Author Description

Unlike past conflicts, which were characterized by major naval battles in the open ocean, present day threats are mostly associated with rogue nations and terrorist cells. These threats may strike at unsuspected times and locations. The United States Navy may operate from a Sea Base that protects power ashore through the use of surface and air assets. These assets must transit from the Sea Base in the blue water through the littoral region to reach the objective area. Total ship system designs that include high-speed littoral combat ships (LCS) are required that are capable of operating in these regions and defending the Sea Base, the surface, and air assets from an asymmetric threat. With a modular design and the ability to carry multiple helicopters and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), the SEA SWAT LCS concept can be quickly employed as a force multiplier capable of operating as an Air Warfare or Undersea/Mine Warfare mission platform. With the addition of the core and Surface Warfare sensors and weapons to one of these modular mission packages, the SEA SWAT LCS concept for sea base defense will ensure air, surface, and subsurface superiority during conflict. An advanced electrical power system in conjunction with an integrated propulsion system and zonal power distribution provides sustained combat capability against multiple asymmetric threats. Its enclosed super-structure allows for high survivability in a CBR environment. The paper covers the following topics: analysis of alternatives for ship number, combat systems, and hull design; the design process; propulsion and electrical systems, hydrostatics, combat systems, damage control, CBR systems, manning and habitability, and environmental concerns; signatures, cost, and weight analyses; and threats, including mines, torpedoes, submarines, small boats, unconventional vessels, cruise missiles, UAVs, SAMS, and unguided missiles. Extensive appendixes. (72 tables, 109 figures)