USS Detroit begins testing of SSMM
The US Navy has begun initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) on Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Detroit.
The SSMM is an LCS surface warfare mission package, designed to complement the ship’s organic weaponry to counter small-boat swarming threats and provide a visit, board, search and seizure capability.
The test and evaluation plan involves two fast inshore attack craft raid events that use the SSMM and Gun Mission Module (GMM), consisting of two 30mm guns and 57mm weapons systems.
The developmental and integrated testing of the SSMM was successfully carried out off the coast of Virginia from July through November 2018. The test and evaluation regime is the next step toward declaring initial operational capability and fielding the module with the Surface Warfare Mission package.
The SSMM package includes 24 Longbow Hellfire missiles; the GMM, Maritime Security Module, containing two 11m rigid hull inflatable boats; and the Aviation Mission Module, including an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and a VTOL UAS.
IOT&E is planned to be completed in early 2019.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role]()
Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role
The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
-
![Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?]()
Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?
-
![South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels]()
South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels
South Korea is moving ahead at speed with its frigate programme, involving both domestic heavy-hitting shipbuilders.
-
![UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations]()
UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations
As joint military training begins between the UK and Japan, a meeting of defence ministers plans details of a Carrier Group deployment later in the year.
-
![Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule]()
Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule
The SPY-7 radar will undergo testing and calibration down to its component level before it is handed over to the Spanish Navy.
-
![India commissions three new vessels]()
India commissions three new vessels
The new vessels, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, will be deployed to protect vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
