Speed is criticised as a requirement pursued without an equally clear explanation of what the ships would accomplish with it. Producing both Freedom and Independence also divided the quantity intended to make one design economical. The monohull is tentatively preferred as the simpler basis for mass production. That judgement remains conditional on sound hull and machinery engineering, proper corrosion protection with sacrificial anodes, and workable mission modules. Neither hull form is dismissed as intrinsically useless; the objection concerns programme choices and the failure to settle priorities.
Chapter · 59:49-1:01:37
LCS speed and competing designs weaken the economy argument
The LCS critique begins with an unclear purpose for high speed and the decision to produce two designs despite seeking economies of scale.