The propulsion plant of the nation’s first Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom (LCS 1), has completed testing in preparation for dock trials. The ship, under construction in Manitowoc, is now ready to begin dock trials – the final stage of testing before underway trials.
Freedom is being built by a Lockheed Martin-led team including naval architect Gibbs & Cox, ship builders Marinette Marine, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc., , and Bollinger Shipyards, as well as best-of-industry domestic and international teammates to provide a low-risk, affordable LCS solution.
“Freedom is now exercising her propulsion train to the full extent possible in port, running the gas turbines and diesel engines; spinning shafts and pumping water through the steerable water jets,” said Dan Schultz, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Maritime Security & Ship Systems line of business. “We are looking forward to beginning underway trials in the lakes and demonstrating the capabilities this unique ship will bring to the U.S. Navy.”
The agile 378-foot Freedom is powered by an innovative, combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, with steerable water jet propulsion. This system will power the ship at cruise speeds out to ranges exceeding 3,500 nautical miles and will also allow the ship to sustain sprint speeds over 40 knots. Dock trials includes a series of demonstrations of propulsion, navigation, communication and other systems conducted to ensure the ship is ready for sea trials.
