Powering Freedom

USS Freedom, the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has completed its sea trials in a significant milestone for this important US Navy vessel.

USS Freedom offers the capability to deploy independently to distant operating theatres and remain on station for extended periods of time. This has driven requirements for a design which can deliver high speeds of well over 40 knots and outstanding manoeuvrability without comprising requirements for efficiency, range, good seakeeping, shallow draft and high payload capacity.

Four Rolls-Royce Kamewa 153SII provide the propulsion for USS Freedom along with two 36MW-rated Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines for high-speed boost power.