USS Billings (LCS-15)

History of USS Billings (LCS-15)

The USS Billings is the eighth ship in the Freedom-class group "Littoral Warships". The class was conceived by the United States Navy (USN) as a relatively compact multi-role warship designed for nearshore operations, support for amphibious operations, patrol/denial of strategic areas, and more. Ultimately, two distinct littoral battleships were developed for service - the aforementioned Liberty class and the trimaran Independence class.

With its distinctive hull lines, the Freedom class presents a more traditional warship appearance.

USS Billings was awarded to Marinette Marines on 29 December 2010 and laid on 2 November 2015. She launched on July 1, 2017. Billings, named after the city of Billings, Montana, is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Navy by the end of 2017.

The vessel follows the standard design quality established for vessels led by USS Freedom (LCS-1). It displaces nearly 4,000 tons, has an overall length of 378 feet, a beam of 57 feet, and a draft of 13 feet (smaller in size than a frigate, more like a frigate). The shallow draft is notable because it enables warships to operate in offshore areas.

Power comes from 2 Rolls-Royce MT30 36MW gas turbines and 2 Colt-Pielstick diesel engines. 4 x Rolls Royce water jets for fine-tuning maneuvering. Speeds are expected to be close to 45 knots and the hull can withstand Sea State 3 environments. The range is up to 3,500 nautical miles.

The base staff consisted of approximately 50 personnel, with an additional approximately 75 in mission task forces. The vessel carries enough supplies to support more than 21 days of offshore operations.

Externally, the warship retains the usual stealth qualities of modern warships, including faceted sides, an integral funnel, and a low profile. The only protruding part of the foredeck were the deck guns with turrets. The bridge superstructure sits directly behind the site in a stepped shape. The pole mast is also flat. Above the stern is the helicopter flight deck and full service hangar to support medium naval helicopters.

Typically carries two Sikorsky MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters, while also furnishing Northrop Grumman's MQ-8 Fire Recon UAV helicopter.

Armament includes 1 x 57mm Mk 110 deck gun, RIM-116 rolling airframe missile launcher and Mk 50 series torpedoes. In this way, a single warship can counter maritime threats in the air, on the water or under water. Carry 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns for extreme close range defense.

This article will be updated with new information.

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