Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Notable Point · 16:21-18:13

LCS speed and the frigate-conversion problem

LCS pursued the rapid response and fast-carrier-escort functions once associated with nuclear-powered cruisers, but designing around roughly forty knots imposed compromises that made later frigate conversion unattractive.

Fast WarshipsFreedom Class Littoral Combat ShipsFremmIndependence Class Littoral Combat ShipsLittoral Combat ShipNational Security CuttersNuclear Powered Cruisers
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Notes

The LCS concept is explained as a search for fast response and the ability to keep pace with a nuclear-powered carrier moving between stations. Nuclear-powered cruisers had previously supplied a fast escort that could sustain high speed without the same fuel concerns. Focusing the Freedom and Independence designs on roughly forty knots imposed other compromises. In this assessment, turning Freedom into a proper frigate would require greater changes than those separating Constellation from FREMM. The National Security Cutter is the preferred alternative baseline in that comparison.