We've been hearing rumblings about the U.S.
Navy's triple-hulled ships, but here's one that was launched last
month, the U.S.S Independence. Built by General Dynamics, its called
a littoral combat ship (LCS), and the trimaran can move huge weapons
around faster than any ship in the Navy. Ironic that with all that
high tech built in, the ship reminds us of the
Merrimac ironclad from Civil War days.
Littoral means close to shore, and that's where
these fleet-hulled babies will operate, tailor-made for launching
helicopters and armored vehicles, sweeping mines and firing all
manner of torpedoes, missiles and machine guns.
These ships were designed to be relatively
inexpensive this ones a bargain at $208 million and the navy plans
to build 55 of them. This trimaran is the first of the new
fire-breathing breed, ready to scoot out of dry dock at a rumored 60
knots. It's like a speedy and heavily-armed aircraft carrier for
helicopters.
