LPD 17: In the Midst of Reform

Abstract

ABSTRACT The LPD 17 Amphibious Transport Dock Class will be the functional replacement for the LPD 4, LST 1179. LSD 36 and LKA 113 Classes of amphibious ships scheduled to be decommissioned prior to 2010. The program is nearing completion of Contract Design with the lead ship scheduled for commissioning early next century. Like its predecessors, the LPD 17 design is focused on meeting the amphibious mission lift requirements, and does so capably: 2300 m2vehicle lift, 710 m3cargo capacity, 720 troops, 2 LCAC and 2 CH‐53 (or 4 CH‐46) spots. In contrast to the ships it replaces, LPD 17 Class ships will have superior passive survivability (e.g., reduced radar cross section, structural hardening, collective protection system, smoke ejection system) and unprecedented AAW self‐defense combat systems: 64 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) “quadpacked” in a 16‐cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) controlled by the Ship Self‐Defense System (SSDS) and Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS) using AN/SPS‐48E, AN/SPQ‐9B and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). LPD 17 also employs the first full ship fiber optic cable plant for the backbone of its Integrated Interior Command and Control (IC)2‐ system.In addition to its many technical “firsts,” LPD 17 is the first Acquisition Category (ACAT) ID naval warship acquired under the revised Department of Defense (DoD) 5000 series acquisition requirements. More recently, the LPD 17 program became the first lead ship new construction program to implement the June 94 Secretary of Defense specifications and standards reform policy. This procurement policy change effectively prohibits reliance on the thousands of Military Specifications and Standards (MILSPECs and MILSTDs) unless specific, individual waivers are approved. Because Contract Design was approximately two‐thirds complete at the time the policy was signed, the LPD 17 Design Team developed and executed an accelerated three‐phase review effort with five shipbuilders and the American Bureau of Shipping. This effort resulted in the elimination of over 75% of the original 1500 government references.Inherent in the review process was the requirement to neither compromise military performance nor increase program cost. Accordingly, a critical core of MILSPECs and MILSTDs are presently considered as candidates for retention in the ship specification and waiver requests are being prepared. The waiver policy also calls for review and waiver of the entire ship specification. Broad impacts of this reform effort are presently being assessed as the LPD 17 Program continues toward lead ship construction approval.