"SEA SWAT" a littoral combat ship for Sea Base Defense

Abstract

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 are of a different nature to past threats and may strike at unsuspected times and locations. The United States Navy may operate from a Sea Base which projects 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 in order to reach the objective area. Total ship system designs of a group of high-speed littoral combat ships (LCS) are required which are capable of operating in these regions and defending the Sea Base and the surface and air assets from an asymmetric threat. With the modular design and the ability to carry multiple helicopters and 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.