The design for Independence (LCS 2) is based on a high-speed trimaran that can make more than 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and has a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It was delivered to the Navy at the end of 2009 but the development and construction of Independence ran more then 100% over-budget reaching a total projected cost of $704 million. Even if the Navy doesn’t pick its design for full production, this could end up as one of the most influential ships in the history of the fleet. Philip Ewing of the Navy Times explains.
This video clip features assorted aerial views of the U.S. Navy’s newest ship USS Independence (LCS 2).
