It was a proud moment for the city when the USS Detroit docked on the riverfront and thousands of people came out to see the sixth ship in the service of our country named “Detroit.”
Now done with the commissioning tour, recently released video shows that the United States Navy conducted a successful structural test firing of the Surface to Surface Missile Module (SSMM) from Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Detroit (LCS 7) Feb. 28 off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia.
PICS: See on board the USS Detroit
This is a big deal as the test marked the first launch of a missile from the SSMM from an LCS as well as the first vertical missile launched from an LCS like the USS Detroit, as part of the developmental test program for the Surface Warfare Mission Package.
“The testing aboard USS Detroit was an important milestone in advancing LCS capability, not only for the LCS community but for the entire fleet. As small boat threats proliferate, the SSMM will give our ships added lethality,” said Cmdr. Michael Desmond, Detroit’s commanding officer.
Here’s video of the launch happening in real time:
The Army Longbow Hellfire Missile with vertical launch capability is used to counter small boat threats. The test helps determine if the ship’s structure, equipment and systems are able to handle the launch.
According to the U.S. Navy, the Surface Warfare Mission Package is undergoing operational testing and initial operating capability (where the technology is able to be deployed) is expected in 2018.
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