Blast from the past. Perry Class Frigates...old skool powerhouse.

People choose to forget what capability was lost with the retirement of the Perry Class Frigates.

*  4200 tons.
*  Single arm launcher for anti-aircraft missiles (SM-1) and Harpoons (total of 41 carried).
*  Torpedo tubes (2) capable of launching Mk 46 and Mk 50 torpedoes.
*  Carriage of two SH-60 helicopters.
*  One 76mm gun (unusual position but doable I guess)
*  One CIWS (20mm phalanx)

And we're replacing this old warhorse with a ship that has a 57mm gun.  Two 30mm cannons.  Maybe two helicopters....and that's it so far.  Hopefully more to come but that's all we see right now.

What is the main difference between the Perry Class and the LCS?

Operating concepts.

When the Perry Class was put into service we expected to sail into harms way alone...without support of any allied Navy.... we expected to fight....and we expected to win.

The LCS is designed with partnership missions in mind.  Cooperation and joint exercises are its reason for being.  Think about that.  Navy leadership has emphasized partnership missions over war fighting.

The LCS is as flawed as the leadership that came up with the concept.