Type:
Displacement: Length: Beam: Draft: Propulsion: Speed: Range: Endurance: Complement: C6ISR (Command) Systems Radar & Sensor Suites and Processing Systems Sonar Decoys & Protective Systems Armament: Aircraft carried: Aviation facilities: |
Multirole Frigate
16,640 tons 180 metres 25 metres 8.4 metres 2 shafts integrated electric propulsion 2x XSR-5 Naval Nuclear Reactors Assembies, producing 125MW of power 2x Converteam electric motors, 20 MW (27,000 shp) each 130,000 sh 32+ knots Theoretically unlimited 90 days without resupply 140 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 AN/SQQ-90X Undersea Warfare System (Variable Depth Focusing), comprising: AN/SQS-60 Mid-Frequency Sonar AN/SQS-61 High-Frequency Sonar AN/SQR-21 Multi-function Towed Array Sonar and Handling System 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) 1x Otobreda 127mm Main Guns, at fore and aft, with VULCANO ammunition Torpedo Launcher System, comprising: 2x Quadruple tube torpedo launcher at midship, firing MU90 Lightweight Torpedoes 2x Dual tube heavy torpedo launcher at midship, firing Mk48 Heavyweight Torpedoes Mk60 CAPTOR System Compatibility Mk 41 Vertical Launch System - 88x Cells SeaRAM Close In Weapons System - 2x Systems Various Crew-served Weapons Positions 1x H225M Caracal, 1x MQ-8C Firescout 2x aircraft lifts into enclosed hangars |
The Eunomia class of frigates are a part of the Xuande-Xiphoian Navy's combatant fleet, considered part of the "E" Series of ships. This series of vessels are designed to provide a flexible but powerful surface combatant ability and submarine warfare system.
As part of the "E" series, this vessel was designed in a cooperative effort between Xuande-Xiphoi, United Camchin, and Paddy O Fernature. The vessel series was designed to interlink the whole surface fleet and provide copious space and power for modern and future technologies. Like the other "E" class vessels, this ship is distinguished by using a 'tumblehome' hull form, a design in which hull slopes inward from above the waterline. This significantly reduces the vessel's radar cross section since such a slope returns a much less defined radar image rather than a more hard-angled hull form. This feature improves the stealthy characteristics of this vessel class. The bow is designed to cut through waves rather than ride over them. 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. To aid in reducing detection by radar, large portions of the vessels above water surfaces have been covered with RAM (Radar Absorbing Material) tiles. The makeup of these tiles absorbs Radar energy and does not allow it to return. The radical hull design eliminates all of the "clean" reflective surfaces and "wave traps" that could return a clean radar echo. The tumblehome hull reduces radar return and the composite material deckhouse also has a low radar return. Water sleeting along the sides, along with passive cool air induction reduces thermal emissions. The thermal signature is further reduced through the use of below water thermal heat sinks that excess heat is vented to. The smart surfaces of the vessels utilise in-surface temperature controls to be kept at the same temperatures as their environment to reduce or eliminate thermal detection. 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 "E" series of vessel classes are all nuclear-powered making use of two Xuande-Xiphoian designed and built XSR-5 Naval Nuclear Reactors, producing 125MW of power aboard this class. The XSR-5 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. 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. 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. 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 "E" vessel class series incorporates a holistic approach to sonar management, optimisable for open and littoral water operations. The IUSW incorporates two types of sonar arrays in one automated system. The high frequency sonar provides in-stride mine avoidance capabilities, while the medium frequency sonar optimises anti-submarine and torpedo defence operations. The use of sophisticated target algorithms better enables the vessel to engage enemy submarines and, at the same time, minimize crew headcount requirements. The sonar that will be required to achieve this goal includes the following: A dual-band sonar controlled by a highly automated computer system will be used to detect mines and submarines. The arrangement is optimised for "blue water" and littoral Anti-submarine warfare and includes the following in the AN/SQQ-90X Undersea Warfare System:
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. As a frontline combat ship, the vessel employs a wide range of weapons systems. Most noticeable is the single Otobreda 127mm Main Gun, fore of the superstructure, which can be equipped with long-range VULCANO ammunition. This allows the ships to reliably and effectively engage a wide range of littoral and inland targets, as well as highly advanced gunfire capabilities for anti-surface warfare. The gun is contained within radar cross section reducing housings. The main guns draw from a fully automated, below-deck weapon handling and storage system capable of a maximum sustained firing rate of 32 rounds per minute and will fire at ranges of up to 66 nautical miles. By removing the need for personnel in the magazine, the design supports the Naval Service goals to reduce overall crew requirements. The gun integrated system control, or GISC, combines both gun control and fire control elements within the AGS architecture for seamless integration to the SOCN. Design innovations also incorporate advanced thermal and erosion management technologies to ensure extended barrel life and to minimize infrared signature. The primary warfighting tool for the "E" class of vessels is the Mk41 vertical launch system, which on this class comprises 488 Vertical Launch Cells. The VLS cells are located in large banks to the front and rear of the vessel and are rapidly re-loadable. A range of missiles are utilised, including:
In the anti-submarine specific role, this class of vessel is equipped with a range of torpedoes. There are two torpedo launch assemblies located behind retracing panels at midship. These two assemblies are constructed of:
To provide the inner layer of air and surface defence for the vessel, there are two SeaRAM Close in Weapons Systems installed at the fore and aft of the vessel. Each assembly has 21 missiles installed and can be reloaded at sea. 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. Two landing areas are located on the fantail aviation deck. Each spot is a lift that lowers down into beneath deck hanger. Watertight armoured sliding doors seal the lifts when descended into the hanger. Each of the landing areas is equipped with Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) system which allows deployment and recovery in high sea states. Just aft of the landing areas 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. The hanger can accommodate normally two medium sized aircraft, generally a H225M Caracal helicopter and an unmanned MQ-8C Firescout in Xuande-Xiphoian service. Both aircraft can be equipped with the LAMPS III submarine warfare suite. Two spots are located at the stern to either side of the aircraft hangar for small boat handling. Each position has its own ramp, and the boat hangars' stern location meets high sea state requirements for boat operations. The Xuande-Xiphoian Navy employs the Goldfish series of rigid hulled inflatable boats. These boats can seat 9 including the coxswain and fore gunner when a light machine gun is equipped or can seat 13 including the coxswain when seats are installed instead. 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. Junior sailors are assigned to berthings with four bunks, senior sailors and junior officers are assigned to berthings with two, with the ship's chief petty officer and senior officers being assigned staterooms. Separate accommodations are made for male and female crew members. 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. The nature of service on a nuclear-powered vessel, with the essentially unlimited ship's endurance, means that an exceptionally large storeroom is aboard the vessel and is used when long sailings are anticipated. 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. |