LCS Mission Package Development

Abstract

Beginning in FY 2019, Mission Package funding is realigned into four (4) projects: 2550 Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package 2551 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Mission Package 2552 Surface Warfare (SUW) Mission Package 3129 LCS Mission Package Development Prior to FY 2019 all Mission Package funding was in project 3129. FY 2018 and Prior: The SUW MP increases firepower and offensive/defensive capabilities against large numbers of highly maneuverable, fast, small craft threats, giving LCS the ability to protect the sea lanes and move a force quickly through a choke point or other strategic waterway. The SUW MP is comprised of several modules including the Gun Mission Module (GMM), the Aviation Module, the Maritime Security Module (MSM), and the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The GMM is comprised of two high velocity 30mm cannons and is augmented with the ship's 57mm gun to counter close in to mid-range threats. The Aviation Module uses the embarked MH-60R helicopter with Hellfire missile and the MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAV for the detection, identification, and classification of surface contacts and to engage long range threats. The MSM supports the embarkation of a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) team. The SSMM is a self-contained module consisting of 2 Missile Exhaust Containment Structures (MECS), integrated articulating hatch covers, a fire control system, and 12 two-rail M299 launchers to support load out and firing of 24 longbow hellfire missiles. SSMM provides missile coverage for mid-range threats and small boats. The ASW MP enables LCS to conduct detect-to-engage operations against modern submarines that pose a threat. Specific ASW capabilities include protecting forces in transit, protecting joint operating areas, and establishing ASW barriers. The ASW MP provides the warfighter capabilities that can be employed for ASW area search as well as high value unit escort missions. Key components of the ASW MP include a Light Weight Tow torpedo countermeasure, a Variable Depth Sonar, and a Multi-Function Towed Array. These individual systems are combined into three modules: Torpedo Defense Module; an ASW Escort Mission Module that provides High value unit escort capability; and an Aviation Module that offers airborne threat localization and engagement capability through a MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAV and an MH-60R with MK54 torpedoes. The LCS Mine Countermeasures (MCM) MP will counter deep, shallow, and tethered mines in the littoral without putting Sailors in the minefield. When the MCM MP is embarked, LCS is capable of conducting detect-to-engage operations (hunting, sweeping, and neutralization) against very shallow and deep-water sea mine threats. The MCM MP provides these capabilities through the use of sensors and weapons deployed from an MH-60S multi-mission helicopter, unmanned off-board vehicles, and support equipment/containers. The MCM MP consists of the following modules: - Remote Minehunting (RMH) Module: MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) + AN/AQS-20 Minehunting Sonar - Coastal Mine Reconnaissance (CMR) Module: Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance & Analysis (COBRA) + MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) - Near Surface Detection (NSD) Module: Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) + MH-60S Helicopter - Airborne Mine Neutralization (AMN) Module: Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) + MH-60S Helicopter - Unmanned Minesweeping (UMS) Module: Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS) (MCM USV + Unmanned Surface Sweep System) - Buried Minehunting (BMH) Module: Knifefish Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) The RMH Module provides sustained mine hunting and clearing from the surface, the UMS Module provides endurance bottom sweep capability, the CMR Module will allow detection of minefield patterns and obstacles from an embarked Fire Scout VTUAV in the beach zone, and the BMH Module will allow detection of buried mines. When complete, the MCM MP will provide full capability against floating, tethered, bottom, and buried mines. FY 2019 funding includes: The LCS MM Common Equipment consists of enabling products required by all MPs to provide common hardware interfaces, computer operating environment, communications systems, aviation interface systems, and portable development & integration test-sets. Common hardware interfaces include definition, installation, and control of mechanical, electrical, and cooling requirements common to all mission packages. The Mission Package Computing Environment (MPCE) provides common services and Operating Environment to support all Mission Package Application Software and Open Architecture Products. The Multi-Vehicle Communications System (MVCS) enables the control and data exchange of simultaneous unmanned mission vehicles and the Ship. Aviation interface systems include integration and management of data communications, data processing, and physical hardware interfaces such as common equipment and containers used by all mission packages. Development and integration test-sets provide a mobile operating environment installed in the Mission Package Portable Control Stations (MP-PCS) to serve as a surrogate Ship during mission package development and integration test events at test ranges.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2019
• Source ID: 3129_0603596N_4_1319_PB_2019

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Directed Energy