Littoral Ship’s Mine-Clearing Equipment Flawed, U.S. Tester Says

Mine-detection equipment for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship, including an underwater drone, remains unreliable, the Pentagon’s test office has found.

“Mission modules” to find and clear mines for the initial 32 vessels have “not yet demonstrated sufficient performance to achieve the Navy’s minimal” requirements, Michael Gilmore, the Defense Department’s director of operational testing, said in his annual report to Congress on major weapons systems. It was obtained in advance of its scheduled public release this week.

Lockheed Martin Corp., based in Bethesda, Maryland, and Henderson, Australia-based Austal Ltd. make different versions of the Littoral Combat Ship. Northrop Grumman Corp., based in Falls Church, Virginia, is responsible for its mine-clearing capabilities.

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