Freedom (LCS 1) Successfully Completes Operational Test of Vessel’s Electrical System
Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom (LCS 1), has successfully completed another testing milestone with the “light off” and test of the new warship’s electric plant. The recent tests aboard Freedom included the light off – or initial operation – of the ship’s four 750-kilowatt Fincantieri Isotta Fraschini diesel generators and testing of its three-megawatt electrical power plant. The testing of the generators involved loading each generator to its full-power capacity.
Following successful completion of this step, further testing included synchronizing – or “paralleling” in shipbuilding terms – the generators to attain the power levels required to support Freedom’s operations at sea.
In addition, the power quality was closely evaluated to ensure all ship systems and sensors requiring electrical power could operate effectively. This marks a significant milestone for Freedom as her electric plant is completely functional and able to support all tests, evaluations and operations at sea.
Testing and outfitting of Freedom continues dockside at Marinette Marine. Freedom will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2008 and will be homeported inSan Diego.