Lockheed Martin Freedom class LCS at Sea Air Space 2014

[@ldwithrow08]

The big advantage of this design is that it has enough hull volume to develop into a true FF. They badmouthed the Spruance class the same way, but it was later developed into some really great ships. I'm not impressed with the Independence class because, while it is a fast, stable, maneuverable hull, the usable internal volume of a trimaran type hull is very limited. The one drawback with the Freedom class is that, like the Zumwalts, they are trying to do too much with two few personnel. They tried that back in 75 with the USS Belknap. They sent us on a med cruise with 100 fewer men than she was rated for. We could do the mission with that many but the crew was constantly exhausted and manpower couldn't be spared for training. Also there weren't enough men to sort out the best for critical jobs and use the worst for the scut work. It was crew fatigue and poor training that led to the collision with the Kennedy and the loss of 8 men between the two ships and nearly the loss of the Belknap. Bupers has never admitted to the experiment with low manning levels but anyone aboard knew what was happening. When it comes down to it battles are won by men, not necessarily ships. A decent ship can become a real contender with the right crew.

[@jamesinman8766]

Lawrence Withrow well said and true

[@vivekkaushik9508]

Exactly. Thank you for aptly putting it.

[@trollmastermike52845]

to bad they turned out to be garbage

[@Andrew58251]

They're junk

[@MikhaelAhava]

Purpose; *Brown waters, costal protection. *Escort *Minesweeping *Anti-small missile boats swarms Thank you for reading, hopefully you'll be informed this isn't a ship of the line nor anything close to that.

[@Alfeco-dm7uk]

The Navy's FY '23 budget request included plans to retire test ship LCS-3 and eight Freedom LCSs due to the costs of fixing a combining gear defect and canceling their planned anti-submarine warfare mission package due to severe technical challenges. Once billed as the future of the fleet, the LCS program has been hindered by mission modules that haven't materialized, as well as class-wide propulsion and hull crack issues that have plagued the Freedom and Independence LCS classes, respectively. Freedom was decommissioned on 29 September 2021.

[@saburusakai]

Now I see the versatile nature of the design, and I also see whre the USN version is designed to save money, while the international version has FIREPOWER and lots of weapons, verticle launch missles etc. I Like the various misn modules, but the we are only putting the advanced radar and weapons on the international version; one only has to consider who is in command here in the US to understand why. The commercial version also has a 76mm as an option also.

[@markjmaxwell9819]

I wonder when they are going to build them this way. They make great sub hunters if no mission modules are available. They could make one mission module for mine detection and laying. 16 cell mk41 vls plus a 76mm main gun and a RAM on the back with two 25mm guns. Kitted out for sub hunting with the japanese decoy system. And EASR radar.

[@louiswager2629]

awesome design package

[@armchairgeneral7557]

One 8 cell mk-41 vls is all this ship needs. I get this is a small surface warship. But imagine this: 8 NSM, surface warfare package of 2 x 30 mm guns, 56 mm gun in front, 8 cells available mostly for Essm missiles for self defense. A couple of vls tubes for torpedoes. Then the manned and unmanned helos for auxiliary work such as torpedos and surface warfare. Oh...don’t forget, hellfire missile vertical launch tubes. Pretty cool tech... Again, just missing 8 cell my-41 vls tune for self defense.

[@MikhaelAhava]

This what we need. LCS, lost of them.

[@lukepace8546]

The USN should have utilized this hull to develop the next Frigate. The Freedom Class is 387 feet in length and could have supported a two screw setup with gas turbines. The Navy dropped the ball once again in trying to come up with a new surface warfare platform when they turned to FINCANTIERI MARINE to build the next frigate.

[@Beergut222]

Instead of building these, should we have instead upgraded the Oliver Perry ships?

[@swaghauler8334]

It would have been cheaper but the OHP Frigates have been in service since the 70's and they were built to an older (and cheaper) standard that would have made a refit VERY difficult. The "Ghetto Navy" served us well, but you could build a new ship for the cost of upgrading them. The Navy should have looked into buying a fast 100-meter patrol craft (a bigger version of the Coast Guard's newer cruisers). We really do need an ACTUAL Frigate to round out the Navy, though.

[@armchairgeneral7557]

No. They are old. Move on.

[@TBombery]

Dam straight. Shallow draft. Fast, reliable.

[@raymondwood2444]

Anyone know what variant is at the top of the screen at 2:19?

[@TBombery]

I worked in this program for a while as a defensive contractor. It's a money pit. Constant breakdowns. Maintenance information outdated or non existent. Sound idea... definitely. Poor construction. After 20 years in the navy and serving aboard 9 different ships over 20 years. I can say this platform is junk. They were supposed to build 55 of these and they cut it back to 25. I think. Regardless of that number though... they cut it back. And as for the comment about the Spruance class... that was an excellent design. All of the planned ships were built and did good service. The LCS platform is the Navys...YUGO!

[@vivekkaushik9508]

What exactly is the problem with LCS design if you may elaborate. I'm seeing quite some negative feedback on LCS on youtube. Definately there has to be some shortcomings that's why the navy cut back on orders.

[@mattheww2797]

@@vivekkaushik9508 the propulsion system fails, constantly, the aren't survivable, the crews are too small to do any sort of effective damage control, the armament is pathetic, the mission modules have been insanely expensive to build and swap in an out and they have issues integrating with larger battle groups. Just a few of the reasons they are switching to the new Constellation class frigates, prove design that they can just put US hardware on and go.

[@ks29earl]

I had questions about the design and the 'modular' concept. I could find little information. I am more comfortable with the design now after seeing this video. I will take it as true until proven different. It does sound like a decent design. Now, can it take a hit? A OHP frigate took 2 exocets. An AB DD took a suicide boat. A crusier(?) took a mine hit. Can these take a hit?

[@metaphysicalArtist]

Is the Greek Navy about to put an order of 4 Freedom ships + two this week? Can anyone confirm ??

[@sachsgs2509]

Not yet...

[@jhunalmero8891]

Can it also be fitted with torpedos for offense and defense against submarines?

[@mpproductionsbts1875]

The first country in the world to do the same, was Denmark. Back in the 1980s, with their "standard flex" system. link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StanFlex

[@vijaymehra3906]

why is the export version better then the USN version?

[@RogueArbiter]

+vijay mehra My thoughts exactly. That first international version looks very capable.

[@mookaxs998]

+vijay mehra that export is shit

[@latiastheeonpokemon9660]

Just a wild guess, but the USN probably has more capable vessels to fulfill whatever roles that the international Freedom class is to fulfill. Not every nation already operates a large fleet of missile destroyers, aircraft carriers, etc. It may just come down to cutting costs - the smaller vessel is likely less complex and requires less maintenance and manpower to operate.

[@EagleOne76]

+vijay mehra . They are modular. The U.S. versions can adopt the same weapon systems as shown above depending on mission.

[@cmac9029]

If they made these bigger, and added bigger missile launchers, a phalanx CIWS, and space for another helicopter, you’d have a type 26. This is Lockheed bringing out different classes of ships based off of one. Good business idea, but I don’t see any use for these little ones right now.

[@rachidchayeb8070]

i like this.

[@wazi9968]

I wish the bridge design be changed like the one on the ffg(x) that was drop by Lockheed Martin :/

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Why do they not design the ship with the same width as the tri-hull. This ship looks too narrow for me ...

[@BarbaraAnne12000]

Take whatever amount L-M Corp bids on a project and then double it for the final cost (L-M F-22, L-M F-35, L-M LCS).

[@TBombery]

Double hell...triple it.

[@davidgutknecht5814]

There the best thing to happen to Marrinett Wi. We build great ships.

[@j.m.youngquist419]

It reminds me of an old Burger King commercial have it your way I'll bet you they get a lot of orders for these

[@yank1776]

I think DCNS Fremm has this beat by a mile.

[@lazyer42]

The FREMM is much bigger, the la Fayette class is more comparable and still beats it by a nautical mile, especially Singapore's version, the formidable class

[@gregwallace9361]

lazyer42 Maybe, but how many do they have and what will they be used for.We have Destroyers and Frigates for those heavier missions. These will be build for quick in and out stuff and patrol off the shores of a certain country that likes to capture and ransom commercial shipping. In a full scale battle against larger modern warships like Destroyers and Cruisers they will be in trouble.

[@calcrappie8507]

+Greg Wallace The problem is we (USA) DON'T have frigates anymore. These glorified PT boats are replacing the entire frigate class. Everyone else has great quality frigates and we have these new aluminum wonder craft that can spin around and maybe carve circles in the water to scare away advisaries because they are severely lacking in firepower.

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΞενιτόπουλος]

ΓΝΩΜΗ ΜΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ, ΟΤΙ ΑΥΤΕΣ ΟΙ ΦΡΕΓΑΤΕΣ, ΕΙΝΑΙ ΚΑΛΗΤΕΡΕΣ ΑΠΟ ΤΙΣ ΓΑΛΛΙΚΕΣ.

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΞενιτόπουλος]

ΟΙ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΙΚΕΣ ΦΡΕΓΑΤΕΣ, ΚΟΛΥΜΠΑΝΕ ΙΔΗ, ΟΙ ΓΑΛΙΚΕΣ ΔΕΝ ΚΟΛΥΜΠΑΝΕ, ΕΙΝΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΣΧΕΔΙΑ ΑΚΟΜΑ, ΟΥΤΕ 1 ΔΕΝ ΕΧΕΙ ΠΑΡΑΔΟΘΕΙ ΑΚΟΜΑ, ΟΥΤΕ ΤΟ ΓΑΛΛΙΚΟ ΝΑΥΤΙΚΟ ΔΕΝ ΤΙΣ ΕΧΕΙ.

[@jobmclaren4150]

What is the opening music, if anyone knows?

[@maryannkass7458]

The LCS is amazing learned alot in just a few minutes.

[@Keldren.]

i've worked on boats like these and we laugh about it all the time.. we put sooo much time and effort and pain and money put into making every little thing perfect...on a boat that could be blasted apart at the drop of a hat, lol.

[@gregwallace9361]

Keldren Raze Maybe if you and your friends put more time into your jobs and less into thinking what things are being used for; fewer mistakes would be made.Understand what the mission purpose of these vessels are being built for and that the costs will go down as all the problems are worked out. The original Abrams Tank was full of problems and cost alot more than they do now.We do not build Abrams tanks anymore as they are repaired and returned to use.During the recent conflicts, very few were totally destroyed. Which is a hell of alot more than the cheaper Russian made T-55 and others could brag about .My comments about you and your friends? I too worked in the ships and I noticed the "quality" of workmanship. About 10,00 defective welds on the outer hull of one submarine alone. Worked on by professional welders. Union welders who should have known better.

[@mach533x]

Greg Wallace union people are to comfortable and get lazy.... what do you expect... lol

[@phiksit]

+Greg Wallace ... Thinking less would result in fewer mistakes? Riiiiight. Yes, the costs have come down. But the engineering on these boats suck. You fix one problem and three more pop up as a result of fixing that first problem. I guess your right though, we shouldn't think too much about how things are being used... or designed, or interact or how changing one thing can affects something else... duh. Then you say you worked "in the ships" which I assume you meant the LCS "ship", but refer to 10,000 defective welds on a submarine hull?

[@nightlightabcd]

mach533x - Okay, you are ignorant dumb ass! Unions do not design the ships, the build the ships to the design specification! Now go get drunk and play with your guns!

[@jonharper4478]

Interesting. Shame the Pentagon and the Navy are looking to retire the fleet of these. Seems the mission swapable modules aren't quite ready and the ships have a load of problems.

[@امعيون-غ3ب]

GOOD GOOD GOLD

[@planetsec9]

beautiful looking ship but that armament is a little lacking, replacing the single forward cannon with an 18 inch triple gun turret is a better idea for long term ship survivability and stability.

[@crsvetteii1753]

+planetsector9 Not sure that seaworthiness would not be affected...substantially! An 18 inch mount weighs a few grams!

[@michael-mg3xo]

A Railgun

[@kf22n51]

미해군 연안함. 프리덤급이네요. 선체가 전부 알루미늄이라 가볍고 빠르긴 하지만 데미지 컨트롤이 어렵고 무엇보다 건조가격이 6천억짜리..

[@ahmednurali4156]

I will get my full abilities waa inoo xiligaas!

[@markjmaxwell9819]

That's how they should be built for the USN.

[@walterkiel552]

I guess these would be OK for Coast Guard Vessels...

[@orlock20]

There are a lot of uses for low or non intensity missions from rescuing downed pilots, to hunting pirates and smugglers to doing humanitarian missions. Affordability is important. For instance, the cost to operate one aircraft carrier for a year can buy three of these ships.

[@jacobb3130]

Why did the US get the crappy version

[@hordescoffeecwest6203]

I like the Navy. But you don't need the Air Force. The Navy has their own pilots

[@Leningrad_Underground]

Dump Plowshares, the smart money is in Swords.

[@ldwithrow08]

Without plowshares, swordsmen starve.

[@drputnam77]

These are better than you have done. You need to make a 90mm, 105mm, and 120mm gun. 57mm is dumb! 76mm is the smallest a gun should be as a main gun. Corvettes need to be at least 300ft. with VLS and Harpoon tubes.

[@pauldean8439]

It's a nice ship if you don't mind not being able to defend yourself, execute strikes and not have enough crew to take care of yourself.

[@robertbrockway7301]

Then what are all those weapons for?

[@pauldean8439]

Sorry Robert just saw this so my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. LCS Classes were supposed to be cheap replacement vessels for the Perry Class Frigates which reached the end of their service lives. LCS's additional weapons suites are to give them more survivability which they've sorely lacked since first designed. Here's hoping Navy gives them the necessary budget to do just that.

[@امعيون-غ3ب]

GOOD Army Alam

[@1950Viper]

A 50 cal will shoot completely thru this hull.

[@Keldren.]

maybe but whether or not means anything depends on where, the boat mixes steal and aluminum strategically and reinforces certain rooms with armoring inside to minimize risks of damage anywhere it'll really matter, every room can be sealed off and most rooms aren't essential to the critical functions overall anyway, even those can be controlled remotely from many other parts of the boat, even down to servo's on pipe valves... just enough to limp home is all they need. all said and done tho, i wouldn't trust it with my life...

[@arbit3r]

Good luck getting close enough without detection.

[@1950Viper]

Sheffield was under no radio emmisssion zone in direct support of the ground units so not detected. Its identical to the Arliegh Burke class ship. A hit by Exocet its warhead didnt explode 240 lb warhead. The fuel burned thru aft CIC bulkhead burned thru in 10 minutes and bridge completely burned the bridge and 1 hour ten minutes the ship was lost.

[@gregwallace9361]

1950Viper A .50 can go though an inch of steel. But how many of these do you think you will need to sink or even damage one. What do you think THEY will be shooting at. I believe they mount a 57mm Otto Mera gun and 25mm guns not to mention those hatches in various places. They are to a VLS missile system. You know, ASROCS, SM2s and Harpoon Cruse missiles.

[@1950Viper]

same way they blew up the Cole drive right up to the ship and blow it to shit. If there is a will theres a way a aluminum ship is fucked for combat shit rounds blow thru aluminum like it isnt there. LAVs with their aluminum armour blow all to shit from a b40 rocket. A electrical fire on a fiberglass version burned to the water line in 10 minutes look up Littoral disasters. Those iddi bitti lille cannons poke litter holes in ship the normal 5"38 calibers blow ships away try to sink a ship with those guns.

[@EkoFajar-xj3nk]

Buatkan kapal Perang Frigat 9 Unit Masih Buatkan PT. Pall . Moscow Berlayar Ke Surabaya Jakarta Texas Laut. Lepas. Laut. Jawah. USA. RI.

[@genehess4801]

At couple Million dollars for the missile, Just how may Missles going pack on the boat, and if hit by Missle how many Missles are going lose? BS boat.

[@jeffreyprezalar220]

its a junky design and we have wasted 15 billion on 7 ships we can't use.

[@azwris]

They are trying to sell four to Greece instead of the French Belharra frigates. Criminal act right?

[@antonslavic1899]

"this hull has been proven" cool...has the engineering plant proven? oh wait it hasnt thats why the navy is decommissioning this variant

[@actsismmljcorrectlyobeyed6190]

Praise God for Great U.S. Fighting vessels!!! And an important footnote... Lockheed Martin is THE most miserable place to work and it's people show it. The pay is also pathetic compared to the value of its production.

[@MikhaelAhava]

[[Redacted]]

[@nightlightabcd]

MiguelPmpM - Lots of people making ignorant comments on the internet making fools of themselves, and they think they are smart!

[@MikhaelAhava]

nightlightabcd What I do know is that ships have different purposes. Well some people don't know this. Apparently.

[@pacificstatesofamerica]

I think peoples issues with this ship is that they think the Navy I hoping to use the corvette for more roles than they’re ready for, such as acting as a frigate. Maybe they’re concerned about surface combat, or hell even long ranged combat, as they don’t have VLS cells. Hopefully the FFG(X) program can help fill the gap.

[@hillaryisorena4283]

These are OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels)

[@GEORGE16405]

one the biggest fail projects ever.....

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

The concept is fine. But the all in one design means that it isn't as capable when placed in a dedicated frigate role compared to competitors. And too expensive as a anti-swarm and littoral waters warship. It also doesn't help when they failed to develop their packages to a reliable standards. That meant the Freedom class are unable to carry out some of its advertised tasks because those mission packages don' even work. Same with the Independence class. Concept is fine, execution is dogshit.

[@lubishomem]

HURRRRA! use the money to feed the poor, much more satisfiying

[@ramboar7452]

If we dont buy this wepons everybody will be poor and homeless

[@TheAcePixel]

Rambo AR kinda true... if the US isn't the one in control who is gonna stand if some other large country decides they don't care about their people at all and want to start a war.

[@armchairgeneral7557]

Pretty dumb comment actually. This is feeding families through jobs and builds a stronger economy through investing. If we just use the tax money to feed the poor, which we already do btw, then the economy will weaken.

[@KiloByte69]

Get a job, loser.