Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
relatively short period of time. Even though the assump- tions of the I-SSGW project envisage fitting new missiles onto five Type 23 vessels, it still cannot be ruled out that the weapons acquired within the scope of that program is integrated on the Type 31 frigates. The new vessels will also have some serious modern- ization potential available in the air defense domain, even though Royal Navy is inclined to trust the Type 45 destroyers here. First, 32 CAMM missiles that are avail- able already may be replaced with the extended range CAMM-ER variety. Replacement would be easy as both types of the missile may use the very same launch sys- tem. Another step that would potentially increase the firepower would involve increasing the number of an- ti-aircraft missiles stored onboard. The dimensions of the bay in the central part of the hull that is to be used to store the effectors and the size of the CAMM vertical launcher allow us to assume that the vessels in ques- tion could potentially accommodate launchers housing further 16-32 CAMM or CAMM-ER missiles. Replacement of the CAMM-dedicated VLS system with a 32-cell Mark 41 launcher that is capable of accommodating a much broader range of effectors would be a solution that would offer the maximum boost of capability, enabling the vessel to carry larger and heavier missiles (that could be used beyond the anti-ship and anti-aircraft domain). Obviously, solution as such would entail the greatest cost here, also creating a necessity to implement certain structural changes too. Also, changes in the mix of radars would also make the vessels much more capable. Three Danish vessels use APAR fire control radars with four fixed antenna arrays, coupled with SMART-L long range radar. Even though it would be a surprise to see the British warships receive a sensor suite so advanced, replacement of the NS-110 ro- tating antenna array radar on the bow mast with S-band NS-400 radar with four fixed antennas would greatly im- prove the target detection, classification and tracking ca- pability, especially with regards to supersonic air threats, anti-ship missiles in particular. The last move increasing the survivability of the new frig- ates, should they face an airborne threat, would envisage equipping the vessels with an active jammer, either on- board or as a system carried by the embarked helicopter. Alongside the two basic domains above, the vessels may also get new equipment in other areas. One of the most promising prospect is the one associated with increas- ing the role of unmanned systems within the ship's com- bat system. Large hangar is a valuable asset within that scope as it may accommodate, alongside the manned embarked helicopter, several VTOL UAVs. The British de- sign features more RIB bays, however, those bays may also be used to store surface and underwater unmanned systems, for patrolling and policing roles and for minehu- nting and surveying operations respectively. The space for the vehicles is relevant, however, some free space available within the CIC is also a valuable element of the ship's potential. This space may be used for the pur- pose of embedding control consoles for the unmanned systems that would coordinate the operations involving those platforms. Staff premises of the bow superstruc- ture and flexible deck located under the helideck may both be used for those purposes. The last room may also house a spares stock or more unmanned systems. Summary Describing the program so far it is difficult to formulate final assessment of its result, as the process is still in its infancy. It will most probably depend on the final cost of the vessels, as well as the pricetag of equipment and armament onboard. However, the assessment shall be divided into two areas. One pertaining to the program as a whole, and the second one pertaining to the design se- lected as the winning one. The latter matter needs to be appreciated, as the deci- sion to select the vessel of the greatest displacement was bold. This parameter is not really far behind the Type 26 frigates. As it was mentioned above, selection of a vessel so large, despite the modest equipment and arma- ment, entails numerous advantages. It provides the user with a very significant modernization potential allowing NAVY