USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) completed acceptance trials

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 17, the future USS Indianapolis, completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan, Lockheed Martin said in a June 26 release. This is the ship’s final significant milestone before the ship is delivered to the U.S. Navy. LCS 17 is the ninth Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team and is slated for delivery to the Navy this year.


Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 17, the future USS Indianapolis, completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan, Lockheed Martin said in a June 26 release. This is the ship’s final significant milestone before the ship is delivered to the U.S. Navy. LCS 17 is the ninth Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team and is slated for delivery to the Navy this year.


LCS Indianapolis LCS 17 completed acceptance trials (LCS 17, USS Indianapolis, during its acceptance trials in Lake Michigan on June 19, 2019 (Picture Source: LCS TEAM FREEDOM)


“LCS 17 is joining the second-largest class of ships in the U.S. Navy fleet, and we are proud to get the newest Littoral Combat Ship one step closer to delivery,” said Joe DiPietro, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “This ship is lethal and flexible, and we are confident that she will capably serve critical U.S. Navy missions today and in future.”

Unique among combat ships, LCS is designed to complete close-to-shore missions and is a growing and relevant part of the Navy’s fleet. It is flexible, with 40 percent of the hull easily reconfigurable, the LCS can be modified to integrate capabilities including over-the-horizon missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems and decoys. It is fast, capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. It is lethal, standardly equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute. And it is automated, equipped with the most efficient staffing of any combat ship.