Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1467328
The reserve, stern CIC is located far from the primary room. It fe- atures several consoles that allow the crew to yield basic control of sensors and weapons. The „two islands" concept is also evident when it comes to the missiles integrated on this vessel. The missiles are to be located at the bow (four, 8-cell universal Mk 41 Strike VLS), while in the central section, a „well" has been placed, between the superstruc- tures, similar to the Iver Huitfeldt and Arrowhead 140 frigates. It is to house up to 4 quad-packed anti-ship missile launchers, with those anti-ship missiles also offering a capability to attack land targets, along with 3, 12-cell VLSs, for MRAD. The VSHORAD air defense is to be complemented by RAM systems, located at the bow and the stern. The artillery systems include bow-mounted medium caliber guns and two RCWS for automatic cannons on top of the hangars. The ASW capability is to be ensured by two, triple light torpedo launchers, capable of launching ASW torpedo- es, and SeaSpider anti-torpedo torpedoes. The armament suite could be enhanced with microwave weapons or high-power la- sers - used mainly for counter-UAS operations. MEKO A300's mission bay is modular - similarly to other vessels offered in the Miecznik program. In the case of the German vessel, that mission bay is located at the stern, underneath the helipad. The central portion of the bay features a LARS ramp, adopted to launch small boats, including RHIBs, or underwater and surface unmanned vehicles. LARS, along with a cradle, makes it possible for MEKO A300 to carry two 11-meter-long RHIBs - for inspec- tion purposes, or to support the SOF operations. Surface and underwater unmanned systems may replace the RHIBs. These would also utilize the LARS system. On both sides of the modu- lar compartment, space is available to contain 4 standard TEU containers in total. The loading procedure is done thanks to two hatches in the helipad. These may be opened solely in the harbor, as it requires a crane to be used. Two gates located in the transom make it possible to deploy the containerized sonar systems, or other sensors or weapons systems. Towed sonar array is a fixed element of equipment that does not come in a conflict with the remaining components embedded in the mission bay. It features a fixed cable drum and a separate port in the transom. NAVY