US Navy takes delivery of USS Beloit LCS 29, expanding Littoral Combat Ship Fleet.

According to information published by the US DoD on October 2024, the U.S. Navy has officially accepted delivery of its latest Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Beloit (LCS 29), following a successful handover from Lockheed Martin at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin.
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Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Beloit. (Picture source: Dvids)

The LCS class is designed to tackle modern coastal threats and is capable of operating in both near-shore and open-ocean environments. With its fast, mission-tailored capabilities and optimal manning, the class is a cornerstone of the Navy’s evolving approach to 21st-century surface combat.

Beloit successfully passed her Acceptance Trials in August 2024, a crucial pre-delivery stage during which her systems were rigorously tested. This included assessments of her combat systems, propulsion, auxiliary functions, and electrical components, all of which demonstrated operational readiness. As post-delivery certifications continue, the Navy is preparing Beloit for her commissioning, scheduled later this year, after which she will be homeported in Mayport, Florida.

Technical data

The USS Beloit, with a full load displacement of 3,500 metric tons, measures 378 feet in length and 57.4 feet in beam, with a draft of 12.8 feet. It is powered by a combination of electrical and mechanical systems, including four Isotta Fraschini V1708 diesel engines paired with Hitzinger generators, and propelled by two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and two Colt-Pielstick diesel engines, driving four Rolls-Royce/Kamewa waterjets.

Capable of reaching speeds of 47 knots, the vessel boasts a range of 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots, with an endurance of 21 days at sea.

Designed for flexibility, the USS Beloit carries multiple boats, including 11-meter RHIBs and 12-meter high-speed vessels. It operates with a core crew of 50, though it can support up to 65 personnel when equipped with mission-specific crews.

Advanced sensor systems include the EADS TRS-3D and TRS-4D radar systems and the Lockheed Martin COMBATSS-21 combat management system, along with the AN/SQR-20 Multi-Function Towed Array for anti-submarine warfare operations.

For defense, the vessel is armed with a BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm gun, a Mk 49 launcher with 21 Rolling Airframe Missiles, .50 caliber machine guns, and 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II guns.

It is also equipped with advanced countermeasure systems such as the Argon ST WBR-2000 ESM and Terma SKWS decoys. Future capabilities include 24 Hellfire missiles and a 150 kW Lockheed Martin High Energy Laser. The ship’s aviation facilities allow for the operation of one MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopter and up to two MQ-8B Fire Scout drones.