The future USS 'Jackson', recently launched from Austal's United States subsidiary shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, marks an important production milestone for the littoral combat ship (LCS) program.
Alongside the forthcoming USS 'Milwaukee' (LCS 5), the ships are the first vessels procured under the block-buy contract awarded in 2010 and represent the beginning of "serial production" for the class. The 'Jackson' is the third LCS constructed by Austal USA.
According to the US Navy, benefits from serial production include improved cost structure per vessel and reduced construction time.
Following the launch, the ship will undergo outfitting and test and evaluation of its major systems at the Austal shipyard. The ship's christening is planned for the spring.
The LCS-class consists of two variants, the trimaran design Independence-variant, and the monohull design Freedom-variant. The ships are designed and built by two industry teams, led by Austal USA and Lockheed Martin, respectively.
Both variants within the LCS class are focused-mission platforms designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open ocean operation.
The LCS is designed to embark specialised mission packages to defeat "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.
