Type:
Displacement: Length: Beam: Draft: Propulsion: Speed: Range: Endurance: Complement: C6ISR (Command) Systems Radar & Sensor Suites and Processing Systems Decoys & Protective Systems Armament: Aircraft carried: |
Amphibious Warfare Ship
50,390 tons, loaded 280 metres 35.35 metres 9 metres 2 × XSR-4L nuclear reactors producing 312 MW each 4 × Kamewa Ulstein TT tunnel thrusters 30+ knots Theoretically unlimited 90 days without resupply without embarkation 990 crew 1,050 Air Wing 2,000 Marines standard, 3,000 surge 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 WODEN2 - 5-Band (XSLDI) Multifunction Radar, comprising: WODEN2 - I Band - LPI (low probability of intercept) Radar WODEN2 - D Band - Very Long Range Surveillance WODEN2 - L Band - Long-range Search Radar WODEN2 - S+X Band - Area Air Defence and Self Defence Mk 99 Missile Systems Fire Control Subsystem Mirador Mk2- Electro-optical Surveillance & Fire Control System 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) Submarine Defence Subsuite, comprising: AN/SLQ-25 Nixie Towed Torpedo Decoy CONTRALTO-V Torpedo Defence System 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) Mk 57 Vertical Launch System - 16 Cells SeaRAM Close In Weapons System - 8x Systems Various Crew-served Weapons Positions 4x Mk44 30mm Cannon Biriir ina Barqo class Carrier Air Wing, comprising: 6x FA-8X Cobalt Harrier 14x V-22 Osprey 8x H225M Caracal 4x E-20 RAH-66 Commando |
Carrying the Army Marine Corps to the fight, the Biriir ina Barqo class Amphibious Warfare Ships are on hand to respond to conflict, disasters, or other military needs that occur around the world.
Each vessel operates in a five-ship ‘team’ leading a larger squadron, with a focus on deploying a portion of the Marine force. Each ship has been built in Xuande-Xiphoi with Xuande-Xiphoian military needs in mind. In the case of this vessel, the original design is attributed to the New Corinth class of vessels developed by the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture. This general-purpose amphibious assault ship designed to a core requirement of transporting a full-strength Army Battalion and delivering its personnel, equipment and supplies over-the-horizon by means of landing craft operated from a stern docking well. The Biriir ina Barqo class are of all-steel construction using corrosion-resistant super-austenitic stainless steel (SASS) in the hull and HY-80 steel in the superstructure, with HY-100 steel plate armouring the flight deck. Extensive sloping and use of non-magnetic steels and composite materials ensure a low radar cross-section (RCS), low infra-red (IR) signature and low magnetic field. The structure incorporates passive countermeasures including hull sides inclined at 10° to reduce radar cross-section, and epoxy-bonded Amitto carboxy-terminated butadiene nitrile (CTBN) anechoic tiles below the waterline to reduce acoustic signature. Layered in the hull material is an electromagnetic absorbing mesh. This mesh serves multiple roles. The first is to absorb EM leakage from the vessel systems to help prevent passive ESM detection of the vessel. The second, and most vital role is the protection of the vessel from EMP effects. The mesh absorbs the EMP energy which is converted to heat and transferred to the below waterline heat sink system where it is dissipated. The mesh will absorb a large percentage of the EMP effects and will allow the vessel to remain combat functional. Following updates, the hull design has been slightly reinforced against ice and cold climates to allow for icebreaker-supported operation in arctic conditions. Watertight compartments, insulation, routing, back-up control systems and a blast and fragmentation retaining superstructure provides a high level of survivability against missile attacks and fire hazards. An unintended benefit from the level of protection each compartment contains is that in the event of a chemical or biological attack the compartments can be made airtight with a limited life-span oxygen replenishment system to help improve survivability until rescue. The propulsion system consists of four streamlined podded tractor propulsors of high hydrodynamic efficiency that locate machinery outside the hull saving volume that would otherwise be taken up by bulky inboard motors, fixed shafts and steering gear. Each pod is based around two contrarotating five-blade fixed-pitch propellers driven by a water-cooled, constant speed, transverse-flux electric motor and contrarotating reduction gear. These podded units can be operated at low power levels for high fuel economy, offer low noise and vibration for quieter operation, and have superior cavitation performance to deliver high cruise speeds with minimal wake. The "B" series of vessel classes are all nuclear-powered making use of Xuande-Xiphoian designed and built XSR-4L Naval Nuclear Reactors. This class of vessels uses two reactors, each producing 312MW of power aboard this class. The reactors power the ship’s operations and four steam turbines, one to each of the vessels four propellers. Each shaft is capable of generating 65,039 horsepower, resulting in a combined 260,158 horsepower between the four turbines to give the ship a speed exceeding 30 knots. The two reactors sit in a two-reactor complex to reduce size. They differ from the predecessor class of aircraft carriers in that they are a smaller, more efficient design then the XSR-2L which could only produce 104MW each. The new assembly generates just over 312 megawatts each to result in a 623mw output to generate both the 194mw needed to propel the shafts and the power to run ship-based systems. Controls for both the reactor and the engine can be accessed from the engine room or the bridge using the multi-function controls and a passcode. The propeller blades are of a stainless steel highly skewed design and are bolted at the leading edge of the pod for easy repair or replacement. Forward and reverse thrust is provided by simple reversion of propeller rotational direction. The two inboard pods are fixed (non-azimuthing) while the two outboard pods pivot through 360° (azimuth) for rudderless steering on electric steering motors driven through a slip-ring assembly. The pods can be operated independently or together for improved manoeuvrability, and being externally mounted can be repaired or replaced without a lengthy and expensive drydock stay. At low speeds, while berthing and during emergencies bow and stern thrusters provide steering control. The thrusters are of the reinforced tunnel type with four-blade fixed-pitch propellers and retracting butterfly-type doors that reduce underwater drag when not in use. Command of this vessel is designed to reduce the technical workload on sailors and naval service officers, allowing them to focus on the tactical and strategic fight ahead of them. Technology helps to achieve this mission, led from the ship's core command and control spaces, the Combat Information Centre (CIC) and the bridge. Additionally, an admiral’s bridge space is available to command the strategic fleet battle. Connecting these spaces, and the whole ship, the command and control and operations of the vessel handled by the Ship's Own Command Network (SOCN) which utilises open architecture, standardised software, and rugged commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. The Ship's Own Command Network (SOCN) is designed to bind all the vessels systems together, creating a shipboard enterprise network allowing seamless integration of all on-board systems. The network is makes use of the OMA Linux OS which is known for its ultra-stability, and viral resistance. Multiple embedded single board computers are placed throughout the vessel as well as three servers per zone. This allows for redundancy and task/load sharing. Are systems as well as data lines are shielded and armoured. The ship is equipped with the SEWACO XII combat data system, which has been cooperatively developed by the PMO and partner states. The SEWACO XII system is designed to work in tandem with the SOCN. The system uses asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network architecture. The integrated bridge and navigation system consists of multi-function consoles capable of displaying various functions such as Sensor matrix output, electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) and NautoConning navigation data which reads and displays in a logically arranged manner and distributes the navigation data. One of the consoles is dedicated for route planning purposes. The integrated bridge and navigation system encompasses the ship steering and control equipment, a ring-laser based dual MINS marine inertial navigation system, two data distribution units and a complete set of navigational sensors and meteorological equipment. A redundant laid out Ethernet bus configuration interconnects the multi-function consoles and sensors. The communications system has a high-capacity digital communications switch, which interconnects the voice and data communications channels. The system provides internal communications or open conference lines and access to external communications with various radio links and land-based networks. The upgradeable high-performance combat system is based on a high-speed data network. The combat system architecture will enable future weapon systems to be integrated into the frigates. The ship's standard external communications include Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, JTID and JSAT tactical data links, allowing full interoperability with allied forces. Internal communications include messaging, conventional and wireless telephony, public address, closed circuit television, and internet and intranet ports. The Combat Information Centre is able to perform tasks performed on the bridge where that space becomes unusable, but it is focused on its primary mission: commanding the warfighting ability of the ship. Previous iterations of combat vessels have established a trend for CICs to be dark and dreary places, with components and task areas crammed and strangely aligned, reflecting a series of 'bolt-on' changes over time. The new model The Advanced Integrated CIC utilised on these vessels features a 360-degree wall of video monitors, augmented reality, and large tactile tables for mission planning and other tasks. This allows the Operations Commander or the Principal Warfare Officer on duty to command from the room's centre, giving them full oversight of all systems as required. High ceilings provide multiple banks of screens which allows vessels to command strategic fleet missions in addition to their own requirements. As the leader of a naval formation, it is expected that supporting surface combatants paint the picture of the area and defend the lead ship; but this vessel is not defenceless in sensing threats. As such the Bellerophon class carriers are equipped with a specially-designed version of the WODEN radar bank, though this variant is less capable than those equipped on the “E” series of vessel classes. WODEN is a multi-band and multi-purpose APAR/AESA system. This system makes use of an integrated matrix of both active and passive sensors of multiple bands. The system operators in X-band, S-Band, L-band, D-Band, and I-band. This is done by the use of banks and cells of multi-band modules that work in conjunction with each other and the signal processing units. The WODEN system can vary its emissions not only in band used but can generate a broad blanket scan as well as generate pencil beams to focus in on targets. Four 'faces' on each side of the vessel's superstructure provide a 360-degree area of coverage. The WODEN provides multi-mission capabilities, supporting both long ranges, exoatmospheric detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles, as well as Area and Self Defence against air and surface threats. For the Area Air Defence and Self Defence capability, the WODEN has increased sensitivity and clutter rejection capability is needed to detect, react to, and engage stressing Very Low Observable / Very Low Flyer (VLO/VLF) threats in the presence of heavy land, sea, and rain clutter. This system provides high detection and excellent anti-jamming capabilities. The WODEN has a LPI (low probability of intercept) radar operating at I band surface search mode. The WODEN D band radar provides very long-range surveillance while the I band radar providing precise target tracking, a highly capable horizon search capability, and missile guidance using the Interrupted Continuous Wave Illumination (ICWI) technique, thus allowing guidance of 32 semi-active radar homing missiles in flight simultaneously, including 16 in the terminal guidance phase. The combat control system is similar to the more common Aegis system in that detection, identification and engagement can be completely automatic. The WODEN L band is a long-range search radar. It is a multibeam radar, which uses multiple antenna elements to simultaneously generate multiple beams by digital beamforming. The beams' vertical directions are controlled electronically, stabilization against the ship’s movements (e.g., roll) is also done electronically. Horizontally direction is controlled mechanically by rotating the antenna array. The radar is able to detect targets up to 480km away in Extended Long Range (ELR) Mode. WODEN radar is one of the most capable long-range radars in the world for detecting tactical targets and provides options for low radar cross section ("stealth") target tracking. Maximum detection ranges:
Maximal numbers of tracked targets:
The vessel also has an extensive set of IR and Optical sensor systems, doubly effective against surface and aerial threats. These systems are for the most part installed on the top of superstructure for greater range of view but are also mounted in conjunction with the individual weapons stations to provide additional search, tracking and targeting capabilities. The primary system is the MSIS electro-optic surveillance and fire control system is fitted on the vessels, which contains an 8–12-micron thermal imager, TV camera and laser rangefinder. These units also contain a new third-generation thermal imager with increased sensitivity and resolution. These systems are the Mirador Mk2 and Mk20 EOSS electro-optical suite. To work in conjunction with the MSIS systems, Sirius LR-IRST long-range dual-band IRST long-range infra-red surveillance and tracking sensors are also installed. The Sirius are installed on top of the mast tower and provides additional horizon search capability against sea-skimming missiles, low flying aircraft, and small surface craft. Additional radars and sensors are installed for redundancy, utilising the exceptional amount of power generated on board. These include the:
Electronic Warfare Defence and Operations are also important in modern warfare, and this vessel utilises the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 SEWIP Block III. This vessel is designed with assets for self-defence, though the vessel is designed to be accompanied by combatant vessels in hostile waters. The vessel hosts a total of 16 Mk 56 Vertical Launch System cells, which are smaller units than the Mk 41 VLS systems used on most other vessels. There are eight Close in Weapons Stations around the vessel, providing 360-degree protection from air and surface attack. The SeaRAM missile launcher system is used in this capacity. For very close in defence, the ship is installed with a number of crew served weapons stations which have increased armour protection for crew safety:
Additional defensive features are employed in combat operations to protect the vessel, including:
Automation is an important aspect for life aboard these vessels. Aside from general software management and communication with other vessels via Link and other secure networking; supplies such as ammunition, food, and other stores, are all mounted in containers able to be struck below to magazine/storage areas by an automated cargo handling system. An advanced automated damage-control system combines sensors, cameras and automated firefighting capabilities to ensure that the vessel has the fastest possible response time to life- and ship- threatening events. This system improves survivability in both peacetime and wartime while reducing the number of crewmembers needed for damage control. Depending on the section and the extent of damage, the ships can deploy either a water spray/mist system or use a Halon/Nitrogen dump system to quell fires. The ship's construction is very much modular in design with each module being composed of various self-contained compartments. These compartments can be automatically or manually sealed off from the rest of the ship and can also be flooded with sea water. This flooding aids in fire control and can be used in the advent of imminent internal explosions to dampen the blasts by using the water to absorb the concussion as well as the water pressure reinforcing the strength of the compartment walls against the explosive force. Aviation and Marine force disembarkation are the core role of this vessel. The Xuande-Xiphoian fleet of Biriir ina Barqo class vessels are set up in four main sub-variants, matched to the four types of Marine battalions; Force Reconnaissance, Infantry, Armoured, and Area Denial. All vessels carry an Air Wing, which in combination form a formidable air force in support of the Marines. This can be further supported when a landing force is escorted by a carrier group. The vessel does not feature CATOBAR assisted take off equipment, but rather utilises short and vertical take-off and landing aircraft. There are nine landing spots for rotary-wing aircraft, with a maximum of 23 metres of deck space for a rolling take-off or landing of rotary aircraft, and 140 metres of deck provided for take-off and landing runs by VSTOL aircraft. The flight deck terminates in a steep 12° angle ramp (ski jump) to provide additional lift for aircraft at full load. The flight deck also is host to an 'optional shunt' line along the reactors coolant vein. In arctic conditions, the optional shunt is activated and the hot coolant fluid passes underneath the flight deck. Both cooling the fluid down from the temperatures and warming up the flight deck. This, and standard anti-ice treatments, are available for combating ice in peacetime or wartime scenarios. It is, however, recommended that in a combat situation only anti-ice treatments are used as the risks that come from a ruptured coolant line if the ship is hit is usually unacceptable. Operations below in the hangar deck are simplified, a machine shop at the rear of the deck provides repair capabilities to engines or other small parts and a secure ordnance area sits below the hangar deck with a small service elevator to bring them up onto the hangar deck. Elevators and service elevators for aircraft and ordnance have been developed with great care. The ordnance elevators have been specifically an area of focus, so now ordnance will cross any areas of aircraft movement, thereby reducing traffic problems in the hangars and on the flight deck and reducing aircraft turnover time. Aviation fuel is stored in tanks at the centre of the ship and are pumped up to the hangar deck in eight positions for refuelling or defuelling planes. Supporting the Marine force is a variety of tools and equipment, designed to maximise the efficiency of landing operations. Training equipment aboard the vessel is utilised to keep Marines up to date, which includes a weapons training simulation system and a close quarters combat training simulation area, which can be packed up to provide up to 1,000 additional berths for surge accommodation needs. Deck space is provided for Marine equipment and vehicles. Up to 60 armoured vehicles can be safely stored in the ship, with direct access to the well deck and to elevators for transport to either the landing craft or the flight deck. This vessel can carry up to 4 landing craft in its well deck for the over-the-horizon landing, recovery and redeployment of assault forces ashore. The well deck can either be flooded for float-on/float-out (FLO-FLO) of landing craft boats, or kept dry for fly-in/fly-out operation of air cushion landing craft like hovercraft. Accommodations for the ship's crew and complement are sufficient for all members, meaning no sharing of "hot bunks.”. Each crewmember also has a larger locker than available on previous vessels, allowing more uniforms and personal gear to be taken to sea. Junior sailors are assigned to berthings with six bunks, senior sailors and junior officers are assigned to berthings with four, with the ship's chief petty officer and senior officers being assigned berthings of two, though senior officers have individual staterooms. Separate accommodations are made for male and female crew members. For embarked members, gender-neutral berthing areas accommodate 40 members in blocks. Food aboard naval vessels is critical for morale and providing a good work environment for the culinary teams directly supports the whole crew. The multiple galleys have been designed to be easy to work in and is able to quickly prepare the Naval Service's recommended menu options. The nature of service on a nuclear-powered vessel, with the essentially unlimited ship's endurance, means that a large storeroom is aboard the vessel and is used when long sailings are anticipated, and this accommodates surge accommodation needs. Medical facilities aboard every vessel are held to the standards of Xuande-Xiphoian hospitals and have been designed to present the best clinical environment, with particular focus on being able to respond to the most dangerous injuries aboard warships. These carriers feature surgical and dental suites and embarked specialists. They are also equipped to respond to mass casualty events in the modular space generally used for close-quarters combat training. The vessel is equipped with multiple workout gymnasiums with a variety of machines and weights available to crew members. The gyms can accommodate weightlifting, cardio exercises, and boxing. The forward gym – the largest – can be equipped as an MMA octagon with spectator space, to accommodate “Underway Championships” in the sport held by the Army Marine Corps to raise morale. Other facilities include a Ship's Shop which sells various goods, a Barber's Room where specially trained crewmembers serve on haircut duty. Crew lounges aboard, separated from the sleeping berths, feature flat screen TVs, comfortable chairs and tables. The lounges and berthings will be wired for Wi-Fi. TVs feature on-demand TV and streaming services. Across the ship, more thought and scientific research has been put into human design than on any previous vessels. Lighting serves to keep the crew in tune with the time of day at a proper warmth; hallways have been designed to be as wide as possible and to minimise physical hazards commonplace on ships. Air conditioning across the vessel keeps the ship at a tolerable heat, even in the harshest weather. Finally, for damage control, firefighting ensembles and gear are stored in larger repair lockers that have entrance and exit doors, eliminating the bottlenecks and collisions as sailors rush in and out during drills. Wider passageways also reduce the size of bottlenecks. |