FF(X) is presented as a response to the need to support allies and address small problems before they demand a carrier battle group. Naval presence matters where the capability of a major combatant is unnecessary. Littoral Combat Ship is criticised for combining a 40-knot ambition with too many other requirements and uncertainty over hull selection. Constellation illustrates the different risk of adopting a foreign design and changing it until little commonality remains. These are programme critiques used to frame the requirement for a deliverable lower-tier ship. The intended benefit is enough naval presence to handle problems early.
Chapter · 1:21:30-1:23:15
FF(X), naval presence, and the lessons of LCS and Constellation
The case for a practical lower-tier US ship is set against the long requirements list of LCS and the extensive redesign of Constellation.