US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems and DRS Laurel Technologies were each awarded contracts from the US Naval Surface Warfare Center on 21 May, for work in support of the Vertical Launch System (VLS).
A $48.97 million contract modification for Lockheed Martin will see it exercise options for production of additional MK 5 Mod 2 launch sequencers. The company is expected to complete work by April 2022.
DRS Laurel Technologies will exercise options to manufacture, assemble, test and deliver additional Mk 235 Mod 11 and Mod 12 production units, under a $26.05 million contract modification. It will complete this work by February 2021.
The VLS provides area and self-defence and anti-air warfare capabilities, as well as counter-air and land attack cruise missile defence and surface/ASW capabilities.
Each VLS is equipped with two redundant launch control units, which are electrically interfaced with all of the launch sequencers in the system.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.