Navy conducts first SSMM test firing on LCS Independence variant

The Navy last month conducted its first "structural test firing" of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) on the Littoral Combat Ship Independence variant, the service said in a recent statement.

According to the Navy, the "successful" test firing will allow the service to start SSMM developmental testing aboard the trimaran-hulled Independence variant in August.

"SSMM is tested and well proven on the LCS Freedom variant," Capt. Godfrey Weekes, the program manager for LCS Mission Modules, said in a statement. "This structural test firing marks the first critical step in demonstrating the SSMM capability on the LCS Independence variant."

The service conducted the test firing at Point Mugu Sea Range in California.

The Navy noted it finished testing the SSMM aboard the Freedom variant this year.