Western Asia
14-08-2004, 21:02
LCS-1 INS CHALLENGER
(Blue Knight Littoral Combat Ship (LCS))
A revolutionary stealth missile boat, the Blue Knight Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is specifically designed to bear a high weapons payload at high speeds. A high sea-keeping ability and deck area, as provided by the ship's trimaran hullform and waterjet propulsion design. The design of the Blue Knight has been directed to minimizing the optical and infra-red signature, above water acoustic and hydro-acoustic signature, underwater electrical potential and magnetic signature, pressure signature, radar cross section and actively emitted signals. Improved radiator designs, the placement of magnetic elements far from the water level, a composite radar-foiling hull with built-in radar absorbing sections at reflection “hot spots,” waterjet propulsion, and special missile vent systems all reduce these signatures to make the Blue Knight almost invisible outside of the range of its own weapons. A stealth ship of the Blue Knight design has a detection range of 9km in rough seas and 15km in calm sea without jamming. In a jammed environment, the Blue Knight would be detected at a range of 6 km in rough sea and 9km in calm sea. Thanks to the powerful low probability of intercept radar, the Blue Knight can seek out targets while avoiding the revelation of its position to hostile vessels.
The hull is of composite construction. The hulls are laminated inside and outside with fibre reinforced plastic composed of glass fibre and carbon laminates bound with vinyl ester and polyester resin. A scrimp manufacturing process is used in construction, involving vacuum assisted resin injection. Carbon fibre and carbon loaded materials have been selected for the beams and supporting structures, which need high tensile strength, for example the support structures for the gun and the electro-optical and radar weapon director. The laminate hull material provides high strength and rigidity, low weight, good shock resistance, low radar and magnetic signatures.
Technical Specs
Manufacturer: GINY and Dockstavarvet
Scale
Length: 132.6ft (40.3m)
Beam: 56ft (17m)
Weight: 129 tons (light load, excludes missile-based weight)
Power: Diesel Gemerator/ Waterjet Propulsor
Height:
- from water: 24 ft
- total: 28ft
- Draft: 4ft (~ 1.2m)
Performance
Max Speed: 47.7knots (released figure)
Cruising speed (high): 45knots
Cruising speed (efficient): 38knots
Endurance (at high cruise): 2,100 nm
Endurance (at efficient cruise): 2, 800 nm
Sea keeping: through Sea State 3
Crewing
Minimum: 4
Optimal: 10-12 (depending on configuration)
Normal: 11
Push: Berthing for up to 18 (to allow for assault team deployments, training, and special mission crewing)
Features
Command and Control System
The Unified Combat System is integrated by GIAI (Greater Israel Aircraft Industries) MBT division, with Elbit (combat data systems) and Tadiran (communications systems) as major subcontractors. The ship's combat system provides multiple offensive and defensive capabilities. Target, raw sensor read, weapon status, and threat evaluation information is available to all fire control and launcher systems via the ship's databus. The Command and Information Center (CIC) features a “glass cockpit” array as well as several back-up stations that can control all combat systems through the databus.
The design also includes a dedicated communications cabin adjacent to the CIC, housing all communications related equipment. The ship is equipped with various types of radios, operating in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, as well as data-links providing high transfer data-rate, capable of communicating images and data to extend the combat information system within the task force units both by satellite uplinks, radio systems, and by high speed LOS/S2S (Line Of Sight/Ship to Ship) laser data transfer systems. The data-link connection can also provide the basis for simulated training combining units at sea and on shore based training facilities. Such training activity can take place during routine operations.
Crew Accomodations
Two accommodation sections are provided in the fore and mid sections. Individual accommodations for the core crew of 12 include individual bed and locker. 6 additional berthing spaces are provided by drop-down lofted beds. Rooms are air conditioned, and equipped with entertainment systems such as TV, video, music, audio and intercom channels as well as shower and toilet facilities. A mess hall is located between the two accommodation areas to provide room for dining and recreational activities. During normal operations and patrols, the crew operates in 3 shifts, providing all hands enough time for rest. Most crew members have a secondary role to support combat essential tasks in emergency cases. In combat, the entire crew is called to battle stations, every crew member is performing combat essential tasks, operating and serving weapons systems, such as missiles and guns, combat systems including electronic warfare, communications and command and control, in the machinery rooms and on the bridge.
Sensors
Primary Radar
EL/M-2248 STAR II/AMDR (Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar, mk II/ Automatic Missile Detection Radar).
This radar, designed by Elta, is a coherent S-Band Pulse Doppler air and surface surveillance system, combined with advanced missile detection radar, optimized for operation in adverse sea, clutter and electromagnetic environmental conditions. This multimode radar performs long-range air surveillance, combined with surface surveillance and, at the same time, fast detection and automatic threat alert of air targets. The radar also supports surface gunnery engagement through a unique splash-spotting capability and anti-air and anti-missile weapons systems, as well as ECM chaff system deployment. AMDR has a low false alarm rate, which provides a very reliable threat alert. The AMDR has 3D, 217 and S-FX versions. The radar operates as both a surveillance radar and a self-defence system sensor, with automatic mode switching. In surveillance mode, the STAR II/AMDR can detect targets at ranges of up to 180km; in the self-defence mode, it can detect and track almost any threat within a radius of 60km.
Main Features
Pulse Doppler Detection of Air & Surface Targets.
3D Elevation Coverage.
Automatic Track-While-Scan (TWS).
Very Low False Alarm Rate.
IFF Correlation.
Advanced Programmable Signal Processing
Powerful Data Processing.
Extensive Built-In-Test (BIT)
Automatic Designation to Ship's Systems.
Variety of Interface Capabilities.
Low probability of intercept
Hull-integrated phased-array radar panels
Passive radar detection systems
Typical Performance
Fighter aircraft detection at 180 Km (medium antenna).
Automatic threat alert for attacking missile at 35 Km.
Surface target detection up to radar horizon (18km for a ship with 15 ft of surface exposure, 21km for a ship with 30ft of surface exposure. 22km for “sea skimming” missile at a 10m altitude)
Track-While-Scan (TWS) for multiple air and surface targets.
Secondary Radar
EL/M-2223 STGR II (Search, Track & Guidance/Gunnery Radar, mk II).
The second radar associated with the system is the Elta EL M-2223 Search, Track & Guidance Radar (STGR) providing the system's fire control radar. This is a pulse Doppler dual band (X/Ka) monopulse tracking radar, optimized for operation in adverse sea, clutter and electromagnetic environmental conditions. The system performs surface to air (SAM) guidance, surface-to-surface missile (SSM) guidance, and automatic gunfire control against surface and air targets and has several search modes as backup to the main search radar. This radar is also optimized to track highly maneuverable missile size targets, and perform fast automatic acquisition and continue with guidance and flight directions leading Barak-1 missiles to hit their targets.
Whenever the hard kill of sea skimmers calls for uncompromising accuracy under adverse multipath, ECM or weather conditions, ELTA's STGR II is the ultimate Fire Control Radar to accomplish the task. The STGR II is an extremely accurate, monopulse, dual-band (X & Ka) coherent pulse Doppler radar. The STGR II is capable of tracking highly maneuverable targets after fast automatic acquisition, guiding missiles and directing guns against air and surface targets. ELTA developed the STGR II as part of the BARAK-II Point Defense Missile System for IDF-NC missile boats.
Typical Performance
Missile acquisition at 20 Km
Fighter aircraft acquisition at 60 Km
Surface target acquisition up to radar horizon
Effective Surface-to-Air missile guidance up to 30 Km
Effective surface gunnery up to 30 Km, gun dependent
Effective air gunnery up to 12 Km, gun dependent
Main Features
Fast target acquisition
High accuracy at all elevations
Superb multipath effect elimination
Sophisticated Kalman filtering
High anti-clutter and ECCM capabilities
Extensive Built In Test (BIT)
Lightweight radar that suits a variety of installations
State-of-the-art technologies:
- Composite material antennae
- Advanced programmable signal processing
- Powerful data processing
System Configurations
- X-band (EL/M-2221X) configuration for:
Automatic gun fire control against air targets
Automatic splash spotting against surface targets
Search modes as backup for a search radar
- X/Ka-band configuration for the above tasks, plus:
Extremely accurate tracking and gunnery against sea skimming missiles
Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) guidance in single or salvo firing
Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) guidance
NOTE: Each configuration includes TV or TV+IR package
Sonar
The Blue Knight bears Type 796 hull-mounted search-and-attack sonar, which operates at medium frequency and is supplied by EDO of New York. The ship's towed sonar array is supplied by Rafael.
Electro-Optical
The electro-optical system comprises an integrated payload designed formalize use. The IDF Navy uses several systems, such as the MSIS and COMPAS, designed by Elbit Elop. The electro-optical sensors can be used for day and night surveillance and tracking of surface and airborne targets, target range measurement as well as precision gunnery. The system is a fully stabilized day night surveillance system, integrating a 4th generation FLIR, CCD camera, and an automatic target tracker. A dual laser range finder/laser target designator is also included for gunnery and missile operation purposes.
The system is fully integrated with the ship's tire control and combat information systems. The optical systems are fully stabilized, and are installed in a wind resistant housing that effectively withstands the harsh sea environment, enabling the sensors to obtain high quality imagery at long range. Imagery obtained by the electro-optical sensors can be transferred and displayed at the combat information center, on each one of the consoles linked to the combat information network. Images can also be transmitted via dateline to other ships, airborne units or to land based units and installations.
Protection
Armoring
General Vessel-wide: SeaPlate Armoring under a layer of modular E-glass “plastic armor” covering all sections of the ship.
Special Coverage: Ti-6Al-4V RIR Titanium w/ Special Protective Layer and Spall lining placed around Crew compartments and critical engineering components.
Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures:
Countermeasures include the AN/SLQ-25 Nixie towed torpedo decoy system by Aerojet ElectroSystems, which seduces approaching torpedoes away from the ship. The LCS-1's radar warning receiver Elisra NS-9003/9005/9009 is also installed on the Israeli Navy Sa'ar 4 and Sa'ar 4.5 patrol craft and on the Sa'ar 5 corvette.
The integrated naval EW suite provides very fast response to incoming threats. ESM is providing instantaneous direction finding (lDF) HR automatic reception, analysis and identification of electronic signals in the 118GHZ range, with 100% intercept probability of multiple signals, frequency agile and frequency hopping radars.
Other sensors can include COMINT/DF, capable of coping with advanced, agile frequency communications radios. Western Asian systems which could be utilized are Tadiran's NATACS-2000. This system uses an array of four antennae, including HF DF, VHF/UHF DF, HF COMINT and VHF/UHF COMINT. The fully integrated system is equipped with ultra-fast wide band receivers and direction finder systems. With its fast scanning rate, the system can handle dense electromagnetic environment in the HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands, characterized by frequency hopping, burst and ocher agile transmissions. The system performs automatic direction finding and signal classification to enable accurate signal identification. The data obtained from the system's receivers, as well as from on board Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems, covering the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radar signals, enable the completion of the tactical naval picture. A built in digital audio recorder provides for technical and intelligence analysis of unfamiliar signals. The basic system is operated by one or two operators. The system is fully integrated with the ship's command and control, navigation, and communications system.
The Blue Knight is equipped with a multilayered defensive system, comprised of soft-and hard-kill elements. The soft kill elements are based on several “rings'' of defense, provided by active Electronic Warfare (EW), used for electronically “intercepting'' an incoming missile, as well as deployment of various countermeasures by chaff and flare decoys, which create deception and seduction of incoming missiles' sensors at various phases of their flight. Hard-kill capabilities are provided by the Barak-II missile system and by the turreted gun systems.
EW capabilities rely on alerting signals intercepted by on board ESM systems, detecting hostile activities or “illumination'' by an incoming missile. To counter such threats, sophisticated jammers are used. Systems such as the RAFAEL SHARK - Ship-borne ECM system were developed in Israel, to provide ship-borne ECM defense.
SHARK systems are capable of jamming and deceiving a large number of threats simultaneously in different directions, consist of one or two Multi Beam Array Transmitters, (MBAT), capable of coincidence jamming in the directions of the received threats, covering 360 degrees in azimuth. The system enables immediate positioning of the transmitting beam with very high effective radiated power (ERP). Threat direction and data is provided by the Electronic Support Measures (ESM) receiver on board the vessel. The system utilizes Power ' Management (PM) with sophisticated techniques and trackers. The system is employing various exotic technologies such as simultaneous coincidence jamming, high transmitting power and fast beam switching using Multi Beam Array Transmitters (MBAT) to provide effective and rapid response in the most demanding scenarios.
Another “soft-kill” element in the multilayered “Soft defense'' suite is based on expendable decoys. The system is based on an integration of the Elbit System's DESEAVER decoy launchers (two Elbit Deseaver stabilized chaff rocket launchers are mounted in the hull, one on each side) and RAFAEL'S decoy rockets. Such decoys provide several lines of defense, against missile attack. Decoy rockets are designed for distraction and seduction of enemy missiles, as they create a ship size target at various ranges and prevent engagement by enemy missiles that are searching for targets. The missile acquires the decoy as a real target, causing its seeker to “lock'' on the false target instead of the ship. Seduction is used when the missile has achieved radar lock-on on the ship. Deployed at optimum locations, these rapid blooming chaff decoys create huge “targets'' that should attract the missile seeker and deflect it away from the ship. Heat generating decoys are also augmenting these tactics at short range.
The DESEAVER decoy control and launching system, developed by Elbit, is designed to handle the various launchers, decoy types and tactics, in response to all potential threats. The system can handle multiple threats from multiple directions simultaneously. Acting on data received and processed from the ship's command and control system and sensors, the system launches a barrage of expandable decoys with precise priority and timing. The system can deliver payloads at accurate time intervals and according to specified anti-missile doctrines and guidelines to effectively defeat such threats.
Loads
1-2, CRRC (Compatible Zodiac models: Ribster 530 Light Strike Craft (LSC), F-470 w/Armorflate, F-470, FC-530, FC-470, FC-420, G-380, G-470.)
ASuW/Counter-mine variants: UUVs
Scout/reconnaissance variants: USVs, UUVs, and UAVs
Armament:
Gun Systems
[Note: all gun systems can be modified to accept RAMICS-type guns and sensors for counter-mine operations]
Primary Turreted Gun System:
A single, top-mounted turret including the main ship gun system, short range AD systems. Includes stealthy composite structure and design features. Special orders can have the 30mm gun upgraded to a 76mm Oto Breda gun. The turret is equipped with the following component systems:
30mm Bushmaster II Chain Gun (Mark 46 Mod4 Naval Gun)
MaxROF: 300rpm NormROF: 260rpm
Effective Range: 2,700 m (AA)/4,600m (AS)
Min/Max Range: 300-7,000m
Round Type: 30 mm x 173 mm GAU-8 standard ammunition (can fire Rarden and Oerlikon ammunition with a minor conversion). Dual ammunition feed, HE and API.
Ready Round Stowage: 1,200 rounds (840 HE or HETF/ 360 APFSDS-T standard mix)
Stowed Ammunition: 800 rounds stowed
Mounting Elevation Range: -11/+60
Train Rate: 90°/second
M240E1 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun
ROF:
Cyclic: 650-950 rounds per minute
Rapid: 200 rounds per minute
Sustained: 100 rounds per minute
RANGE:
Maximum effective range: 1.1 miles (1,800 m)
Maximum range: 2.31 miles (3,725 m)
AMMUNITION:
Ready Round Stowage: 4,200 rounds
Stowed Rounds: 1,800
Red-Horizon SHORAD System
2 “pop-out” Short-ranged Surface to Air missile stations, bears 4 missiles total. System compatible with different types of missile systems, including American (Stinger) and Russian (Strela, Igla, SA-7, 14, 16, 18 etc.), Israeli/WA systems, and their indigenous derivatives, available in many countries (Poland, China etc.).
Secondary Gun Systems
Mk 52 Mod I Turret (Typhoon NTD/OWS 25R systems)
2 sets of turrets, each set in a LO/Stealthy turret. Each turret equipped with:
- 1, 25mm M242 Bushmaster Chain Gun
MaxROF: 240rpm NormROF: 200rpm
Effective Range: 2,000m (AS)
Min/Max Range: 300-5,000m
Round Type:
Ready Round Stowage: 400 rounds (280 HE/120 API)/gun
Stowed Ammunition: 800 rounds/gun
Mounting Elevation Range: -15/+60
Train Rate: 120°/second
- 1, 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun
Ready Round Stowage: 600 rounds/gun
Stowed Ammunition: 900 rounds/gun
- 2, ATGMs (Standard type is Spike-ER/NTD)
Alternate Compatible missiles: TOW, HOT, LAHAT, GL-M, Gil/Spike family weapons, Soviet systems. Note: Some models may require turret and launch rail/tube modifications.
Missile Systems
Defensive Missile Battery
Consists of 32 Barak II VL Point Defense AMMs in 2, 16missile arrays.
Primary Missile Battery
A pair of large “Pop-Up” missile stations (one on each side) designed to work with most common ASMs on the market. To balance the ship during launches, missiles from alternate sides are automatically tasked to successive launch order slots. Two variants are produced:
Standard type (WA/allied A-variants, export version): can carry any cruise missile of a length <24' (~8m); 9' (2.74m) of missile fronting space/side; vertical clearance up to 1.3 m. Most missiles can often be reloaded internally if necessary (but pop-up launcher must be in the stowed position). “Sample load” is full load-out excepting stowed missiles.
-- Sample ASM Loads:
4, Gabriel IV LRs (200km range, hi subsonic, 240kg unitary or 150kg submun Warhead)
6, Gabriel III (36km range, high subsonic, 150kg warhead)
8, AGM-84D Harpoon (130km , high subsonic, 227kg warhead)
4, RBS-15F (200km, high subsonic, 300kg warhead)
6, Sea/Golden Eagle (~110km, high subsonic, 230kg warhead)
6, MM38 Exocet (42km, subsonic, 165kg warhead)
4-6, MM40 Blk 1,2, and 3 Exocet (>180km, high subsonic) [wingspan & warhead sizes are unclear]
6, NSM (~150km, high subsonic, 120kg fragmentation warhead)
NOTE: Some models can be modified to serve in an Air Defense role where numerous Python 4/5 and Derby or other SPYDER-compatible Ground-launch modified AAMs are carried. For instance, one Blue Knight could carry about 12 Derby BVRAAM (>63km, high supersonic) or 16 Python V (>20km, high supersonic). 6, RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles or RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs) could also be mounted. Another variant is capable of launching MRL rocket strikes against both naval and land targets. This variant can hold and launch up to 10 MAR-350 navalized rocket pods (1 rocket/pod, 10 rockets. 90km, 770 M85 bomblets/rocket) or 6 LAR-160 navalized rocket pods (18 rockets/pod, 108 rockets. 12-45km, 104 M85 bomblets/rocket). All of these armament variations can be obtained on the A and B variant Blue Knight vessels with appropriate, optional, systems control and fitting modules.
Mod 1 (WA and allied B-variants): can carry 4 BrahMos II missiles, 2/side or any combination used in the A-variant. Missile length up to 26.5' (8m). Designed especially for the launch of larger supersonic ASMs.
Additional Information
Primary Variants and Costs
There are several major military variants of the Blue Knight, which cost from $90-140M (depending upon the model and the size of the order*) as well as one, much cheaper, civilian vessel. Although the ships are designated as separate variants, most models (not including the B-variant) can be made from the A-variant with simple structural and system modifications, which can usually be completed by swapping out a limited number of subcomponents in dock. This allows a fleet of Blue Knight LCSes to be adaptive to the sociopolitical situation and to be flexible enough to serve in any littoral role without a major overhaul or the need for a separate vessel model.
Blue Knight A Variant (Patrol, Reconnaissance, Strike vessel, Missile Carrier. ). Baseline Market Price*: $135M/unit.
Blue Knight B Variant (above + BrahMos II Carrier). Baseline Market Price*: $140M/unit
Blue Knight C Variant (Scout Variant. “Pop-up” missile stations used as medium-sized UAV launch bays. One bay space on each side may be retained for small ASMs. Slightly faster than other variants due to low weight loadings. Special launcher arrays are installed for the launch of RAFAEL Skylark UAVs.). Baseline Market Price*: $96M
Blue Knight D Variant (MCM. Missiles are abandoned for MCM gear, guns are adjusted for MCM using RAMICS-like rounds, UUVs and USVs can be deployed.) Baseline Market Price*: $120M
Blue Knight E Variant (ASuW. Equipped to launch GINY Manta UUSVs and ASuW weapons.) Baseline Market Price*: $130M
Blue Cruiser (Civilian Yacht. Weapons are removed and missile pop-up areas are replaced by decks. Ship armoring replaced by aluminum where necessary and removed in favor of additional living and stowage space in all other conditions. Military-grade radar and combat/control systems have been deleted in favor of a simple commercial off the shelf (OTS) radar array. Comfortable berthing for crew/service of 4 and 10 passengers (due to the removal of much of the military systems). Controls and systems are simple enough to be used by passengers with pilot's license for yachts in the proper class. Cheaper versions can be constructed with aluminum hulls at the expense of a governor-enforced 40knot speed limit for the sake of structural integrity. VIP versions can retain armoring and some combat systems, please inquire about VIP variant pricings. Baseline Market Price*: $15-40M, depending upon included features.
* Baseline Market Price (BMP): The price per unit excluding optional equipment and special armament arrays. BMP does not include the price of the primary missiles or any ATGMs and SHORAD missiles, which can be purchased as part of a package ship acquisition deal or can be supplied separately. It is assumed that the buyer will inform the seller of the preferred missile system types so that the ships can be configured appropriately. Larger orders may result in a per-vessel cost reduction from the provided BMP. Allied Group Materiel Cost Discounts apply.
Images:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/chucklesbd/TPB_thumbnail01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/chucklesbd/TPB_thumbnail03.jpg
Western Asia
14-08-2004, 21:49
We can equip the frigates with missiles, no need to supply them yourself.
Would this payment plan be satisfactory?
The total price is 35,000,000,000, to be paid over 18 months, at 2,000,000,000 per month for 17 months and 1,000,000,000 for the final month.
If not, we can just send all the money right now, but this way would be preferable, because it will put less strain on our economy (we recently placed a huge military order, and it will delve into our funds for quite some time).
That is a perfectly acceptable plan. GINY and Dockstavarvet have agreed to the terms of this WAAMA-brokered deal and they will sideline 5 of the newest B-variants for immediate delivery to Pwnica. The SHORAD and ATGM missile systems, as mentioned, should be compatible with the most popular systems available.
OOC: These ships are only 132.6ft (40.3m) long, which is just about 2/3rds the length of the Sa'ar 4.5 missile boat and 1/3 the length of the Perry-class Frigates, so calling them "frigates" (although they have the arming of some frigates, since it follows the heritage of the Sa'ar-class ships) might make them a bit of a larger vessel than they really are in people's minds. The closest title might be "Multirole Missile Boat" which fits better than LCS, but I was focusing on filling the LCS role, so that's the title.