LSD-41 Whidbey Island class - Modernization
As of October 1994, self-defense configurations for the combined LSD 41/49 class included the SPS-49 air search radar and the SLQ-32 electronic warfare system. LSD 45-on have SPS-49(V)5 air search radar. Trials of RAM, integrated into the SSDS (Ship Self-Defense System) Block 1, were conducted beginning 1993 with LSD 41, using fire-control inputs from the radar of the Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS. LSD 48 received SSDS Block 1 during 1996 to 1997 refit. Though the control function was being performed manually throughout the class, the Navy completed operational testing of an automated control system (SSDS MK I) in June 1997 aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48). Engagement relied primarily upon Phalanx Block 0 or 1 and the Mk 36 decoy launching system. As measured by the Navy's performance assessment model, this configuration produced a performance result that was far below the threat requirements for the class.
Since October 1994, the Navy has taken several actions to enhance the LSD 41/49 class's ability to defeat cruise missiles. The Navy enhanced detection capabilities by adding a medium pulse repetition frequency upgrade to the SPS-49 radar and integrating the Phalanx radar with the control system. To improve the control function, the Navy installed SSDS MK I on four LSD 41 class ships. LSD 44 received SSDS during 1997, and all ships of the class are to have received SSDS Block 1 by 2004. In addition, to improve engagement capabilities, the Navy completed installations of the Phalanx Block 1A upgrade on six LSD 41 class ships. In addition, RAM Block 0 was installed on five LSD 41 class ships, with two Mk 49, 21-cell launchers for the RAM missile added. With these installations, the Navy more than doubled the class's ability to counter current and future missile threats since requirements were adopted in February 1996. However, additional improvements in capability are needed to meet requirements for near-, mid-, and far-term threats.
Two development efforts, RAM Block 1 and NULKA, were planned for future installation in the LSD 41/49 ship class. Once installed, the Navy expected that these improvements will provide these ships with a high capability against the near-term threat, moderate to high capability against the mid-term threat, but a low capability against the far term threat.
Although the Navy made some progress in improving surface ship self-defense capabilities, most ships continued to have only limited capabilities against cruise missile threats. A Navy assessment of surface ship self-defense capabilities conducted in 1998 concluded that only the 12 Whidbey Island and Harpers Ferry class amphibious ships had or would be equipped with defensive systems that can provide measurable improvement against near- and mid-term cruise missile threats. These 12 ships have received, or are scheduled to receive, an improved version of the SPS-49 radar, the Ship Self Defense control system, the Rolling Airframe Missile system, and the Phalanx Block 1A. The Navy estimates that these improvements, when completed, will more than double the assessed capability of these ships to defeat near- and mid-term threats. However, they will provide only low capability against far-term threats.
LSD 45 was to be equipped with a prototype Sanders HFSWR High Frequency Surface Wave Radar, with vertical transmitting antennas in fixed structures on the sides of the superstructure and in 24 small receiving array boxes along either side of the upper deck. The system operates between 3 and 30 MHz to detect low-flying objects at over-the-horizon ranges, but funding cuts have delayed the program.
The LSD-41/49 Class Smart Gator Enabling Technologies (Enabling Technologies) upgrade replaces specified existing machinery control and monitoring systems units/consoles plus the addition of specific equipment. Overcoming component obsolescence, reducing equipment support costs, and reducing workload are key objectives in the Navy's upgrade plan. Reducing the number of different assembly types and total number of assemblies required are considered key factors in meeting this objective.
LSD-47 RUSHMORE was the test platform for the "Smart Ship" program known as Gator 17. The ship has been outfitted with several new technologies to reduce workload and manning levels. LSD 47 is being used to test systems and concepts intended for use in the LPD 17 class, including new damage control techniques, a local-area data network, integrated bridge systems, and automated maintenance systems. Information from the program aboard RUSHMORE will be used to assist the design of the LPD 17 class amphibious ships. The descriptions of Enabling Technologies follows:
- The Local Area Network (LAN) is installed as a ship wide fiber optic communications network used to interface with the Enabling Technology multi-functional workstations (MFWS), view ports and interface input/output (I/O) devices. The LAN will be installed with expansion in mind to support future additional users/technologies. The new Machinery Control System, Damage Control Quarters/Ballast Control System, Integrated Bridge System, and Integrated Condition Assessment System ships Enabling Technology network will utilize this LAN.
- The Machinery Control System (MCS) installation replaces specified existing machinery control and monitoring systems units/consoles associated with both the Main Propulsion (MP) and Electric Plant (EP) control systems. The MCS consists of software-based control system utilizing MFWS and Data Acquisition Units (DAUs) controlling the main propulsion, electric plant and selected auxiliary systems.
- The Damage Control Quarters (DCQ)/Ballast Control System (BCS) consists of several software-based LAN-resident subsystems including, but not limited to: Damage Control sensor/systems integration; firemain and ventilation/control and display, ballast system control and display. The system will replace the individual control allowing creation of a "central control station" (CCS) in what is currently Damage Control Central (DCC). The Government will provide the DCQ/BCS software, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) software and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for DCQ/BCS.
- The Integrated Bridge System (IBS) converts legacy navigational information sources, such as; GPS, Speed Log, Gyro, Wind bird and depth sounder, into digital data formats and provides them throughout the ship via the LAN. The IBS contains a computer program that uses the navigational data and interfaces with MCS and the steering gear to provide steering and propulsion control both on the bridge and in CIC. The capabilities of the IBS shall include the traditional non-follow-up control, hand electric, auto pilot and track steering.
- The Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS) software products provide a computerized engineering tool to implement Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) and equipment availability management. Inputs to ICAS consist of both manually collected and on-line sensor data. ICAS shares on-line sensors with the MCS. New ICAS specific on-line sensors shall also be installed by the contractor. ICAS continuously assesses machinery performance conditions and transmits the information over the LAN to be viewed at the applicable MFWS(s). The Government will provide HMI software, PLC software, and ICDs for ICAS.
- The Wireless Internal Communications System (WICS) is an internal wireless communications system installed to provide internal communications for command and control of combat systems, damage control, security, beach guard, sea and anchor detail, administration, and integrated team training. The system shall consist of an antenna/transmission/receiving system, portable radio units, and charging stations.
The Smart Gator Enabling Technology upgrade provides for electronic technology modernization by replacing the existing rigid HMI console designs with Software Alterable Graphic Interfaced multi-functional workstations.
USS Rushmore (LSD 47) completed the first major milestone of her Extended Docking Phased Maintenance Availability (EDPMA) 25 October 2020, when she successfully transitioned from berthing in a dry dock to tying up next to a pier. USS Rushmore was the second Dock Landing Ship (LSD) on the West Coast to undergo EDPMA, and the fourth LSD in the fleet. EDPMA is a scheduled mid-life maintenance availability period meant to ensure a ship will reach the full length of its predicted service life. All 12 ships of the LSD 41 and LSD 49 classes are scheduled to undergo a similar mid-life upgrade over the next five years to ensure the class remains capable and mission ready through 2038.
“These ships require upgrades and life cycle extensions to maintain maximum utility and bridge the gap between one generation of vessel and the next,” said Hooks. “In almost every instance, it is considerably more cost-effective to upgrade a current vessel than it is to build a new one. These modernization efforts allow the Navy to extend service life on these worthy assets, saving the taxpayers money.”
As of 2014 the Navy planned to maintain eleven deployable LSDs in the active force until LX(R) delivers by rotating three LSDs, one at a time, into a four-year phased modernization period and then placing them back in service. USS TORTUGA (LSD 46) would be inducted into its phased modernization beginning in 2016, and will achieve the expected 40-year operational service. The phased modernization of USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41) and USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42) will begin in 2020 and 2024 respectively. This will extend LSD 41 and LSD 42 (with midlife complete) to 45 operational years of service. This plan mitigates presence shortfalls and 2.0 MEB Assault Echelon shipping requirements.
