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This is a great, competent discussion on the Mk 70, distributed lethality, and the coming USV drones. This is an explanation of the envisioned future...where we are looking to go. This is still largely concept, but you can also see we are taking steps to make it real. And the technology looks plausible. It exists, not yet operationally, but "functionally." The major hazard facing this is the one that all services and their similar programs and outlooks face...funding. Also, as we actually test stuff, aspects don't always go the way the concept envisioned. That means either adjustments (with delays) or it could kill the whole thing if it ends up major enough. So, this is not etched in stone. But, this is the idea behind everything:
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2024/12/the-great-u-s-navy-littoral-combat-ship-reboot-has-arrived/ Previous Message
I just changed my search terms. I had been searching leathilty and survivability. Now, I directly searched Freedom class NSM.
Got this, and very up to date:
https://news.usni.org/2024/12/11/lcs-is-back-with-firepower-upgrades-including-new-missile-launchers-says-secnav-del-toro
Helps some to explain the delay. Apparently, with the Mk 70 launcher, they've now created yet another new program, and NSM is now in this one. (Can you say "attention deficit disorder," boys and girls?)
So, I just learned something new. Woohoo. I watched the commissioning of the USS Nantucket on a livestream video they offered, and saw the MK70 on it. I knew they were playing around with those, but did not realize it was getting "this serious." When deployed, they will be on the flight deck...the only place there is room. That then ruins flight ops. I think this will be a truly modular system. When desired, they will be set up on the flight deck. Otherwise, that will be used for flight ops, and they will only have their NSMs forward.
So...you wanted to build a model. Get info on the Mk 70 launchers, and then put some aboard your model, on the flight deck.
FWIW Previous Message
Thank you!
I thought about building another model of a Freedom class - one of the last ships with the new mast, SeaRAM - and NSM. I will have to wait if the Leathality and Survivability Upgrade will be done or not. It will likely contain some additional differences to the early ships.
The Saudi Arabian MMSC version would be another option, but - as far as I know - these ships are also not yet completed.
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