The US Navy and General Dynamics took the lid off the new U.S.S. Independence Littoral combat ship (LCS). This beast will sail close to the shore and throw everything imaginable at an enemy "from armored vehicles and helicopters to shells, torpedoes and missiles." Plus, it can hustle at a rumored 60 knots. Basically, that means the enemy will have a difficult time escaping the wrath of this mighty vessel no matter where they are. ref. http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/navy_launches_u.php
I've seen it in the water in Mobile, AL back in Nov and have many pictures of it. It looks even more menacing in the water. When I get time I'll post the pictures here.
Hi, I think you will find that there was more than a modicum of input from the Australians in this project.
Here's some running footage of the beast: LINK (Sorry if it's been posted before... I can't remember.)
Most likely, IIRC they're built by the same yard. The yard may be holding some primary financing/paper on it.