USS Detroit begins testing of SSMM
The US Navy has begun initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) on Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Detroit.
The SSMM is an LCS surface warfare mission package, designed to complement the ship’s organic weaponry to counter small-boat swarming threats and provide a visit, board, search and seizure capability.
The test and evaluation plan involves two fast inshore attack craft raid events that use the SSMM and Gun Mission Module (GMM), consisting of two 30mm guns and 57mm weapons systems.
The developmental and integrated testing of the SSMM was successfully carried out off the coast of Virginia from July through November 2018. The test and evaluation regime is the next step toward declaring initial operational capability and fielding the module with the Surface Warfare Mission package.
The SSMM package includes 24 Longbow Hellfire missiles; the GMM, Maritime Security Module, containing two 11m rigid hull inflatable boats; and the Aviation Mission Module, including an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and a VTOL UAS.
IOT&E is planned to be completed in early 2019.
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