08.10.2009
Repeated builders' sea trials of LCS Independence built under General Dynamics project will start next week. That was said by Adm. Bill Landay, US Navy spokesman, reports Defense News.
On July 2
Independence started trials after 3-day delay, since the crew revealed unusual noise made by diesel power plants. Additionally, the vessel could not accelerate 43 knots during first test, although its technical capability provides even higher speed.
During repeated trials it is planned to check trimaran's max speed which is to exceed 44 knots, said US Admiral. On the other hand,
Independence is not property of the Navy yet, since it was not commissioned due to technical problems, underlines
Defense News. The manufacturer appeared to eliminate them and the ship will show all its capabilities now, said Landay.
We recall that two different vessels are being developed under LCS program. One of them – by
General Dynamics, the second one – by
Lockheed Martin. It was initially planned that each would cost $220 mln, but in the course of development and production their price increased several times. The military should choose a winner upon program results and purchase over 50 Littoral Combat Ships. Only one of them was commissioned in the US Navy so far, made by
Lockheed Martin.
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