More on FFG -7 by Capt. Slade USN writing in Proceedings 1990.:
""In a service predominantly focused on carrier battle-group operations, the FFG-7 has often been criticized because it is not the advanced-technology, multipurpose destroyer the fleet operators really wanted"."
And still wants.
Being cynical:
When one considers that the USN knew this ship would cost $450m(before modules!!!) to build but demanded it be built for 220m even for the first unit which is always more expensive begs a question.
Did a faction in the USN deliberately scuttle this ship program?
Not to mention other limitations placed on the vessel plus keeping the speed requirement artificially high even though they knew that the helo capabilities requirement dictated a slower speed.
http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/pubs/Case%207%20LCS.pdf
"Its cost (estimated at over $450 million) and numbers (planned procurement of 55 ships) suggest that the Navy does not plan on losing large numbers of them. Further, its CONOPS call for it to operate under the protection of the rest of the fleet in most threatening situations."
Washington Pulse
"The original estimates were close to $400 million, not $220 million, but the Navy was so focused on proving that it could build an inexpensive warship that it allowed contractors to submit lowball estimates, the official said."
Now how could this be????????????
Plus the fact that in April 1986 the USN stated they would never again build a frigate type ship which LCS surely is.
And isnt it a coincidence that this was the year Capt. Hughes book "Fleet Tactics" came out endorsing small ships?
Which have been totally dismissed by the USN!!
So LCS essentially has become a $500m+ MCM/Small helo carrier frigate? ship?.
And people wonder why its canceled? Or worse blame its cancellation on factors other than what is really occurring?
No wonder the USN sources I have pressed on LCS have stone-walled me at every turn for four years now!!!! LOL ROTFLMAO
Correct me if Im wrong on any of this.
I surely would like to be.
Im pro-Navy how does this look to the USN detractors fo which there is a multitude?
It could be an ugly winter for the USN barring unforseen events.
I also starterd rereading this. Some good stuff in there which is alternately good and not so good for the USN and LCS. But is certainly an important analysis.:
http://www.csbaonline.org/4Publicati...040218.LCS.pdf
"Admiral Clark approved the LCS over the objections of his own staff and to the irritation
of key portions of the surface, submarine, and aviation communities. If this be the case,
the thinking goes, the LCS could be terminated as soon as his tenure is up.'
Well it did take a bit longer.