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
-
![Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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.
