Type:
Displacement: Length: Beam: Draft: Propulsion: Speed: Range: Complement: C6ISR (Command) Systems Radar & Sensor Suites and Processing Systems Decoys & Protective Systems Armament: Aircraft carried: |
At-sea Replenishment Ship
26,350 tons unloaded 65,550 tons loaded 265 metres 40 metres 12.5 metres 4 shafts integrated electric propulsion 1x XSR-5HO (High Output) Naval Nuclear Reactors Assembly, producing 80MW of power 2 × Converteam K2 electric motors 28+ knots Theoretically unlimited 190 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 (Minimum Standard) 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 41 Vertical Launch System - 32x Cells Various Crew-served Weapons Positions 2x H225M Caracal |
The Eos class of at-sea replenishment ships complement the surface fleet, providing critical logistical support to keep the fleet at maximum performance.
The Eos class is based on the Etoile Arcture designed Barque class Fast Combat Support Ship, with a number of developments and changes to accommodate Xuande-Xiphoian military needs. The hull material is a sandwich construction comprising a PVC core with a carbon fibre and vinyl laminate as well as multiple layers of Kevlar. The material provides high strength and rigidity, low weight, good shock resistance, low radar and magnetic signature provide a high degree of protection to the ship systems and crew. The design of the ship incorporates stealth features with an emphasis on the reduction of radar cross section, infrared, acoustic, electrical and magnetic signatures. Altogether, the design minimizes the optical and infrared signature, above water acoustic and hydro acoustic signature, underwater electrical potential and magnetic signature, pressure signature, radar cross section and actively emitted signals. 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. Watertight compartments, insulation, redundancy of vital systems, power distribution, and routing, blast and fragmentation retaining structures provide a very high level of survivability against missile attack and fire hazards. For nuclear chemical and biological warfare protection the ship is subdivided into two gas citadels and a sub citadel. Requirements for the integrated deckhouse EDM is that it is fully EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) shielded with reduced infrared and radar signatures. Measures to fulfil these conditions include an all-composite superstructure, low signature electronically steered arrays, an integrated multi-function mast and low radar and infrared signatures. Constructed of rugged, lightweight composites, the angular deckhouse increases stealth by minimizing radar reflectance. The surfaces of the deckhouse incorporate all radar apertures and communication antennas, eliminating high-profile masts and rotating antennas. The vessel is massive for its purpose; The Eos class has a total of 46,800 m³ of cargo stowage volume within its various holds, magazines and fuel tanks for numerous products. These range from bulk petroleum products (229,578 barrels of cargo fuel in a optimal cargo fuel mix of 54.7% JP-5 jet fuel for aircraft and helicopters, and 45.3% naval distillate fuel for ships propulsion held in convertible tanks, plus lubricating oils, bottled gas, etc); ordnance (palletized ammunition, missiles, bombs, torpedoes, decoys and countermeasures for ships magazines); dry and general stores (individual commodities, light freight, mail, machinery parts in crates and boxes, small arms, etc); provisions (palletized dry, refrigerated and frozen victuals); and potable water. Loaded to 95% capacity a single vessel holds a complete reload for an aircraft carrier, its embarked air wing and up to six attendant escort ships to sustain high tempo combat sortie missions and supply – this is improved in Xuande-Xiphoian service due to the widespread use of nuclear power. Each vessel goes to sea with a full ordnance load and full resupply of stores, and will be constantly reloaded by shuttle ships operating from ports located 7-14 days transit distance away. The class is equipped with sophisticated automated ordnance/material-handling systems and fuel transfer gear to reduce manpower requirements and ship alongside time. For ease of stowage and handling all stores are palletised or containerised, ranging from standard 48" x 48" plastic cargo pallets to outsized cargo and ammunition shipping containers. Agile Systems Naval Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (NAVSTORS) is installed in all holds and magazines, and NAVPAK in smaller storerooms for handling individual cartons of provisions, small spare parts and other consumable supplies. Both systems offer computerised inventory management and moving floors that offer volume-efficient, high-density stores stowage using a three-dimensional slide-puzzle geometry. Stores stowage, retrieval and conveyance is fully automated using robot stackers that move horizontally and vertically, and omnidirectional pallet movers driven by linear synchronous motors. The system allows even full 20-foot ISO containers to be brought straight up from the holds via elevator and straight onto transfer rigs without any manpower and time-consuming pre-staging. There are eight all-electric Heavy Replenishment-At-Sea (HRAS) dual capacity solids/liquids send/receive stations midships, four each port and starboard. The rigs are designed for compatibility with Moveable Highpoint (MHP), or conventional sliding padeyes on the receiver ship, and can deliver munitions via magazine doors directly to the Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System (HMWHS) installations aboard ships. Fuel, water and other liquids is delivered through four double-probe and two single-probe hoses from the abeam fuel transfer stations, and two single-probe hoses from the astern refuelling station, with hoses and reels positioned by electric pallet trucks. Each HRAS mast is 25 metres tall and enclosed in a low RCS fibre-reinforced plastic housing with shuttered doors; Each HRAS can transfer 25 x 6,000 kg loads per hour by heavy jackstay, up to 280 kg loads by light jackstay, and pump 180,000 gallons-per-hour abeam using single- or dual-probe hoses, at 15 knots with 12 m separation in up to sea state 6-7. Full containers of stores can be brought straight up from the holds via elevator and straight onto the HRAS rigs. Dual astern fuelling reels for fuel upload/offload from merchant tankers at up to 120,000 gallons-per-hour, using a large plastic float to protect the receiver ship sonar dome or bulbous bow. Overall ship storage capacity is as follows:
The "E" series of vessel classes are all nuclear-powered making use of one Xuande-Xiphoian designed and built XSR-5HO Naval Nuclear Reactors, producing 80MW of power aboard this class. The XSR-5HO reactor is a fifth-generation nuclear fission reactor, designed to fit into the space-restricted hulls of warships. These reactors are used across the fleet, including in major fleet flagships. These reactors are designed to be simpler than predecessors, highly reliable, and held to the same safety standards as land-based nuclear power generators. These reactors give these vessels periods between refuelling and overhaul between 20 and 25 years. "E" Series vessels are fitted with an innovative integrated electric propulsion system. Historically, electric-drive ships have supplied power to their electric motors using DC, and ship's electrical load, where necessary at all, was either separately supplied or was supplied as DC with a large range of voltage. Integrated electric propulsion seeks to supply all propulsion and ship's electrical load via AC at a high quality of voltage and frequency. This is achieved by computerized control, high quality transformation and electrical filtering, and the huge amount of power generated by nuclear power. The benefits of integrated electric propulsion are:
The combination of greater efficiency and nuclear endurance allows for a sustained high speed. Each of the shafts drive five bladed variable-pitch propellers. Each vessel is rated at being capable of doing more than 30 knots top speed. Command of the "E" Series 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. 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. This vessel has an integrated combat bridge, which combined key defence functions into the main bridge. The "E" series of vessels employ the revolutionary WODEN radar bank, designed to operate individually and by pooling resources along with other Xuande-Xiphoian and allied vessels. This variant is low-powered, providing key functions and contributing to overall fleet picture, but is not regarded as a key piece of equipment for this class of vessel. 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 has a limited array of weapons for self-defence purposes. The main feature is the installation of a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System area on the aft superstructure, which contains 32 cells generally retained for surface to air missiles. 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:
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. Aboard Eos class vessels, the cargo handling system is extra important. Agile Systems Naval Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (NAVSTORS) are installed in all holds for high density stores stowage and minimal prestaging (low manning) during underway replenishment (UNREP). Features include moving floors, robot stackers and pallet movers, and fully-automated inventory management. All stores are palletized for easy handling. 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. One landing area is located on the fantail aviation deck. There is room available for two large helicopters in the hangars. The landing area is equipped with Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) system which allows deployment and recovery in high sea states. Just aft of the landing area on the flight deck is a Helicopter in Flight Refuelling (HIFR) point. This allows refuelling of a helicopter or VTOL aircraft while it is hovering overhead using a quick disconnect fitting which provides a manually operated emergency breakaway capability. Two H225M Caracals are utilised aboard this vessel class by the Xuande-Xiphoian Navy. Both aircraft can be equipped with the LAMPS III submarine warfare suite. Accommodations for the ship's crew are sufficient for all crew 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. Accommodations aboard the Eos class are quite spacious; junior rates below Petty Officer rank are assigned a two-person berth, with non-commissioned and commissioned officers at and above Petty Officer Class 3 rank having an individual cabin. Food aboard naval vessels is critical for morale and providing a good work environment for the culinary teams directly supports the whole crew. The galley has been designed to be easy to work in and is able to quickly prepare the Naval Service's recommended menu options. 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. The vessel is equipped with a workout gymnasium with a variety of machines and weights available to crew members. The gym can accommodate weightlifting, cardio exercises, and boxing. 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. |