The US Navy for the first time tested the Surface to Surface Missile Module (SSMM) from Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Detroit, on 28 February off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia. SSMM utilizes the Army Longbow Hellfire Missile in a vertical launch capability. Thus, the structural test fire also marks the first launch of vertical missile from a LCS as part of the developmental test program for the Surface Warfare (SUW) Mission Package (MP). The US initially planned the first launch of Hellfire from a LCS in 2014.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)