncrewed maritime systems for support missions]()
US Navy starts acquisition process for uncrewed maritime systems for support missions
The USN is interested in uncrewed capabilities that can carry out explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, force protection, ISR and anti-submarine missions.
-
![HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy]()
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
-
![French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement]()
French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement
The FDI frigates will have an enhanced warfare capability that matches the configuration of ships ordered by Greece.
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
