I don't know how many have seen the new LCS class of ships but here is an image. They look like they came out of the Rise of Nations video game.
Sadly, the basic premise is not sound, the ships are critically undermanned AND they are not projected to be survivable in a combat situation.....say WHU?!?!?
Posted by shikaru808 (Member # 2080) on :
What does it do? Seems like an odd design for a surface vessel.
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
It's supposed to be a shallow draft multi-mission configurable craft. Kind of a close in to shore Swiss Army Knife of a boat. There are two prototypes under consideration. LCS-1 USS Freedom and LCS-2 USS Independence (Pictured above).
To me it seems to fall into the British mindset/trap of trying to make one ship or plane do everything. It MAY be able to do everything, but it will never do ANY ONE THING well. (With apologies to the Limeys on this forum)
Seems to me like this is the Navy's version of the CV-22. I don't particularly understand the need for it, especially when we have those amphibious assault mini-carriers.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
It's a trimaran, and I was of the impression that it was inspired by the very successful norwegian Skjöld-class patrol boat, since the US loaned a few Skjölds during the early planning days of the competing LCS projects, then returned them with a "Thank you, not interested" letter, and started cracking. Of course, building it three times longer and thrice as tall as the Skjöld would create strains on the structure when the engines (working on surface effect power) approach the 50-knot range, wouldn't it.
Posted by Pensive's Wetness (Member # 1203) on :
*mumbles* don't know, don't care, didn't get my surface pin. i'm a fucking airdale, don't give a flying fuck about Surface... that is a nice pic however... that video i clicked off after a min, just politicing (buy our ship, not the other one)
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
Looks like it becomes the shield of a giant robot... Is that a 5" gun up front? I wanna see that used on Solamai pirates....
Also, are those cruise missile tubes behind the turret? Kinda look like it..(might be wishful thnking for the "swiss army boat" but still...)
Also, as a Trek Modeler, I approve of the subtle aztecing...but it needs some transporter emitters to brig the design together- maybe use some photo-etched brass for those instead of a decal. P.E. always looks better.
I christen this ship....Defiant!
Posted by Pensive's Wetness (Member # 1203) on :
i dont think those are tubes, Jason. you gotta... wont explain why but im pretty sure it just has the 5in gun and small arms. if the guidance and aim is good on it, it should be fine for pirate hunting. still thing Burkes or the older FFGs are better for pirate duty... then again, i also think we should sink 'em first, UNREP to reload later...
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
*mumbles* Air Pin... but TU for looking it up. Im still dont see the need for it but the Navy's always gone back and forth on ships it needs (and dont) depending on who's at the WH...
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
I never got why they dont use the Phalanx anti-missile system as an offensive weapon. Waaay back in the early 90's I did a tour of the USS Conelly and they were talking about doing that for patroling coastlines...but later used the ship as target practice instead.
Sad, but you can google the video of the sinking- via Mexican (IIRC) helicopter gunship dring joint manuvers.
Posted by Pensive's Wetness (Member # 1203) on :
offensive? part of the problem is, one, it chews ammo... two, that ammo is slightly radioactive, being depleated uranium and all... plus, what if you miss and you have a friendly foolishly on the otherside? eventually those rounds will splash...
mostly i think it is the ammo consuption issue why the CIWS isnt good for offensive use...
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
Well, you dont have to use it full bore to ace some inbound speedboats full of pirates or terrorists or whatever. Short, friendly bursts of depleted uranium death.
More defensive against seabound or land targets than offensive, really, but still impressive against shoreline emplacments and the occasional speedo-clad sunbather.
Anti piracy deterant from hell.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Even though, as a swede, I'm sworn to brand loyalty to IKEA, Bofors and ombudsmen, I am partial to the 35mm Oerlikon Millennium gun. That's not a prototype, it's been in service for eight years. I know a 35 mm round can't do damage the same way a 100 mm round can, but the sheer weight of lead on target in such a small frame of time...
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
Great for home defense!I invoke my Second Amendment rights to stupidity!
Posted by Mars Needs Women (Member # 1505) on :
I'm so gonna get that for my room! Let's see my neighbors try to turn up their music loud now!
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
I want my own Tactical EMP so the next time the idiots come by thumping garbage I just flip a little switch and their low-rider just goes quiet....and then settles on the body as the airbags shut down.
Posted by HopefulNebula (Member # 1933) on :
quote:Originally posted by WizArtist II: I want my own Tactical EMP so the next time the idiots come by thumping garbage I just flip a little switch and their low-rider just goes quiet....and then settles on the body as the airbags shut down.
I fantasize about taking my dad's Wrist Rocket and a bucket of water balloons and just sitting on the balcony waiting to soak anybdy whose bass I can hear from four stories up.
Posted by Mars Needs Women (Member # 1505) on :
Who's your dad? Inspector Gadget?
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
Hopefulnebula is Penny....and Nim id her sidekick Brain.
Posted by MattC (Member # 1391) on :
quote:Originally posted by Nim: It's a trimaran, and I was of the impression that it was inspired by the very successful norwegian Skjöld-class patrol boat, since the US loaned a few Skjölds during the early planning days of the competing LCS projects, then returned them with a "Thank you, not interested" letter, and started cracking. Of course, building it three times longer and thrice as tall as the Skjöld would create strains on the structure when the engines (working on surface effect power) approach the 50-knot range, wouldn't it.
Nothing to do with it. The design is based on an aluminium ferry that Austal previous supplied to some company in Norway (Fred Olsen I think).
It had a few issues with corkscrewing until they sorted the ride control software out, but I don't recall any corrosion issues and that thing has been out for a number of years now (sea-trials back in 05/06 IIRC).
As for aluminium boats, doesn't seem to be an issue with other vessels have constructed for the RAN (I've spent about 9 months on them collectively.
- M
Posted by Mars Needs Women (Member # 1505) on :
It might just be the fact that I just got home from a 15 hour work day, but that movie looks absolutely suck-tastic. Seems like hollywood's just churning out a bunch of crappy movies hoping there's enough dumb people willing to pay $15 to see it.
Posted by Mars Needs Women (Member # 1505) on :
No this movie has suck written all over it. Would you expect any less from a movie based on a board game. I mean at least Transformers and G.I. Joe have some back story to them, what's Battleship's story. Sink your enemy's ships before he sink's yours. How that translates to the US Navy fighting a giant robot ship thing is beyond me. If I were to make a Battleship movie, I would think a WWII setting would be more appropriate, since naval warfare was so crucial to that war. And the robot thing flies, totally making its engagement of naval ships unnecessary.
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
OK, if they are going to make that, then they should be forced to make "Stratego" and "Risk". Make those aliens ROLL to defend!
Posted by shikaru808 (Member # 2080) on :
Looks like the pulled the Missouri out of mothballs for the fight too. Sick.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)