In a word, cool:
BATH, Maine – The Navy’s need for speed is being answered by a pair of warships that have reached freeway speeds during testing at sea.
Independence, a 418-foot warship built in Alabama, boasts a top speed in excess of 45 knots, or about 52 mph, and sustained 44 knots for four hours during builder trials that wrapped up this month off the Gulf Coast. The 378-foot Freedom, a ship built in Wisconsin by a competing defense contractor, has put up similar numbers.
Both versions of the Littoral Combat Ship use powerful diesel engines, as well as gas turbines for extra speed. They use steerable waterjets instead of propellers and rudders and have shallower drafts than conventional warships, letting them zoom close to shore.
The ships, better able to chase down pirates, have been fast-tracked because the Navy wants vessels that can operate in coastal, or littoral, waters. Freedom is due to be deployed next year, two years ahead of schedule.
The United States Navy — soon able to kick your ass at high speed !
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Very, very cool. Now, lets hope the Navy doesn’t screw up the acquisition of more of these.
Btw, Nuke carriers all hit “highway” speeds. One carrier, under a new CO in the Caribbean, is said to have chased down a cigarette boat smuggler. When the skipper was informed of the smuggler, instead of sending a helo, as was usually done, decide to see what the ship could do…..
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:08 am
I love the Nuke carrier stories. Which are bunk by the way. I chased a number of them during sea trials, and not one approached “freeway speeds”. Generally they topped out at “county trunk highway” speeds (40ish mph/35-37 knots).
As for Freedom, I just missed getting to see it in Milwaukee. Immovable family events prevented getting a tour while it was there last summer.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I don’t know about the carriers you chased, but, the Nimitz has been clocked at 50 knots.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
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