The US Naval Institute News Service has provided access to the second “Annual Report to Congress for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Module Program.” Some of these systems should be of interest to the Coast Guard, either as regular equipment for peacetime law enforcement and counterterrorism missions, for temporary use, as in the case of a naval mining incident, or as wartime add-ons if the Coast Guard is mobilized for a major conflict.
Keep in mind, the procurement cost of these systems would presumably come out the Navy budget.
Mine Countermeasures Mission Package
The Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Packages (MP) has already been addressed. 24 are planned including nine to be built for “Vessels of Opportunity.” These nine extra packages probably meet any peacetime augmentation requirement and provide a reserve for mobilization. Testing is expected to continue through FY 2022. Production is expected to continue well into the future as less than half the packages will have been delivered by FY2023.
ASW Mission Packages for NSCs and OPCs
An earlier post discussed the possibility of using mission modules and Navy reservist to augment large cutters. In a protracted conflict against a near peer naval power like Russia or China, our large patrol ships are most probably going to be needed to perform open ocean ASW escort duties.
Only ten ASW Mission Packages are planned. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in FY 2019, but testing will continue through 2020. The Multi-Function Array is already a fielded system. Deliveries are expected to begin in FY2021 at a rate of two systems per year. If that rate is continued, the ten planned systems will be complete in 2025.
At an estimated cost of less than $20M the ASW Mission Package is the least expensive of the three types of Mission Packages. Adding this system as a mobilization capability or perhaps even as a peacetime capability to 35 or more large cutters would provide a higher return on investment than just about any other Naval program.
It might even help us locate semi-submersibles.
Vertical launch Hellfire
As I have noted before, the Coast Guard has a potential need to be capable of countering terrorist efforts to use a wide spectrum of vessels to make an attack. These craft range between small, fast, highly maneuverable boats on one extreme, to large ocean going vessels at the other. Our ability to counter these threats must be widely available, quickly effective, and have both a probability of success approaching 100% and do so with minimal danger to innocents who may be in the vicinity. Guns do not meet these criteria.
Hellfire missile have the potential to meet these criteria, at least against the lower half of the threat spectrum, and, using more than one round, might have a degree of success even against the largest vessels.
Apparently the SSMM Longbow Hellfire testing is going well, with 20 out of 24 successful engagements, and there’s a software fix for the root cause of the 4 failures.
ATLANTIC OCEAN—A Longbow Hellfire Missile is fired from Littoral Combat Ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) on Feb. 28, 2017 as part of a structural test firing of the Surface to Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The test marked the first vertical missile launched from an LCS and the first launch of a missile from the SSMM from an LCS. (Photo by U.S. Navy)
A recent US Naval Institute News Service report quoted LCS Mission Modules Program Manager Capt. Ted Zobel “all of our mission packages…are finishing up development, proceeding into test, and then from test into production and ultimately deployment.”
“…surface-to-surface missile module (SSMM) will add a Longbow Hellfire missile to increase the lethality of the LCS. Testing begins this month on USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) and will move to USS Detroit (LCS-7) over the summer. Testing should wrap up by December, Zobel said, with Detroit planning to bring the SSMM with it on its maiden deployment about a year from now. Written testimony from the Navy at a March 6 House Armed Services Committee hearing states that IOC is planned for Fiscal Year 2019.”
The Surface to Surface Mission Module (SSMM) planned for the Littoral Combat Ship, seen above, can store and launch up to 24 missiles. 24 missiles would weigh about 2,500 pounds. As a very rough estimate, Its foot print appears to be about 9×12 feet (late note–a little photo analysis suggest the three mission module positions on each LCS are about 15-16′ square), probably not too large for an NSC, OPC, or icebreaker, but probably too large for the Webber class WPCs where I really think we really need the capability. They are after all, much more likely to be in the right place, at the right time. For them we probably need a smaller system.
In the video above, beginning at time 2m58s there is a model of a 12 meter unmanned surface vessel mounting a four tube Hellfire vertical launch system. Knowing that the Hellfire is only 7 inches in diameter and 64 inches long, it appears this installation would have a footprint of no more than 6×8 feet and probably would be no more than seven feet high. It seems likely we could find a place for one or two of these on each Webber class and at least one when we build the replacements for the 87 footers.
I have often seen missiles compared unfavorably to guns, based on the cost of the projectiles, but cost of providing a system like Hellfire pales in comparison to the cost of a medium caliber gun, its ammunition allowance, and the maintenance, training, and technicians required to keep it operational. Compared to the guns we have used in the past:
- Maximum range of almost 9,000 yards is less than the maximum range of the 5″/38, 76mm, or 57mm, but it is very near the effective range of these medium caliber weapons. This range is likely more than enough to remain outside the effective range of improvised weapons installations that might be used in a terrorist attack.
- Effective range is more than three times greater than that of the 25mm Mk38 mod2/3
- Warhead appears to be more effective than even the 5″ rounds.
- Every round will likely be a hit.
- Those hits will come very quickly.
- It may be possible to accurately target specific vulnerable areas on the target.
- They require only minimal training and maintenance compared to medium caliber guns.
- If the target is within range, its only real disadvantage is the limited number of rounds.
While I have never seen it claimed official, I have seen reports that Hellfire can be used against slower aircraft such as helicopters and UAVs.
30 mm Mk46 Gun Mission Module (GMM)
Gun Mission Module by Northrop Grumman
The “Gun Mission Module” (GMM) could be one way to arm the icebreakers relatively quickly when needed, while allowing the option of removing the weapons before going to Antarctica if desired.
Production of these units is quickly running its course, and if we want to use these on the icebreakers, it may be desirable to have our needs added to the production schedule before the production is shut down. The last two are expected to be delivered in FY2020.
How important this is will depend on the Coast Guard’s intentions and the alternatives.
Setting up the installations in the same format as found on the LCSs means improvements or alternative systems developed to LCS systems could be easily incorporated in the icebreakers as well.
On the other hand, the included 30mm Mk46 gun weapon system is not limited to the LCSs. It is or will be mounted on the three Zumwalt DDG-1000 class destroyers, 13 San Antonio (LPD-17) class, and probably 13 LX(R)/LPD-17 Flight II class still to be built, about 58 mounts in addition to the 20 planned for the LCSs.
It doesn’t look like it would be too difficult to remove or re-install just the gun mount (seen below) if that would meet our needs. It would of course require a dedicated space, permanent installation of supporting equipment, and a way to seal the opening for the mount long term when the mount is removed.
Although it is not as effective as the Mk46 mount, because of the smaller 25 mm gun currently used, the Mk38 Mod2/3 is also an alternative, and has the advantage of already being in the use with the Coast Guard. It is even more widely used, “As of 2016, 307 MK 38 MOD 2 systems have been delivered. There are 50 MK 38 MOD 3s on contract. The total POR (program of record–Chuck) is for 517 systems.”
Still the 25mm gun is markedly inferior to the 30mm in that its effective range is considerably less and the individual projectiles are far less potent. The Mk46 mount also has many more rounds on the mount compared to the Mk38 mod2/3. Upgrading the Mk38s to mount 30mm guns would address much of the current inferiority.
The inferiority of the Mk38 would also be much less of a concern if the Icebreaker had an additional, more powerful anti-surface weapon system, like the Hellfire Surface to Surface Missile Module or Anti-Surface Cruise Missiles. These might be useful if it is ever necessary to provide Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) in the Arctic or Antarctic.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
we should stay as far away from these programs as possible.
I think all of these program are very interesting for the USCG. Currently, the US Navy has to few ships and the USCG’s cutter can and should make a big contribution to the US Naval effort.
I think the USCG should perform escort duties, protecting merchant ships on different shipping routes. That for the 10 ASW modules developed for the LCS should permanently assigned to the National Security Cutters since LCS aren’t good ASW platforms.
NSC and OPC should get 1 RAM or SeaRAM installed on the hangar roof, as I see not peacetime use for a secondary gun battery (Mk-15 or Mk-38) and in wartime you need a credible hard kill antimissile system.
In peacetime, if you have a 12,7 machine gun and a 57 mm gun, why do you need an intermediate caliber gun such as a 20 or a 25 mm gun.
Regarding other weapons, both NSC and OPC should also get “provision for but not with” SSM. BAE’s Adaptable Deck Launcher could be an option as NSC may have enough room for it behind the main gun.
For coastal and port protection in American shores, FRCs should embark Hellfire misiles in the RBS-17 version, with its man portable single mount, even it is not stabilized. This system could be stored below deck until the moment it is needed. Then, it should be armed in front of the bridge on the vertical replenishment area.
NSCs were designed with provision for VLS between gun and bridge. 12 Mk56 specifically which could accommodate 24 ESSM.
Click to access Mk56_VLS.pdf
To amplify on Andres comments, info on the RBS-17 version here: http://www.armedforces.co.uk/Europeandefence/edequipment/edmis/edmis4a7.htm
and video of the system mounted on the 52 foot Combat boat 90 here.
What are the dimensions of the mk-46 gun mission module?
This data should show how much deck space is needed for installing the said module on a ship that is not a .LCS
I have never seen dimensions for the LCS modules, but I did a little photo analysis knowing that the 30mm gun is 134.05″ long and the barrel is 94.88″, it appears the mission modules are 15 or 16 feet (4.6 to 4.9 meters) square. There seems to be a lot of overlap, presumably to keep water out. The actual hole it goes into appears to be about 12 feet (3.6 meters) square. Making square cuts into the decks of ships has a bad history. cracks tend to extend from the corners, but looking at the shape of the gun mission modules below deck level it looks like that is what they have done.
Each LCS has three mission module positions, and I think they are identical in dimensions. That would mean the Surface to Surface Mission Module would be the same outer dimensions.
The gun turret itself is considerably smaller. Looks like the base ring for the turret is less than 6′ (1.8m) in diameter, probably four to five feet (1.2 to 1.5m).
It is no longer posted on line but the LCS interface control doc shows the weapon module dimensions as follows. Sorry about the metric. 4.8m x 4.25m x 2.5m and a weight limit of 7500kg.
Andy, thanks. I will convert for American readers. 15.74’x14’x8.2′ and a weight limit of 16,500 pounds
Question are the NSC and OPC designed with a mission bay with enough volume to store plus crane able to launch and recover the side of ship in sea state 4+? the USV to tow the AN/AQS-20 sonar for rapid volume sea search or USV to tow the unmanned mine sweeper when sonar mine hunting impracticable to sweep for acoustic and magnetic mines, guessing the smaller Knifefish, buried mine hunting module, to identify buried mines in cluttered sea bottom environment easier to handle.
All the above also need the Common Equipment mission module for the hardware/computer & software for the Mission Package Computing Environment (MPCE), common software support functions, Multi Vehicle Communication System (MVCS), Mission Package Portable Control Stations (MP-PCS) and data mission payload to control the USV etc.
Probably we will never see all the components of the MCM MP on a single cutter, but presumably if they have 9 units ready for vessels of opportunity they have portable control systems as well. The NSCs and OPCs as do buoy tenders. On the NSCs they are on the fantail servicing the stern launch which can handle boats of up to at least 11 meter, whether they or the OPC can handle the MCM USV is probably worth investigating. Buoy tenders have reconfigurable deck space under the crane. The OPC and NSC could certainly handle the aviation based systems. I have seen the MkVI patrol boat deploying the mine hunting USV so that should not be too difficult to support.
Torpedo Defense Mission Module testing. http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20180504-Module.html
NavyRecongnition has a report of a May 11, 2018 test of the Surface to Surface Mission Modules on LCS-5. Four missiles, four targets, four hits.
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6232-video-uss-milwaukee-kicks-off-lcs-ssmm-missile-module-developmental-testing.html
Congress gives the Navy three LCSs they don’t want (at least they may help drug enforcement) but cuts the development of mission modules. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/09/18/congress-to-buy-3-more-lcs-than-the-navy-needs-but-gut-funding-for-sensors-that-makes-them-valuable/
Navy is moving to further separate the mine countermeasures capability from complete reliance on the LCS platforms. https://news.usni.org/2018/11/02/navy-thinking-beyond-littoral-combat-ship-future-mine-warfare#more-37841
NORFOLK, Va. — USS Detroit (LCS 7) began initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) Nov. 17, two months ahead of schedule, Naval Sea Systems Command reported in a Nov. 30 release.
http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20181130-SSMM.html
Navy Accepts Final Component for LCS Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20181204-asw.html
Quick overview of what is happening with the Mission Modules. http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20190116-LCS.html
Looks like they may have finished testing the mine countermeasures mission modules on the Independence class LCS. http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20190124-MCM.html
Overview of the status of all mission modules here. https://news.usni.org/2019/01/25/lcs-mission-package-office-focused-on-test-fielding-ioc-dates-continue-to-slip#more-40622
Surface Mission Module Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected 2019.
Anti-submarine Mission Module IOC expected 2020.
Mine Counter Measures Mission Module IOC expected 2022.
Total number of LCS built, building, or contracted for is to be 35 with 16 monohull Freedom class and 19 trimaran Independence class.
I would like to know why has the US Navy ordered more trimaran Independence class than monohull Freedom class. I don´t think that more trimaran Independence classe have been ordered as a way of giving more work to Austal shipyard as they are also building additional EPF-T.
So, is the trimaran Independence class in any way “better” than the monohull Freedom class? For example, can this class perform MCM warfare better than the monohull class and the Navy realized that she is getting to few MCW vessels with the current LCS organization, i.e., 4 MCM LCS in San Diego and 4 MCM LCS in Mayport?
Andres, I think it may be that the Austal yard got a lot quicker than Marinette. The last few seem to have been funded only to keep these yards busy until the frigate was selected. If you look at commissioning dates of pairs of ships, eg 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 11 and 12, etc, you see that Marinette started delivering first but over time Austal started delivering theirs first. For 11 and 12 the gap had increase to nine months.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Littoral_combat_ship
There were only supposed to be 32 LCS so the last three are just there to keep the yards working. Also the last award was to Marinette, so its not like they decided the Independence class was better and they decided to stop making Freedom class.
Progress on the mine countermeasures system.
http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/2020/01/30/10th-minehunting-sonar/
Maybe a laser module for the LCS.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/03/lockheed-martin-to-integrate-layered-laser-defense-weapon-aboard-lcs/
From Defense Industry Daily re the Vertical Launch Hellfire module:
“September 17/20: SSMM Northrop Grumman Systems won an $8.1 million modification external link to exercise an option for the production of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The modification authorizes the production of one SSMM unit.”
They are not moving very fast on this.
From what I can tell, the integration program for the Freedom-class is around eight months or so ahead of those efforts for the Independence-class. But, the NSM integration is further along on the Independence-class.
But yeah, this program certainly seems to be advancing at a snails pace at time. Especially when you consider that the Navy NLOS missile program was cancelled eight years ago.
Still find the Vert-Hellfire’s limited range to be a serious problem. I would think that the Navy would want a missile with greater range than the LCS’ Mk110 57mm
Navy orders two surface to surface mission modules for $10.7M. So far four contracted of a total requirement for twelve. https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-orders-two-hellfire-ssmm-systems-for-lcs/
Orders for four more Surface to Surface Mission Modules (SSMM). price has come down a little. 4/$18M or $4.5M each. The newer small VLS systems look more flexible and probably will be cheaper. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/01/teledyne-to-produce-four-more-ssmm-for-u-s-navys-lcs/
Progress on the Mine Countermeasures Mission Module.
https://seapowermagazine.org/uiss-conducts-successful-underwater-explosion-shock-test/
Update on status of the Freedom class (odd numbered, mono-hull) LCS.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/01/10/freedom-lcs-community-to-tackle-mine-warfare-grow-its-footprint-in-2022/
Along with ditching some ships, it looks like the Navy may eliminate the ASW modules entirely. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/03/28/us-navy-wants-to-cut-nine-lcss-eliminate-their-anti-submarine-mission/
Unfortunately, the ASW Module is having problems.
An ASW module that could be installed as needed on a variety of ships (including Cutters) is a great idea.
Unfortunately, in this case, it is a great idea, poorly executed.
It appears the Mine Counter Measures (MCM) module is initial operational capability.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/01/31/navy-nears-operational-capability-on-lcs-counter-mine-mission-package/