Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has been caught unprepared by a German-made K-130 FFL. RQ-8 Fire Scout had already detected the FFL but due to the make-up of Coalition Forces, the FFL was not initially classified as a hostile contact even though Country X utilizes K-130’s just as our coalition partners, the German Bundesmarine.

 

The LCS has been equipped primarily for Counter Mine operations. In addition, per page 21 of Harpoon Naval Review 2003, the LCS is equipped with a total of five Mission Packages, specifically MP’s 1,2 3, 7, and 8.

 

In detail, the Mission Packages entail:

 

MP1 (1)1 Bofors Mk3 57mm/70//F GFCS

MP2 (12)1 Mk48 VLS with 24 ESSM//1 Mk91

MP3 ®1 Mk15 Phalanx Block 1B 20mm/76

MP7 1 AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System and 1 AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization Vehicle.

MP8 3 RQ-8 Firescout VTUAV

 

The two surface craft begin 25nm apart. The LCS is cruising at 20kts on a heading of 270 returning from a mine hunting operation and K-130 is on a heading of 225 at a speed of 30kts. An RQ-8 is patrolling at 15nm north of the LCS.

 

1600 - Plotting: LCS: heading: 270, speed: 20kts, sensors: active. RQ-8: heading 270, speed 100kts, altitude: 125m (Low). K-130: heading 225, speed: 30kts, sensors active.

 

1600 – Movement: LCS: 1nm 270. RQ-8: 5nm. K-130: 1.5nm

 

1600 – Planned Fire: None

 

1600 – Detection: Radar Line of Sight for Small-Small is 19nm. LCS SPS-73 vs Vsmall is 17nm – no detection. RQ-8 cannot detect K-130 due to range. K-130 using generic navigational surface search radar versus a Small target is 12nm so no detection. LCS’s 3rd Generation ESM can detect the K-130’s SS radar at 29nm. K-130’s 3rd Generation ESM can detect the LCS as well. ESM detection is successful at 90% during Tactical Turns, and both the LCS and K-130 pass their respective ESM detection rolls. This is a K-130 advantage as it detects the LCS's SPS-73, while the LCS detects one of should be consider many Generic Navigational Surface Search Radars given that this scenario is assumed to be conducted in a littoral environment with non-combatant surface traffic around and about.

 

1600 – Reaction Fire – None.

 

1603 To follow…

 

For data, albeit in the beautiful German venaculure, on the F-130, see here

1603 – Plotting: LCS: heading 270, speed 20kts, sensors active. RQ-8: heading 090 (turn 180 – intent is to screen LCS northern flank), speed 100kts, altitude 125m (Low). K-130: heading 225, speed 30kts, sensors active.

 

1603 – Movement: LCS: 1nm. RQ-8: 5nm. K-130: 1.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 030, 23nm. From LCS to RQ-8: 007, 15nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 062, 11nm.

 

1603 - Planned Fire: None.

 

1603 - Detection: LCS Radar: No. RQ-8 FLIR: No. K-130 Radar: No. Both ship’s ESM contacts continue.

 

1603 - Reaction Fire: None.

 

1606 – Plotting: LCS: continue. RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 270 (turn 180 – intent is to continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue.

 

1606 – Movement: LCS: 1nm. RQ-8: 5nm. K-130: 1.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 031, 23nm. From LCS to RQ-8: 352, 15nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 073, 14nm.

 

1606 – Detection: LCS Radar: No. RQ-8 FLIR: No. K-130 Radar: No. Both ship’s ESM contacts continue.

 

1606 – Reaction Fire Phase: None.

 

1609 – Plotting: LCS: continue. RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 090 (turn 180 – intent is to continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: heading and speed continue. Fire 2x RBS-15 Mk3 missiles Range and Bearing Launch (RBL) Mode on a 211 heading and

with a 15nm Enabling Point.

 

1609 – Movement: LCS: 1nm. RQ-8: 5nm. K-130: 1.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 033, 22nm. From LCS to RQ-8: 015, 15nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 069, 9nm.

 

1609 – Planned Fire: 2x (ROF in Annex A is “?”)

 

1609 – Detection: LCS Radar: No. RQ-8 FLIR: No. K-130 Radar: No. Both ship’s ESM contacts continue.

 

1609 – Reaction Fire: None.

 

1612.0 – Plotting: LCS: continue. RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 270 (turn 180 – intent is to continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue.

 

1612.0 – 1st Move: LCS: 0.2nm. RQ-8: 5nm. K-130: 0.25nm. V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 036, 22nm. From LCS to RQ-8: 000, 15nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 078, 13nm.

 

1612.0 – 1st Fire: None.

 

1612.0 – 1st Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1612 - Detection: LCS Radar to K-130: No, ESM: Yes.

LCS Radar to Vampires: No.

RQ-8 FLIR to K-130: No.

K-130 to LCS: Radar No, ESM Yes.

 

1612.5 – Second Move: V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distance LCS to V1&2: 18nm

 

1612.5 – Second Fire: None.

 

1612.5 – Second Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1613.0 – Plotting: LCS: continue. RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 090 (turn 180 – intent is to continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue. Vampires: continue.

 

1613.0 – 1st Move: LCS: 0.2nm. RQ-8: 0.8nm. K-130: 0.25nm. V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 036, 22nm. LCS to RQ-8: 020, 16nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 071, 8nm.

 

1613.0 – 1st Fire: None.

 

1613.0 - 1st Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1613.0 - 1st Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1613.0 - Detection: LCS Radar to K-130: No, ESM: Yes.

LCS Radar to Vampires: Range 16nm, D100=18, Yes.

RQ-8 FLIR to K-130: Yes (8nm).

K-130 to LCS: Radar No, ESM Yes.

 

1613.5 - 2nd Move: V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distance LCS to V1&2: 15.5nm

 

1613.5 - 2nd Fire: LCS launches 2x Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missiles on a bearing of 034.

 

1613.5 - 2nd Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1614.0 - Plotting: LCS: heading 270, increase speed to 38kts (+18kts). RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 270 (turn 180 – intent is to continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue. Vampires: continue.

 

1614.0 - 1st Move: LCS: 0.2nm. RQ-8: 0.8nm. K-130: 0.25nm. V1 and V2: 2.5nm. ESSM’s: 11.0nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 037, 22nm. LCS to RQ-8: 018, 16nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 072, 9nm.

 

1614.0 - 1st Fire: 2nd Fire: LCS launches 2x Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missiles on a bearing of 037.

 

1614.0 - 1st Air Attack Resolution: ESSM (SSC) ATA = 6.5 vs. RBS-15 (SS). Modifiers: 0.5 unmanned drone or cruise missile, +1 to target due to SS vs. SSC; +1 Low RCS (3rd Gen/VSmall) = 6.5-2.5 = 4.0 = pH70%. D100 #1 = 98 miss, D100 #2 = 00 **6.2.2 Weapons Mount Accidents. Mk91 deemed broken down. ESSM missiles in the air go stupid!

 

1614.0 - Detection: LCS Radar to K-130: No, ESM: Yes.

LCS Radar to Vampires: Range 11nm

RQ-8 FLIR to K-30: No

K-130 to LCS: Radar No, ESM Yes.

 

1614.5 - 2nd Move: V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS 8.5nm

 

1614.5 - 2nd Fire: None.

 

1614.5 - 2nd Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1615.0 - Plotting: LCS: heading 270, increase speed to 47kts (+18kts). RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 270 (continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue. Vampires: continue.

 

1615.0 - 1st Move: LCS: 0.2nm. RQ-8: 0.8nm. K-130: 0.25nm. V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 037, 22nm. LCS to RQ-8: 015, 16nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 074, 9nm.

 

1615.0 - 1st Fire: None.

 

1615.0 - 1st Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1615.0 - Detection: LCS Radar to K-130: No, ESM: Yes.

LCS Radar to Vampires: Range 8.5nm

RQ-8 FLIR to K-30: No

K-130 to LCS: Radar No, ESM Yes.

 

1615.5 - 2nd Move: V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS 6.0nm

 

1615.5 - 2nd Fire: None.

 

1615.5 - 2nd Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1616.0 - Plotting: LCS: heading 270, increase speed to 50kts (+2kts). RQ-8: RQ-8: heading 270 (continue to screen LCS northern flank). K-130: continue. Vampires: continue.

 

1616.0 - 1st Move: LCS: 0.2nm. RQ-8: 0.8nm. K-130: 0.25nm. V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS to K-130: 037, 22nm. LCS to RQ-8: 015, 16nm. RQ-8 to K-130: 074, 9nm.

 

1616.0 - 1st Fire: None

 

1616.0 - 1st Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1616.0 – Detection: LCS Radar to K-130: No, ESM: Yes.

LCS Radar to Vampires: Range 3.5nm

RQ-8 FLIR to K-30: No

K-130 to LCS: Radar No, ESM Yes.

 

1616.5 – 2nd Move: V1 and V2: 2.5nm. Distances from LCS 1nm

 

1616.5 – 2nd Fire: Mk15: Far Range 1.4nm pH: 0.55. D100 = 53. Scratch one RBS-15 Mk3. Three seconds traveling at 2.5nm/phase is 0.5nm so there is no fragmentation damage.

 

1616.5 – 2nd Air Attack Resolution: None.

 

1617.0 – Plotting: “Assume the position.”

 

1617.0 – 1st Movement: 1x RBS-15 moves to point of impact.

 

1617.0 – 1st Fire: Mk15 Close Range 0.7, pH: 0.85. D100=99. Forward Bofors 57mm/70 masked.

 

1617.0 1st Air Attack Resolution: 1x 3rd Gen RBS-15 vs Stealthy Signature Target with 3rd Gen J&D = pH 0.29. D100 = 18. Missile Hits with 50DP. Using Method 3: The One-Roll Approach found in Dave Schueler’s Variable Damage article (pp. 38-39 HNR2003). 18/29 = .62 which falls in the 61-70 band = DP*70% = 35DP.

 

LCS coasts to a flaming halt, dead in the water after suffering between 75-90% damage. Lost its stealth signature. Damage ratio is .83, round down to .80. D6 = 6 = 9 Critical Hits. 9 D10’s to determine CH’s. 8,9,3,4,10,5,3,8,2.

Weapons Mounts (2)

Weapons Mount (3,3)

Sensor (4)

Sensor (5)

Engineering (8,8)

Bridge/CIC (9)

Rudder (10)

 

 

* Lessons Learned:

(a.) 5.3.4 Active Radar Homing (ARH) could have an effect on an engagement such as this. “…ARH seekers cannot distinguish between ships within 5nm of the coast and the land itself. They cannot attack land targets.”

 

(b.) 5.3.13 Inertial Guidance (I/-) went over again.

 

(c.) 5.3.14 Terminal Guidance (-/T----) RBS-15 is 3rd Generation vs. Small Seeker Acquisition Cone = 045 and 10nm.

 

(d.) Distances for corvette to launch SSM and then both ships to engage in surface gunfire seems to be somewhat out of whack.

 

(e.) Can 3rd Generation FLIR detect VSmall SSM at cruise profile?

 

(f.) TRS-3D-16 vs. Vsmall = 18nm

 

(g.) VLS rate of fire? 5.2 “Multiple-celled missile launchers fire four rounds per Engagement Turn.” Phase or Turn?

 

(h.) Some errors are apparent in regards to the movement of the RQ-8 once Engagement Turns were declared. Not corrected due to the RQ-8 not playing a significant role thus far.

 

(i.) After beginning this scenario with the combatants 25nm apart, and given the disadvantage that the LCS begins due to its Counter Mine mission package, provided the LCS defends itself against the two SSM’s, I do not believe that the CO of the LCS would turn toward the opposing FFL to engage with its 57mm/70 not knowing whether or not the FFL had additional missiles. It would chose to live to fight another day, accelerate to 50kts, and contact HHQ and request air support in the form of the 2x F-35 discussed in the original article.

 

 

Comments please…

After beginning this scenario with the combatants 25nm apart, and given the disadvantage that the LCS begins due to its Counter Mine mission package, provided the LCS defends itself against the two SSM’s, I do not believe that the CO of the LCS would turn toward the opposing FFL to engage with its 57mm/70 not knowing whether or not the FFL had additional missiles.  It would chose to live to fight another day, accelerate to 50kts, and contact HHQ and request air support in the form of the 2x F-35 discussed in the original article.

Comments please…

 

Very interesting, Pete. Glad you gamed it out. And I agree, it would be dumb for a commander to continue to close the distance with an enemy who probably has more antiship missiles, especially when he possesses greater speed. Time to bug out.

Brad,

 

The HNR2003 has quite an article on the LCS and various scenario to conduct with it or more conventional platforms, all along the lines of the missions which LCS is expected to accomplish. I realize that it must have become overcome by events since its publication, but fun none the less. Special rules for these scenarios are US ROE, Merchant Shipping, Satellite Recon. Unconventional forces, Explosive motorboats, coastal traffic, mines/minefields, and the various modular mission packages of LCS.

 

Plenty of fodder for debate/constructive argument.

 

Pete

Wasn’t the genesis of this class of ship to be able to go into harms way and conduct missions that may be cost prohibitive if done by larger, more expensive platforms? Hey, I was a Infantry 2nd Lieutenant once so I believe that I can say this, the Littoral Combat Ship has an acceptable level of “expendability”.

 

With this said, the LCS should not be thought of as operating in a vacuum. While no level of support can have guaranteed availability 24/7, the ships’ CO should have some level of comfort knowing that there is support available.

 

The operations order that sends an LCS, or pack of them more likely, into a hostile littoral environment to conduct operations would contain tasks to other units subordinate to that ordering authority to provide “x” level of support. Would it be too much to ask the “squadron” to equip other LCS’ with the Mission Packages to provide the support or protection to the “unlucky” one ordered to “go clear mines”? I know on the green side, if we would send people forward to “clear mines”, a larger force is providing some type of overwatch.

 

In the situation of a single LCS returning from a counter-mine mission being jumped by a hostile corvette/FFL, I would go out on a limb and say that there would have been two F/A-18’s on station waiting to be tasked, not waiting to react to an LCS being destroyed. There would obviously be other assets on strip alert as well. Even without a carrier on station, there is Marine air and land based assets to call on for support.

 

The Littoral Combat Ship is not the be all end all, but a tool – like all tools – with strengths and weaknesses. It is up to the commander to employ his tools in such a way to accomplish the assigned missions with minimum loss of life and equipment.

 

I do not believe that it would come to each LCS being escorted by destroyer to ensure its safety. Bottom line for me is that it would be folly to employ the Littoral Combat Ship alone, or unsupported by other assets.

Apparently made some true rookie tactical mistakes after forwarding my log to a Harpoon-astute friend. Will try this again with some different actions/reactions. And, hopefully some better luck on the die rolls as to not have the director crap out.

Ran through it again last night/this afternoon and found out the following.

 

The LCS, as equipped in this scenario, must avoid engagement and use its high speed to live to fight another day. It was equipped as follows:

 

F(1)1 57mm/70

F(21)1 RIM 116-A RAM

A(R.) Mk15 Phalanx

3 RQ-8 VTUAV

AN/WLD-1 Remote Mine Hunting System

AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization Vehicle

 

Also, hostile TRS 3D-16 can detect the vsmall RQ-8 beginning at 14nm. The RQ-8's 3rd Generation FLIR can only detect the small signature ship at 8nm and then have to classify it at 4nm. There is a +3 ratio or 60% chance that the RQ-8, at 125m (Low) will be shot down prior to or during its classification of the hostile FFL.

 

The above 60% pH assumes that the DATA Modifier of +1 for the target being at or more than 1 level higher and the the attacker not using snap up/down missiles is appropriate here. If not, the pH of the hostile RAM will be somewhat lower.

 

I can only assume that these platforms are not envisioned being used singly. That there would be air on station (may not have helped in this run through), or that the LCS will operate in multicraft units, with the individual crafts equipped differently. Say one Counter Mine package with two more ASuW-capable equipped craft.

 

Thoughts?

Another asset, also known as a force multiplier, is the fact that the RQ-8's are equipped with 3rd Generation ESM. This will allow for greater abilities to triangulate the location of a potential enemy craft.

Here is a scan of the LCS Scenario map found in HNR03 with home-scored 10nm x 10nm grid squares to facilitate play.

 

map

Here is a scan of the LCS Scenario map found HNR03 with home-scored 10nm x 10nm grid squares to facilitate play.

 

map

Link fixed.

Looks good, Pete. Most of those who criticize the LCS design appear to be forgetting how, when and where such a ship will be employed. As stated earlier in this thread, no one would expect an LCS to be deployed into harm's way without a great deal of support and overwhelming firepower. After all, the US deployed what, some half a dozen aircraft carriers in support of Operation Desert Storm ? When was the last time you ran a Harpoon scenario where you had a half dozen carriers at your disposal ?

 

I believe the LCS should (and likely will) be able to hold its own in the face of the anticipated threat. The supporting firepower is there to deal with the unanticipated threat. That said, we shouldn't expect the LCS to look like a Tico or a Burke.

 

An ancient Chinese proverb comes to mind that applies to changes in military technology, which says, change is like a dragon ... you can stand in its way, in which case it will destroy you; you can run from it, in which case it will rapidly overtake you and destroy you; or you can jump on its back and let it take you where it will into the future.

Brad, et al.

 

As depicted in H4.1 and when employed as a networked team, the LCS concept seems to be solid.

 

BlueFor has two of its three RQ-8's aloft with their 3rd Generation ESM on bearings of 045 left and right of center and at distances of 30nm from the main body of a three LCS force escorting three non-combatants. The opposing force initially has had a very difficult time getting into position undetected with its surface and air units.

 

The next phase will be to test the ability of the Kilo and mine barriers to influence the battle. This phase also is proceeding into a tighter bottleneck, thereby providing the LCS force with less reaction time to attacks coming from Redrock proper. The SS will be sitting quietly at the bottom ENE of what I have labeled “Middle Island”. After a quick look at the map, it should be apparent where Middle Island is located. Also, about 15nm north of Middle Island a Natya I, with a mine rack of 7 mines, will begin to attempt sowing a mine barrier while escorted by a Tarantul III.

 

A fairly serious drawback for the opfor is lack of an effective way to counter the RQ-8's. Non of the ships have an AS radar and all of their anti-air missiles have IRH guidance requiring a visual line of sight, which against an RQ-8 is 1.5nm - then subject to environmental conditional degredation.

 

While it is open to debate, it does seem to be essential to have one of the LCS’ equipped with the Command Suite. This provides for the full cooperative engagement capability (CEC) so that the various LCS platforms can take advantage of each other’s unique capabilities and engage hostile targets with the most effective weapon systems. This is something that I will sortie from Freeport at high speed as I have been assigned a total of 5 LCS’.

Here was the opponent to the LCS that I used in the first two clashes. The K-130 Braunschweig, recently commissioned.

 

K-130