1. Concept of Operations Development SITREP
Littoral Combat Ship
This presentation is divided into two parts: one, why we need LCS, and two what would LCS (in concept form) be.
In the backup slides we provide details on experimental initiatives and planning we have developed relating to LCS, and also some of the notional mission packages that are envisioned.
Concept of Operations Development SITREP

2. Purpose of this Brief LCS CONOPS development SITREP
Overarching guidance
LCS employment – How LCS gets to the fight
CONOPS overview – How LCS fights
LCS development and experimentation
CONOPS development timeline
Conclusion
This brief is an overview of the status of LCS CONOPS development.

3. What the CONOPS paper will do
Overarching guidance
Descriptive document defining what LCS has to be able to do. How LCS fits in the Sea Power 21 operational concepts.
How LCS contributes to the emerging Global Naval Concept of Operations.
How LCS would be tactically employed in future contingency and wartime operations.
The Attributes of LCS that enable the ship to meet 21st century transformational characteristics.
How LCS will be operated, manned, supported, maintained, etc.
This slide relates to is the LCS CONOPS paper we have developed. The paper will provide details on the items listed above, and it was sent out in draft form for review by LCS flag stakeholders in early October, 2002.
NWDC is the lead in developing LCS CONOPS with the major stakeholders: N76, N763, CNSF, CLF and PEO(S).
CONOPS is an overarching vision of LCS and its roles.

4. “The Littoral Niche Player Challenge”
Overarching guidance
“The Littoral Niche Player Challenge”
Communications
Imaging
Radiological
Commercial Space-Based C4ISR
Chemical
Navigation
Biological
Weapons of Mass
Destruction
Nuclear
Swarming
Small Boats
Theater Ballistic Missiles
Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (shore-, ship- and air-Launched)
Advanced
Conventional
Weapons
Land-Attack Cruise Missiles
Ultra-Quiet Diesel Submarines
LCS will operate in a TOUGH ENVIRONMENT.
Emerging threats and mission environment
Evolving overlapping anti-access threat
Necessity to project offensive, defensive & sovereign power with Joint forces
Operational Challenges
Need to rapidly overcome coordinated overlapping anti access threat
Reduce risk
Provide Commanders with flexible COAs
Ensure persistent access
The Transformation Imperative we are building the LCS CONOPS to address is this: Without force transformation, there is serious risk that the U.S. will lose its competitive advantage within years without major adaptation and improvement.
We envision LCS as a solution to the operational challenges in the future threat environment.
LCS “niche” primary missions in the littoral are as follow:
- MIW
- ASW
- Counter Small Boat threat
Sophisticated Sea Mines
“Double-Digit” SAMs
(fixed and mobile)
Decentralized, Internetted IADS
Cluttered Environment
Threat: Asymmetric, Overlapping, Commercially Available

5. LCS SEA POWER 21 ENABLER SEA SHIELD SEA STRIKE SEA BASING
Overarching guidance
LCS SEA POWER 21 ENABLER
SEA STRIKE
Performs persistent ISR
Enable Forced Entry for Joint Power Projection
Engage in power projection w/ USMC (STOM) and SOF (covert strike)
SEA SHIELD
Provides assured access by conducting MIW, littoral ASW, SUW,
ISR, and SOF support missions
Support Homeland Defense thru MIO and ISR roles
Provide Sea / Littoral Superiority by conducting MIW, Littoral
ASW, SUW and ISR missions
SEA BASING
Projecting persistent Offensive and Defensive Power
Provide security for Joint Assets & enable sea-based forces
Maneuver element for joint mobility and sustainment
This slide shows how LCS will specifically contribute to the Seapower 21 concepts.
The mobility mission which enables both power projection and logistics missions is derived from the open platform architecture of LCS (the “truck” aspect) where the specific missions packages are removed. This will be discussed in detail in later slides.

6. LCS Enables the Fleet to Provide Persistent Presence and Power - Global CONOPS
Expeditionary Strike Group MEU(SOC)
LCS Sqdrn Direct Support
CSG 3 Aegis Escorts OPS
MPF
TBMD SAG Ops / UPK
CSG 3 Aegis Escorts Transit
CSG 3 Aegis Escorts OPS
LCS Sqdrn Direct Sup.
Expeditionary Strike Group MEU(SOC)
Surface Action Group OPS
TBMD SAG Ops
MPF
MPF
Counter Narcotics’ Task Force
Source: OPNAV N81 Global CONOPS brief to LCS Mission Module offsite #1, 19 September, 2002, NSWC Dahlgren.
Global CONOPS also envisions LCS as being forward deployed in squadrons, but not necessarily forward based. LCS will benefit from both the innovative crewing methods and the splitting of the core and module missions.
Some key advantages of being forward deployed would be to provide the Fleet commander with:
A flexible capability to cover a broad spectrum of missions through LCS mission packages and reconfigurability.
Providing presence and responsiveness to contingencies.
CSG 3 Aegis Escorts OPS / Transit
Expeditionary Strike Group MEU(SOC)
LCS Sqdrn Direct Support
Sea-based
Meets the demands of the strategy, and…
Starting now
LCS Sqdrn Direct Support
Overarching guidance

7. LCS CONOPS Overview Tailored warfighting capabilities
Three LCS employment concepts
LCS attributes and associated modules
Supports distributed off-board systems
Risk reduction
Why is LCS different?
This slide is a summary of the key aspects of LCS that, through the proposed CONOPS, differentiate it from current platforms.

8. Requirement for Access Transition to post-conflict:
LCS CONOPS
CONOPS Overview
Tailorable access force provides capability
across a broad spectrum of missions
Hostilities
Execute MCM,
ASW,
Anti-small Boat Ops
Requirement for Access
Precursor ops w/
Off-board
sensors
Seabasing support
Maneuver
Sustainment/
replenishment
Pre-conflict:
Conduct ISR
SOF C2
LCS provides the capability to perform effectively across a very broad mission spectrum.
At the lower left of the curve, LCS provides value in a host of “low-end” and contingency missions as dictated by the Theater Commander.
As the need for access and forcible entry increases (vertical axis), LCS eventually reconfigures with AASW/MCM/SUW mission packages in order to provide access for the joint force. As access requirements decrease, LCS provides the ability to shift roles to support Sea Basing and power projection. LCS can shift roles quickly to respond to emerging threats and levels of hostilities.
LCS combined with CONOPS will provide a transformational ability to reconfigure a squadron of LCS with various mission packages to serve the mission needs USN, Naval and Joint forces.
Mission Spectrum
Transition to post-conflict:
MIO, escort, etc.
Contingency
Tasking
(Log, MIO
NEO, HA)

9. LCS Employment Concepts
Integrated with CSG/ESG
Notionally, 2 to 3 LCS ships assigned to each strike group
Mission configuration will complement other strike group combatants
Commander determines “tailored” mission configurations
LCS Squadron Operations
Collective flexibility & versatility while providing mutual support
Forward deployed, but not forward based
Maintaining a continuous presence in critical theaters of operation
First response capability to anti-access crisis
Integrated with Joint Task Force assets to execute Access assurance
Limited Independent Operations
Mobility mission tasking in a known threat environment
Rapid response to contingency mission tasking
This slide shows how LCS will be operationally employed.
It is important to emphasize that LCS provides the Theater Commander with a wide range of capabilities that are not necessarily tied to the CSG/ESG.
Flexible & responsive Supporting Global ConOps

10. CONOPS overview
LCS Squadron Concept
Notional Squadron
Configuration
Collective flexibility & versatility
Forward deployed, but not forward based
Mutual replenishment & logistic support
Maintaining a continuous presence in critical theaters of operations
First response capability to anti-access crisis
Integrated with Joint Task Force assets to execute Access assurance
Operations in direct support and supported by CSG/ESG
Uninstalled packages
MIW
SOF
MIW
MIO
SUW/ISR
Medical
MIW
ASW/SUW
This slide emphasizes the of LCS squadron operations concept to provide a mix of capabilities, including LCS replenishment (mobility mission).
The mix of installed and available mission packages provides a commander with capabilities tailored to task and threat.
The squadron concept also distributes the combat power over a larger number of platforms which reduces risk and dispersion, complicates enemy responses.
Note: This LCS Squadron concept is new and needs explanation – the previous slide on LCS with CSG/ESG and independent ops are employment options that are well understood with current platforms.
ASW
ASW/SUW IO
Mobility
Simultaneous rollback of anti-access threat with squadrons of LCS – not single ships

11. CONOPS Overview
“The warfighting potential of LCS can only be achieved through the synergy between tailored mission packages and a platform optimized to exploit them employing innovative concepts of operations.”
LCS must not be thought of as a stand-alone platform.
The platform must be designed to interface with a wide range of mission packages.
These packages, not the organic weapons and sensors aboard current ships, constitute the bulk of the combat power.
The LCS CONOPS is designed to show how the ship and mission packages will combine to provide an effective warfighting capability.
VADM LaFleur, CNSF

12. DD (X), CG (X) & in-service capabilities & fire power of
LCS Attributes
CONOPS Overview
Complements
DD (X), CG (X) & in-service
AEGIS fleet
Core
Capabilities
Modular Mission
Packages
Draws upon the
capabilities & fire power of
multimission ships
Speed, maneuverability
& responsiveness
High payload fraction
Open architecture
Off-board systems
Networked
Fully netted with the Battle Force
Stealth,
signature management
& shallow draft
Self deploying &
self sustaining
Employ unmanned
air, surface & undersea
vehicles
LCS collective versatility
NWDC has observed and participated in over three years of experimentation, wargaming, analysis and workshops relating to LCS attributes and capabilities.
LCS Pedigree – Live Experimentation:
Lessons learned from FBE Foxtrot
HSV-X1 Experimentation
SKJOLD project
Joint & Service War Gaming- M&S
Networking of a distributed force is critical to success
Unmanned vehicles & off board sensors provided access in an overlapping littoral threat environment deemed too risky for legacy/manned platform
Commander leveraged mobility, versatility & reduced vulnerability
Endurance, range, speed, stealth and numbers to exploit tactical advantage and optimize area coverage are key attributes of unmanned vehicles.
LCS squadron capabilities demonstrated:
ASW Missions – Sensor grid laydown, USV barriers, DS for CVBG, chokepoint sanitization
MIW Missions – IPB, Q route maintenance, unmanned vehicle support
Other missions – Deception, Force Protection, Logistics
Conclusions
A contested littoral vessel without modular off board systems payload and a robust network will only provide the limited value of previous naval small vessels
“Based on…”
Experimentation at Sea.
(HSV, Skjold, Visby,Triton)
Results of Global War Gaming, & FBEs.
Focused LCS Workshops.
Fleet Input & Responses.
Studies & Analysis

13. Like an “air frame,” visualize LCS as a “sea frame”
LCS Capabilities
CONOPS Overview
Fleet guidance says…
Heavy reliance on unmanned and off board systems.
Mission capability comes aboard with mission packages.
Mission packages are “plug-in” like technology…connect to LCS core support systems.
Mission packages may include additional “trained” personnel to operate equipment.
High payload fraction enables.
Packages “built” for rapid reconfigurability, are scalable and transportable by air & ship.
Fleet emphasize:
- Mission packages
- Open architecture
- Core weapons & sensors
The LCS high payload fraction enables the flexibility of loadout and the fuel capacity versus the payload.
Mission module workshops are working each package individually.
Like an “air frame,” visualize LCS as a “sea frame”

14. Modular Mission Capabilities
CONOPS Overview
Modular Mission Capabilities
Mine Counter Measure package
“Need a punch through capability”
Search, map, avoid with limited neutralization.
Support and operate helos and
remote & autonomous UVs.
Small boat prosecution package
“Need to engage from close aboard to over-the-horizon”
Stabilized gun and missile system.
Integrated with EO/IR system.
Include non-lethal capabilities.
Helo’s & off-board systems.
Littoral ASW package
Integrated with multiple
off-board sensor systems.
Automatic on-board processing.
Helos.
Other potential module missions
Mobility mission support
SOF
NEO
MIO ….
In addition to the primary “niche” modular mission packages other modular mission capabilities would include mobility mission in support of Sea Basing, replenishment sustainment and Joint strike and maneuver element.
Secondary missions such as MIO, NEO and Humanitarian Assistance could also be performed by LCS.

15. Distributed Off-Board Systems
CONOPS Overview
LCS “niche” missions exploit
power of distributed systems:
ISR
SAT or UAV Relay
Numbers
Coverage area
Reduced vulnerability
Keep at arms length
Network
SUW
ASW
To better exploit the benefits that come with distributed systems, each LCS “niche” mission rely on networks as capability enablers.
With enabling networks, LCS can leverage on distributed off-board systems attributes depicted here.
MIW

16. FORCEnet Tactical network capabilities are critical to LCS CONOPS
CONOPS Overview
Tactical network capabilities are critical to LCS CONOPS
Challenge is providing OTH connectivity between LCS and unmanned sensors/vehicles
Several strategies are under study. These efforts need resources to enable a network capability
Mission packages must set network requirements
Without FORCEnet, LCS will be as limited in value as
previous small U.S. Navy ships

17. LCS risks are mitigated by…
CONOPS Overview
Platform Attributes
Speed and agility
Shallow draft
Signature management and deception
Environment
Maneuver and dispersion
Clutter and complexity
Networked threat awareness
Off-board distributed sensors
Reach-back
Links with ESG/CSG
CONOPS
Standoff using OBS
LCS as a tripwire
LCS will match mission to capabilities and threat. Survivability for LCS comes from from the factors listed, and not just organic weapons and sensors.
Risk reduced by:
- Fewer people at risk
- Smaller % of combat power in each ship
- Lower cost / greater numbers
Also mitigates risk to larger ESG / CSG units.
…conducting “niche” missions, with potentially more numbers. LCS does NOT deliver “the crushing blow.”

18. LCS Development Issues
Focus is on LCS attributes and warfighting capabilities
Mission package development, employment and logistics support considerations
LCS platform interface requirements for mission packages
Network and autonomous off-board systems development and integration
Signature reduction, innovative materials, hull forms, propulsion
But Organizational Innovations are still required
Innovative crewing methods for core/module missions
Mission planning and training
C2 for spectrum of missions and employment options
Maintenance support
This slide depicts the hard LCS developmental issues that are derived from both Fleet warfighters inputs and NWDC experience. (green shape in upper left of previous slide)
These issues are the foundation from which a a concept-based LCS experimentation plan is being developed.
Some of the “gaps” will not be answered by experimentation. There are organizational innovations that the Navy will need to address to permit the CONOPS to bring LCS to its full potential.
Other “gaps” will require basic research and funding resources. These are the technological innovations such as signature reductions, LCS platform interfaces, FORCEnet development, etc.
Experimentation will play a critical role in filling the “gaps” in LCS development

19. Experimentation defines the trade space
LCS Trade Space
LCS Development
Hullform
Seakeeping
Speed
Endurance
Displacement
Draft
Payload fraction
Construction material
Signature
Cost
Ship design has always been more of an art than science. The key is to understand the primary mission of the vessel and make the appropriate trade-offs to maximize performance without undo penalty.
Experimentation defines the trade space

20. LCS CONOPS TIMELINE
01 OCT: NWDC CONOPS brief submitted to CFFC, CNSF, N76, CNSL, PEO(S) for initial review.
7 NOV NWDC CONOPS sitrep brief to CFFC
Wk 12 NOV NWDC CONOPS sitrep submitted to OPNAV Staff and others
Wk 25 NOV NWDC brief CNO on CONOPS development
3-4 DEC SWFOC presentation on LCS CONOPS
10-11 JAN SWCC presentation on LCS CONOPS
CNSF/NWDC delivers CONOPS to CFFC for final approval
31 JAN LCS baseline CONOPS document submitted to N76
Brief to competing LCS industry teams and others

21. Conclusions Strategic environment requires capabilities that are
Adaptive, responsive, self-sustaining
LCS is a transformational response to this strategic environment requirement
LCS spiral development and and CONOPS will be dynamic throughout the entire life of the ship
The modular approach and open architecture allows LCS to be evolved and modernized to meet:
Emerging technology
Evolving threats
A wide spectrum of missions
LCS CONOPS provides the pathway to fuse the platform, mission packages, and network into a warfighting capability.

22. Questions?