This is the USS Independence (LCS-2). LCS stands for Littoral Combat Ships, which are relatively smaller vessels designed specifically for operations in the littoral zone (close to shore). This new class of prototype ships emphasize speed, modular mission organization, and a shallow draft.
The USS Independence LCS-2 was delivered just at the end of 2009 and features a trimaran design that can forge 20-foot deep waters and a top speed of 45 knots (52 mph). The ship is so automated it only requires a crew of 40 sailors versus more than 200 for traditional Navy warships.
When I first came across it, I thought this ship had a gigantic basketball court on the back. It’s a cutting-edge design, and probably why SCC chose it as a photoshoot location for their Bugatti-killer Ultimate Aero II.
The specs are all up in the air, but with design being handled by Jason Castriota of Stile Bertone Mantide and James Glickenhaus’ Enzo-based Ferrari P4/5, they’re in very good hands.
Castriota's design cues never get old, including the A-pillar high mounted side mirrors, low-slung vertical headlights, and broad, bold curves.
I love those funky aero fins and the loopy tailights. The tiny holes covering the rear flanks are another Castriota characteristic. The exhaust pod seems to be a bit low, but that could be because of the photoshopping. Need more angles to see!
The original SCC Ultimate Aero looked like a kit car, but this new one is looking a lot more legit. [via]
Not even Kim Kardashian could make it look good.
And just because I’ve got the battleship theme going, Nixon recently released a selection of their watches in a special gunship-gray finish designed to wear increasingly with age so that you get your own unique patina, not unlike selvedge denim. What a nifty idea.
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