After a long hiatus, I am getting back into the WIF model building game. As the USN continues to play around with an FFG replacement for the long decommissioned Perry-class FFGs, the selection process is now looking at FFG versions of both the Freedom and Independence-class LCSs, the Spanish F-100 (a more survivable Aegis evolution of the Oliver Hazard-class Perry FFG and possibly the most expensive option) and couple of other designs. One proposal that was only a momentary blip on the radar was an up-gunned version of the Legend (Berthoff)-class National Security Cutter. Of all the cheaper options available to the USN, the Berthoff was the one non-FFG ship that was the closest to meeting the Navy's desired goals. In addition to my eventual contribution of the upgunned LCSs, I will be configuring what I believe is the most reasonable variant.
Here is areal beauty shot of the Stratton, a Legend-class cutter:
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and a higher resolution:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4482/36888334064_92b8e93d7b_b.jpgWhat should a new FFG do? Well, the missions for an FFG really have not changed since the development of the OHP-class FFG in the 1970s. Convoys/resupply ships still need some kind of protection from surface, air, and subsurface threats. That's easy enough. The only new mission to be added to that is "littoral support" which can be defined as providing cover for anything operating in the littoral environment, ie.supporting MCM, SOF, or coastal interdiction operations.
Modern FFG Mission Areas:
Area AAW
Area ASW
ASuW
NGF Strike/Support/Counter Battery
Base-line:
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So, let's put some parameters on this project. We are trying to make a "relatively" inexpensive ship but retaining the greatest "bang for our buck". We are staying away from anything approaching the cost of the next ship up, an Arleigh Burke-class DDG ($2-2.3 Billion drive-away cost). We have seen that the stripped down (US) version of LCS is minimum of $637 (Freedom)-$704(Independence) million. Even in their full "mission module" configuration, they still cannot fill the roles of an FFG.
Keeping in mind the above, let us figure a “payload” appropriate for LCS’s size:
Large weapon systems include:
1x main deck gun
32x Mk41 VLS arranged in 2 16-cell clusters
2x SeaRAM
1x21-cell RAM
- AAW
Driven by TRS-3D/4d and SPQ-9B
Primary: 64 (16 cells) ESSM
Secondary: 8 SM-2
2x SeaRAM
1x 21-cell RAM
- ASW
Bottom mounted hull and stern mounted towed sonar
8 VLA
2 SH-60
2 Mk32 SVTT (internally mounted)
- ASuW (missiles and guns)
- NGFS
- Counter battery fire (guns)
Harpoon/NSM
Optioned Mission Specific Guns:
Mk75 Mod 4SR
Mk45 Mod4 5"/62caiber
Mk45ModX(or BAE FNG) 155m/55-602caliber gun
Mk38Mod2
-or- Millennium Gun
- EW/C4ISR
SLQ-32(v)3+
Modern Overboard collectors
ScanEagle/Shadow UAV
- SOF support
Above described naval gun
Harpoon/NSM
ScanEagle/Shadow UAV
CB90
11M RHIB
7M RHIB
It is estimated that a Legend-class FFG with phased array radars, additional survivability (shock hardened engine mounts and side and underwater protection), 16 Mk41 VLS, a 76mm gun, upgrade of CWIS from Phalanx Block 1B to SeaRAM, and several other "warship" modifications would costs $800million. Keep in mind, phased arrays are very, very expensive, and you typically have to buy at least 3 of them per ship.
I will proposed the modifications I have suggested can be afforded with a reduction from phased arrays to the best rotating radar combination in use, the SPQ-9B and TRS-3D/4D currently on the Legend-class. In addition to the previously accounted for improvements, the cost savings by deleting the more expensive arrays, added deck house and internal support structure, would provide the cost and weight margin needed to lengthen the hangar to accommodate the installation of a 16-cell VLS between the stack and the hangar face, lengthen the flight deck and aft deck (and overall length without adding to the ship's waterline length) by angling the transom outward instead of inward.
In estimation, this could be an $800million sail-away price. Again, in comparison, that is approximately 15% more than an ineffectual Independence-class LCS and approximately 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a DDG-Flight IIA.
I will be using a PE kit (railings, ladders, vent in-takes, hatches, mast and surface details). In addition to the NSC itself printed from Shapeways, other parts included will be:
Veteran SPG-60 STIR(maybe) illuminators
Veteran SeaRAM
Veteran RAM
Veteran Harpoon
Veteran SH-60
Veteran 9mRHIB
Veteran Mk32 SVTT
Mk38Mod2 25mm (maybe)
Custom:
11mRHIB
Mk41 VLS
76mmSR
Mk45Mod4 5"/62
SPQ-9B
TRS-3D
COMS domes
Millennium Gun (maybe)
Mk38Mod2 25mm (maybe)
Shapeways:
BAE 155mm deck gun
COMS domes
Louvered vents
As always, comments and suggestions are welcome
Standby to get some!
See:
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-04/its-time-sea-control-frigate