Type:
Displacement: Length: Beam: Draft: Propulsion: Speed: Range: Complement: C6ISR (Command) Systems Radar & Sensor Suites and Processing Systems Decoys & Protective Systems Armament: Aircraft carried: |
Icebreaker
18,000 tons 122 metres 23 metres 9.4 metres 4 shafts integrated electric propulsion, 1 fore and 2 aft 1x XSR-5 Naval Nuclear Reactors Assembly, producing 62.5MW of power 2 × Converteam K2 electric motors 24 knots Theoretically unlimited 99 Ship's Own Command Network (SOCN) - Internal Ship Automation & C2I Fleet Tactical Data Links (Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, JTID, JSAT) XCEC - Xuande-Xiphoi Cooperative Engagement Capability Mk 20 EOSS Electroopical Gun Checksight & Targeting Sensor Sirius LR-IRST Long-Range Dual-Band Long-range Infrared Surveillance & Tracking Sensors Vessel Communications Suite, comprising: WSC-6 Satellite Communications HF, VHF, and UHF Radios WSC-6 Satellite Communications AN/SPQ-9B Surface Search & Fire Control Radar AN/URN-32 Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) Radar AN/SPS-73(V) Navigation Radar AN/UPX-29 Interrogator Identify Friend or Foe System Aviation Sensor Suites, comprising: LAMPS III Equipped Helicopters Shipboard Electronic Warfare Subsystem, comprising: AN/SLQ-59 TEWM and/or AN/SLQ-32(V)7 SEWIP Block III XX Naval Surface Ship Self-Defence Suite 7 (a.k.a. Self-Defence Suite 7) Air-Surface Defence Subsuite, comprising: Rheinmetall MASS Nulka Air Launched Decoy ADS103 Air Launched RF Air Decoy FDS3 Inflating Ship Decoy System In-Port Defence Subsuite, comprising: Boomerang Shot Detection System Barracuda Balls Light Position Armour System Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) Various Crew-served Weapons Positions 1x H225M Caracal (Arctic) |
The Argalium-class nuclear icebreaker and marine research vessel is a vital asset for keeping sea-lanes clear of ice. The design was commissioned by the Viceroyalty of the Maltropian Islands in 1994, and entered into service in 1996 clearing the busy shipping lanes between Argensborough and mainland Maltropia. It is also capable of filling a role, by design, as a marine research vessel, with sophisticated monitoring and sonar systems coming as standard. This dual-function nature allows it to be used year round, even in the summer months, in either of its roles.
The Xuande-Xiphoi Navy acquired a number of refitted models utilising Xuande-Xiphoian naval nuclear reactors. Because its icebreaking role causes the hull to come into regular hard physical contact with thick ice, the Argalium has both an outer and inner hull. The outer hull is 45 mm thick, and the inner 20 mm; both are made of reinforced steel manufactured to resist cold waters by the Norn Ironworks. The thin space between the hulls is used for ballasting, as the vessel's design makes navigating in open waters more difficult than for most ship types. The bow is shaped in such a way as to maximise the Argalium's icebreaking ability, causing the front of the vessel to push onto ice and break it under the ship's weight. A curved bow shape facilitates the ice being pushed to one side once it is broken to leave a path clear for ships following. Because of the power necessary for pushing through sea ice, the Argalium is powered by a single XLR-5 naval nuclear reactors, providing 62.5 megawatts under normal operating conditions. Two propellers located aft, behind the rudder, provide the ship's movement capacity. In addition to this, a third, smaller propeller is located under the Argalium's bow, allowing the ship to reverse in the event that it becomes stuck. The ship maintains the efficiency that is our hallmark, requiring only 95 crew where most other ships of similar design would require more. This is as a result of a high level of mechanisation in all aspects of the Argalium's running. Assuming regular maintenance, the vessel has an estimated service life of 30 years, though certain components, particularly around the reactors, may require replacement prior to this time. The vessel is equipped with military and commercial radars and sensors to complement other vessels of the Xuande-Xiphoian Navy, and maintaining a commercial level of independence. The vessel is used in Xuande-Xiphoian Navy service as a research vessel for interested parties such as universities and in a more traditional role of opening up frozen waters for the access of other XX Navy vessels. The Xuande-Xiphoian variant also mounts a helipad at the aft of the vessel, with a specially-equipped H225M Caracal aboard. |