Freedom class LCS Littoral Combat Ship USS Freedom LCS 1 USS Fort Worth LCS 3 USS Milwaukee LCS 5 USS Detroit LCS 7 USS Little Rock LCS 9 USS Sioux City LCS 11 US Navy Lockheed Martin SCS Surface Combat Ship datasheet pictures photos video specifications

The Freedom class of littoral combat ships (LCS) is Lockheed Martin's design proposal to the US Navy's requirement for the LCS class ships. The LCS concept emphasizes speed and modularity thanks to its flexible mission module spaces. According to US Navy, the LCS is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."

To meet changing warfare needs, the Lockheed Martin design incorporates large reconfigurable paces, an integrated launch, recovery and handling system, a large flight deck certified to Level I Class I and mission flexibility through rapid change-out of mission modules and support equipment. Freedom class ships incorporate semi-planing monohull that combines high speeds (>47 knots), payload and range to provide flexibiility in executing the full spectrum of LCS missions. Optimized for watercraft launch and recovery, Lockheed Martin's design includes stern and side launch apability near the waterline and an integrated command and control system to support mission module operation.

The Freedom class design also integrates non-developmental sensors and weapons systems, providing proven technologies for combat power and mission flexibility, as well as a robust, layered self-defense system. These solutions offer a flexible, survivable warship for littoral operations with inherent margin for capability growth.

The head of class, USS Freedom (LCS 1) was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2008 and deployed two years early. She completed her maiden deployment in 2010 and participated in the world’s largest international maritime exercise, know as RIMPAC 2010. USS Freedom’s design meets all requirements and has completed sea trials, helicopter landings, weapons firings, small boat launch and recovery testing.
Second ship of the Freedom class, USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) was launched in December 2010.

In total, ten Freedom class LCS are to be built, at a rate of 2 per year until 2015.

• Anti-ship missiles:
  45x NLOS missiles (ASuW mission module)
• Anti-air missiles:
  21x RIM-116 RAM block A1
• Guns:
  BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm (main gun)
  2x Mk44 Bushmaster II 30mm guns
  4x .50-cal machine guns

• EADS TRS-3D 3D air and surface search radar
• Lockheed Martin COMBATSS-21 combat management system
• Thales Captas 4249 low frequency active variable depth sonar (LFA-VDS)
• Argon ST WBR-2000 ESM system
• Terma A/S SKWS decoy system