I thought I would Share these pic's of A wicked Model of LCS-2 USS Independence found on the RCgroups website that I frequently visit/post on. The model will feature 4 Graupner mini-jet units ( the smallest available) driven by four 500 sized 12v motors. One of the lad's over here at Fleetbase Gulf Water's is going 2 build same ship it will be very interesting 2 see an LCS on the pond!!
The model is apparently just awaiting arrival of the 4 jet units before she gets wet for 1st run.
My Ship Yard: RAN DDL HMAS Kokoda Australian Coast Guard cutter Nemesis RAN FCPB HMAS Wollongong German SAR Launch DGzRS Berln SS Geest Atlas (Building)
LCS 2 is a fascinating exercise in-out-of-the-box thinking for a fairly traditional service.
The US Navy agonised publically for almost a decade over going to modularised construction for the Spruances and FFGs, then over the 'long thin' hull of previous classes against 'short fat' hull proposed for the Burkes.
Similarly the trimaran design and heavy use of aluminium of LCS is attracting the same ire from the traditionalists.
My thought is that for the LCS program, the LCS 2 Independence design has significant advantages over the more traditional monohull LCS 1 Freedom design.
Whether that is sufficiant to overcome the detractors of new technology is another question.
My Ship Yard: RAN DDL HMAS Kokoda Australian Coast Guard cutter Nemesis RAN FCPB HMAS Wollongong German SAR Launch DGzRS Berln SS Geest Atlas (Building)
Bob has posted these pic's of his LCS2 underway. To get e'nuff thrust from the low reving 500 eco's he is now running her at 18volts!! 12 volts was not cutting the mustard!!
