The LCS SUW capability is superior to FFG 7 and PC 1 class ships. The embarked armed helicopter, 30mm and 57mm guns, larger 11m RHIB, and 40+ knot sprint speed, give LCS a greater capability against Fast Attack Craft (FAC) and Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC). By FY17, the Surface to Surface Missile Module (SSMM) will improve this capability by extending weapons engagement range and lethality. The SUW warfighting capability allows LCS to cover more area, prosecute more vessels in Maritime Interdiction Operations and counter FAC/FIAC threats which make LCS a superior ship to FFG 7 and PC 1 class ships.

The FFG 7 and PC 1 class ships were not specifically designed to execute the counter-FAC/FIAC missions that LCS will perform when equipped with an SUW mission package. The FFG 7 class was intended to serve as a general-purpose escort that would protect amphibious landing forces, supply and replenishment groups, and merchant convoys from limited threats. The PC 1 class was intended to perform coastal patrol, maritime interdiction/surveillance, and support of special operations forces going ashore.

In comparison to an MCM 1 class ship, LCS with MCM mission package will greatly improve the Navy’s mine countermeasures capability when the first phase meets Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The mission package will provide unmanned mine hunting, taking the ship and crew out of harm’s way. Future phases will further improve Navy’s ability to find and clear minefields throughout the water column as well as in the beach landing zone.

Today, Navy uses mechanical mine sweeping via the MH-53E and ship-mounted mine hunting and mine neutralization systems aboard the MCM 1 class. LCS will change Navy’s mine countermeasures focus to off-board mine hunting, mine sweeping, and mine neutralization. This change will remove ships and Sailors from the minefield and significantly reduce the aviation workload for amphibious assault ships required to support the MH-53 Helicopter. Additionally, LCS has an organic anti-surface/anti-air self-defense capability, 57mm gun, and the speed to deploy with a strike group that the MCM 1 Class lacks.

The ASW mission package configured LCS will also provide greater ASW capability than the FFG 7 Class. The LCS ASW mission package complements and expands the detection ranges of today's Strike Group through systems such as a variable depth, continuously active sonar system. With improved detection ranges and the ability to operate sensors at increased speeds and throughout the water column, LCS will enhance the ASW Commander's ability to maintain undersea battlespace awareness, counter quiet submarines, and protect critical Fleet assets. LCS, with an ASW mission package, provides this enhanced capability in littoral regions, as well as in deep water where it will perform area clearance, barrier operations, and Combat Logistic Force (CLF) escort duties.

The LCS ASW mission package will provide a continuously active, variable-depth, sonar system that can be placed below the acoustic layer (an improvement from other surface ships) and employed at high speeds, allowing LCS to detect submarines that are able to hide from currently-fielded sonar systems. The LCS ASW mission package also provides the Light Weight Towed Torpedo Decoy System, an improvement over the AN/SLQ-25 NIXIE.

LCS incorporates a total ship-survivability approach that considers the capability of the ship, mission critical systems, and crew to perform warfare missions while preventing serious injury or death from effects of threat weapons. The total ship-survivability approach addresses susceptibility, vulnerability, recoverability, and the ship’s CONOPS in accordance with the Navy Survivability Policy for Surface Ships (OPNAVINST 9070.1A).

Susceptibility is defined as avoiding or defeating a threat by using a combination of tactics, signature reduction, countermeasures, and self-defense systems. LCS uses speed, maneuverability, organic systems (including 57mm gun, chaff, and RAM/SeaRAM) and sensors to counter surface, air, and underwater threats. Additionally, LCS will use its sprint speed to extend battlespace and disrupt enemy targeting. MH-60R and VTUAV will provide over-the-horizon threat detection and engagement creating an increased standoff range.

Vulnerability is a measure of the ship’s ability to withstand initial damage effects from threat weapons, and its ability to continue to perform primary warfare missions. LCS is designed to vulnerability standards that allow it to continue to perform its primary mission, exit the battle area under its own power, or conduct an orderly abandon ship, depending on the severity of the threat weapon effect.

Recoverability is the ability of the ship to contain and control damage, prevent loss of ship, minimize casualties, and restore primary mission capabilities. In order to contain and control damage, LCS is designed to the same compartmentation requirements as all other surface combatants. In addition, LCS has redundant damage control firefighting systems including Aqueous Foam Forming Film, High Velocity Water Mist, and Heptaflouropropane.