23s, although cut-backs have wreaked havoc with this plan. It is a 3D medium- range Radar (MRR) for surveillance and target indication exploiting the active array technology of the Sampson currently used in the Type 45, which is claimed to be especially good in the littoral environment and provides improved situational awareness. Other new sensors will include the next generic gunfire control system, although the Ultra (formerly Radamec) GSA 9 used in the Type 45s might be used, and a new navigation sensor. In terms of the hull in May 2011 it was
claimed the ship would be 145m long with a beam of 19m and a displacement of 5500tonnes. Tis immediately inspired criticism that Treasury pressures had cut the ship from 6000tonnes but the truth is this would have little effect upon costs as the hull and propulsion system of a surface combatant rarely account for more than 5% of overall costs.
Hydrodynamic efficiency In fact, by the summer of 2011 the design was far from being finalised. Te objective is to produce a vessel around the displacement of the Broadsword (Type 22 Batch 3) frigates which are 4900tonnes (full load), compared with the 4200tonnes of the Dukes. To improve hydrodynamic efficiency, and hence reduce operating costs,
the project team are looking
carefully at the proportions and are thinking about a length similar to that of the 7450tonne Type 45s, or about 141m, but are considering options up to 150m. Te ship will certainly have a helicopter
flight deck, and while this is likely to be large enough to take a Chinook or Merlin (10-13tonne take-of weight) it will more likely be used for the new AgustaWestland Wildcat (5tonne take-off weight) aircraſt. A hanger space big enough to take a Merlin will be included but the ship will also have a hanger for a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle system of the Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout type. Te stern will also accommodate a 15knot launch/recovery system for a 9m rigid inflatable boat for inspections and use by special operations forces. The hull will certainly be produced
in modules like the Type 45 but it is uncertain how far a modular approach to
Warship Technology October 2011 Some of the technology used in the Type 26 will be migrated from the Type 23s. 27
GCS is based in on the Type 26 with a common core which can be modified to meet other navies’ requirements.
the design will be taken. One suggestion is that certain areas, such as the bridge, might be suitable for a replacement module philosophy. However, in some cases adding modularity can also increase the costs, sometimes by up to 20%, and it will have to be used very selectively. To reduce the acoustic signature, the
designers are planning another integrated electric propulsion ship like the Type 45 using a couple of gas turbines and diesel generators. Tis system has been shown to have excellent fuel consumption, but if adopted would probably use the Rolls-Royce Marine MT30 36 MW gas turbines already selected for the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, the US Zumwalt
class destroyers and Freedom class littoral combat ships. However, recent advances in diesel engine technology may help to produce units with similar surge performance to the gas turbines combined with lower procurement and operating costs so this option has not been eliminated. Another factor affecting hull design
is the missile launch system which can have from eight to 32 cells, although a compromise of 16 seems more likely. Tis system will certainly have similar dimensions to the US Mk 41 to provide a marketable option but the French Sylver used in the Type 45 seems the preferred option for British ships. The missile
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