Lyras
20-04-2008, 11:27
Hatchet-class modular multi-role frigate
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Dimensions
Length: 185.12m
Beam: 20.1m
Draught: 8m
Displacement (long tons) 14,400 t
Crew Complement: 200
Performance
Speed: 34 knots
Range: 4000 nautical miles at 15 knots
Weapons
2 x LY774 35mm naval autocannons
2 x 21 cell RIM-116B RAM launcher
2 x 2 cell launcher with RBS-15 Mk3 surface-to-surface missiles
1 x 8-cell Multirole torpedo launcher
Engines
2 x 40Mw turbines
2 shafts
2 screws
Modular options. One of the following mounted fore:
1 x LY366 L65/155mm gun
1 x 8-cell Multirole torpedo launcher
16 x GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS (cell dimensions: 0.7 × 0.7 × 9m^3)
One medium-lift helicopter, and hangar
Underway stores module
12-bed Medical facility
Modular options. One of the following mounted aft:
One medium-lift helicopter, and hangar
24 x sea mines and launcher
Towed array sonar housing
16 x GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS (cell dimensions: 0.7 × 0.7 × 9m^3)
AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar and associated electrics and power supply
Underway stores module
12-bed Medical facility
Countermeasures
2 x TKWA/MASS decoy launcher
UL 5000K ECM suite
Prairie-Masker system
Electronics
AN/MPQ – 77 Vigilant radar (unless superseded by Keep.)
2 navigation radars
Cromwell II battlespace information warfare suite
MIRADOR electro-optical sensors
UL 5000 K ESM suite
Conceptualisation
The Hatchet-class frigate is the Lyran Protectorate's current whole-of-ocean modular multi-mission light warship. Designed to meet the Leafanistani modular multi-role combatant ship contract, Hatchet-class vessels operate within the Lyran Navy.and in non-Lyran forces in a wide number of roles, including, but not limited to: EEZ enforcement, maritime patrol, search and rescue, air defence, surveillance, ELINT, ASW, mine-laying, convoy escort, anti-ship and counter-piracy.
Modularity
The primary focus of the Hatchet-class vessels is the platform's extensive modularity. By extensive component interoperability, and maximising use of fore and aft deckspace, the ships can adjust roles seemlessly, selecting from a wide variety of available task suites.
Two primary locations are set aside for the use of the modules. The first is to the ship's fore, set just behind the LY774 autocannons, and the second is set far to the rear. Each location is itself able to accept a wide range of modules.
For the forward mount, options include a single LY366(N) L65/155mm gun, 16 GWLS.35M2 4-cell vertical launch systems, an underway stores module and a 12-bed medical facility.
Rear mount options are a medium-lift helicopter (and hangar), 24 x sea mines and launcher, towed array sonar (in housing), the same 16 GWLS.35M2 4-cell vertical launch systems as available to fore, the AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar and associated electrics and power supply, an underway stores module, and the same 12-bed medical facility.
Networking, Sensory and Fire Control System
The Hatchet-class, as with all existing and planned Lyran vehicles across all areas of the battlespace, uses the Cromwell II fire control and battlespace integration system as the basis of its electronic and information warfare suite. Like the Cromwell before it, the Cromwell II system inputs and actively seeks information from a wide variety of sensory sources, not limited to those on the ship itself.
Cromwell II system follows on from its Inter-Vehicular Information System (IVIS) conceptual ancestor, and is part of an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximises combat lethality, and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual aircraft, ship, vehicle or soldier, but from every Cromwell II equipped friendly platform within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness.
The Cromwell II system utilises this information to compute firing solutions, based upon analysis of the target and selected weapon. This is achieved in less time than it would take the operator to depress the firing stud or authorise the missile launch. The firing solution that Cromwell II generates ensures a near-perfect hit percent at standard ranges, across all conditions.
At the most basic level, the Cromwell II system aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the warfighting system. This acceleration is acheived by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Cromwell II's ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources.
As well as radar, the fire control system on the Hatchet-class also has an electro-optic channel with long-wave thermal imager and infrared direction finder, including digital signal processing and automatic target tracking.
The Cromwell II network coordinates the fire power of (utilising the greater computational power available to a warship, as opposed to the mobile, ground-based LY471 from which the system was derived) up to 80 other Cromwell-equipped vessels, spaced at distances of up to 900km. Any vessel can be the network master controller (although larger vessels with larger computational facilities, or dedicated task group command vessels, are of course more effective in this role) and the network can link with other command facilities, or even other networks, in real time, allowing for individual ships to control the anti-air coverage of taskgroups, and integrate the entirety into a cohesive whole, a system-of-systems approach, which has increasingly been prevalent globally.
The fully automatic real-time data exchange includes aerospace control data, weapon control orders and fire control orders, target identification data, individual system status and vehicle position, threat prioritisation and optimised weapon allocation, engagement status, weapon status and jammer triangulation data.
In an anti-aircraft role, when fielding the appropriate modular components, the warship's computational facilities can track and target up to 560 air or ground targets near simultaneously, a sixteen percent increase on its battery-level Skyguard predecessor, with the control point directing the network to ensure the right weaponry arrives at the right time. The system can also assign targets to other vehicles in the network that are operating with their radars in silent mode, maximising lethality while maintaining proportionally high levels of emission concealment. A network controller can also vector in extra weapons systems, in flight, if targets are missed or if the ships magazines have been depleted beyond its capacity to engage hostile force elements.
The Cromwell II links for the Hatchets, like the Skyguard and Shepherd, use frequency-agile radios or direct laser LOS transfer, satellite assisted if required. Over 4,000 frequencies with 20kHz channel spacing are used in the frequency agile radio link. The system architecture provides full duplex data exchange and simultaneous half duplex voice communications.
As with the LY471, the Hatchet's air defence sensor net is a multi-system package. By default, the Hatchet's anti-aircraft system is based on the AN/MPQ-77 Vigilant, a three-dimensional radar used to alert and queue Short-to-Medium Range Air Defense (STMRAD- pronounced “stem-rad”) weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching front line forces. The Vigilant radar uses an X-band, range-gated, pulse-doppler system. The antennae use phase-frequency electronic scanning technology, forming sharp 3D pencil beams covering large surveillance and track volume. The radar automatically detects, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. It uses a high scan rate (40 RPM), is frequency agile, and operates at a range of 52 km.
When used primarily as an air defence variant, the Hatchet-class uses the far larger and more powerful AN/MPQ-71 Keep target tracking radar. Unlike purpose-built platforms or extremely large ships (such as the Longsword-class), the system detects at 450km and tracks at 350km, in normal conditions. The Keep radar also uses the X-band, and is like its smaller cousin a range-gated, pulse-doppler system. The antennae use electronic steering to direct the radar, and it sweeps at 40RPM. The radar. As with its Vigilant ancestor, automatically detects, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Both radars are designed to incorporate extremely high resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM), partly by way of GaAs circuitry, and can perform target acquisition, confirmation, tracking and identification in the absence of the other layers of radar coverage, should circumstances require.
Well implemented networking, using the Cromwell II system, can contribute to improved effectiveness in other ways as well. Rather than micromanage Cromwell-equipped platforms with close control via a command link tether (such as a radio), networked platforms are given significant autonomy, defined objectives, and allowed to take the initiative in how they meet these objectives. The size, integration and scope of the networked Cromwell II system enables all units across the battlespace to respond faster than their opposition, and this increased tempo generates increased lethality across all levels of the engagement spectrum.
The system, in its entirety, is fully insulated against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 512-bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security.
Armament
Due to its modular nature, there are a wide variety of weapons systems that the class may employ.
For the GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS, four weapon systems are available of compatible dimensions, namely the LY4031, LY4045 AShM, BGM-109 Tomahawk and LY589 Hellion.
In the anti-aircraft role, the Hatchet-class operates the Lyran-standard LY4031. The LY4031 missile is a medium range, high-acceleration, endoatmospheric interceptor missile, capable against a wide range of targets. The LY4031 is more than able to engage aircraft and air-launched weapons at ranges in excess of 210 km. The missile is small - similar in size to the 9M96M missile of the S-400, on which the LY4031 is based, and uses a hit-to-kill attack profile. The missile is equipped with an active homing head and has an estimated single shot kill probability of 0.98 for manned aircraft and 0.92 for unmanned maneuvering aircraft. A gas-dynamic control system enables the LY4031 missile to maneuver at altitudes of up to 65 km at positive g forces over 30, which permits engagment of non-strategic ballistic missiles. The LY4031 (modified) has become the basic long-range weapon of Lyran Protectorate Air Force's combat aircraft, and the standardised missile for medium-to-long range air defense SAM systems, ship-launched air defense missile systems, and fighter aircraft.
VLS cells on the Hatchet capable of firing the LY4031 are the same cells able to fire the LY589 Hellion, LY4045 AShM or BGM-109 Tomahawk, and exact loadout is variable. By convention, Lyran operational cruises detailing air defence as a given vessel's primary tasking will carry 32 LY4031 missiles in the fore modular (VLS) section, and an AN/MPQ-71 Keep radar system in the rear, where alternate radar coverage is unavailable. Should alternate radar coverage be available, either through another Hatchet or a different platform altogether, then it is entirely possible that both fore and aft modules will be composed of vertical launch tubes armed with the LY4031.
Length: 5.1 m
Diameter: 0.31 m
Wing span: 0.46
Weight: 355 kg
Propulsion: solid propellant boost and sustain
Guidance: inertial with command updates. Active radar terminal homing from AGAT. Alternate home-on-jamming modes.
Warhead: KE hit-to-kill
Speed: 3600 km/h
Range: 210 km
Altitude: 65,000 m
Where the anti-ship or surface-to-surface role is primary, three similar missile systems may form the primary armament, again located in either fore or aft modular sections.
The first is the near ubiquitous BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile, which itself needs little by the way of introduction. The only remaining Tomahawks in Lyran service are the Block Vs, however the VLS cells themselves are backwards compatible.
Length: Without booster: 5.56 m
With booster: 6.25 m
Diameter: 0.52 m
Wing span: 2.67 m
Weight: 1440 kg
Propulsion: Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan
using TH-dimer fuel and a solid-fuel booster
Guidance: GPS, TERCOM, DSMAC
Warhead: Conventional: 1,000 lb (450 kg) Bullpup, or submunitions dispenser with BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb, or a 200 kiloton of TNT (840 terajoule)
Speed: 880km/h
Range: 2500km
The second is the LY4045 anti-ship cruise missile. Itself developed from the BGM-109, and remarkably similar superficially, the LY4045 has undergone a series of minor modifications to optimise its performance in the anti-ship role. Having seen action in numerous theatres since its inception, at the hands of both Lyran forces and allies and clients, the LY4045 is a rugged, destructive and relatively cheap system that is generally fired in relatively large numbers to ensure target destruction. To date, the LY4045 is responsible for more naval tonnage destroyed than all other forms of offensive firepower employed by the Lyran Protectorate combined.
Length: Without booster: 5.6 m
With booster: 6.45 m
Diameter: 53cm
Wingspan: 2.7m
Launch mass: 1500kg
Propulsion: Lyran Arms AB112 turbofan with solid-fuel booster
Guidance: GPS/INS with mid-course command data-transfer via Cromwell system. IR, ARH, SARH or command terminal stage homing.
Warhead: 450kg Tandem-charge HEAS
Speed: 900kph
Range: 3000km
The third system is the LY589 Hellion advanced cruise missile. The LY589 Hellion is a long-range, all-weather, multi-role, fourth generation subsonic cruise missile. Designed and built by Lyran Arms for a wide variety of roles, it was designed primarily as a medium- to extreme-range, low-altitude, surface-to-surface missile that could be launched from a variety of platforms against a variety of targets. During initial concept development, the missile changed from a fairly conventional (albeit advanced) cruise missile into arguably the most intelligent and technologically sophisticated multi-role guided munition in the world. Warheads available to the Hellion include (but are not limited to) high-explosive anti-ship, unitary HE, unitary fragmentation, bomblet dispersal, WAGAV and thermobaric. Where mission flexibility or simultaneous anti-ship/ship-to-shore operations are anticipated, Hellion is usually the weapon of choice.
Diameter: 53cm
Length: Without booster: 5.6 m
With booster: 6.45 m
Motor: Lyran Arms AB112 turbofan with solid-fuel booster
Launch mass: 1510kg
Wingspan: 2.7m
Warhead: Variable
Guidance: GPS, INS, Cromwell 2 (if available), DSMAC, ARH, IR, TERCOM, IMU
Fuzes: Variable, depending on selected by missile.
Speed: 880kph
Range: 3000km
The GWLS.35M2 is also capable of delivering the Questarian P-900 Sea Scimitar Light AShM, which, while considerably shorter ranged than the BGM-109 (1/10th the range ), is rated as more likely to hit a given naval target, and has slightly more than twice the warhead yield. It is worth noting that while the platform can fire the missile system, the neither production rights to the missile nor individual missiles are avaiable from Lyras, and purchase, if applicable, must be arranged by communication with appropriate Questarian entities.
Diameter: 0.595m
Length: 6 m
Motor: Afterburning Turbojet
Launch mass: 1000kg
Wingspan: 0.965m (foldout)
Warhead: 200kg HE
Guidance: Active Home on RADAR; INS/GPS capable, mid course guidance
Speed: 1076.4kph cruise, 2160kph terminal
Range: 400km (max)
300km (effective)
Flight Altitude: 25-100m
For close range protection, the ship is armed with two LY774 35mm naval autocannons, mounted to the fore, port and starboard, which can be fired either manually, using remote weapons stations, or automatically, by Cromwell uplink to the vessel's central computer. The system, once more pursuant to any rules of engagement in effect, can automatically engage unidentified or hostile targets that enter firing envelope, as a means of automated self-defence. This feature can, of course, be overridden or deactivated, as the tactical scenario warrants. The system, in addition to naval craft, can also engage low-flying aircraft and ground targets. The LY774 is not a modular option, and unless expressly specified otherwise is maintained regardless of the vessel's primary tasking.
Also available for surface attack or naval fire support tasking is the versatile LY366(N), the navalised version of the LY366 L65/155mm gun-launcher. The LY366 was first developed for the LY2A3-2 Bull Mastiff Tank Destroyer, also saw action as main armament of the LY3 Warhound MBTseries, and later in the LY6 Werewolf assault gun. The LY366, while optimised for long-range, OTH engagements, is more than capable of being used in a direct-fire role, where it remains an accurate, cost-effective and sustainable means of placing firepower on-target. On the Hatchet-class vessels, when the LY366(N) is deployed, it is fitted to the forward modular section.
The chromium-plated barrel is a fraction over 8m long and is fitted with a slotted muzzle brake which yields increased muzzle velocity whilst reducing the degree of muzzle flash. The wedge-type breech block is integrated with an exchangeable primer magazine fitted with a standard conveyer assembly for automatic (but adjustable and controllable) primer transportation, loading and unloading.
Like the LY366, the LY366(N) carries 50 rounds of 155mm ammunition stored within the turret, and fed by an automatic loader. Unlike the weapon's ground-based counterpart, in the naval version additional shells are picked up from below the turret, and automatically stowed in the 50-round magazine in the centre of the chassis, to facilitate a more reliable firing rate, and generating a higher ammunition availability.
The shell loading system is driven by brushless electric servo motors supplied by Lyran Arms' Highcairn Manufacturing Zone. The automatic shell loading system has air-forced ram and Cromwell-backed automatic digital control, ammunition supply management and autonomous target-assessed fuze setting.
The LY366(N) is rated to fire out to 55km with standard ammunition, and 65km with rocket-assisted munitions.
The LY366(N) remains compatible with most 155mm ammunition, including both guided and unguided projectiles, both Lyran and non-Lyran.
Armour and Protection
Hatchet-class vessels employ a range of signature reduction techniques integral to their design, including extensive use of radar-absorbent materials and radar refractive angular surfaces. Active exhaust cooling and IR suppression also render the vessel harder to target or detect on infra-red than might otherwise have been thought, especially when operating in the littoral.
The NBC system follows Lyran standard, and features quite adequately as a climate control system, making for working temperatures easily adjustable to every national or personal need (operating temperature range -40C to 55C).
Two 21-cell RIM-116 rolling airframe missile launchers are carried for surface to air point defence. The RIM-116 RAM is a small, lightweight, IR-homing or HoJ surface-to-air missile designed as a point defence system for use against anti-ship cruise missiles. Aboard Lyran ships, and many others that utilise Lyran hardware, the system is integrated into the Cromwell II battlespace management suite. While designed primarily for the anti-missile and anti-aircraft defensive role, the weapon system can be employed against surface targets. The system uses a Mk49 launcher, with a total weight of 5.8 tons.
Designer: Raytheon, Diehl BGT Defence
Length: 2780 mm
Diameter: 127 mm
Fin span: 445 mm
Speed: Mach 2.0+
Warhead: 11.3 kg blast fragmentation
Launch Weight: 73.5 kg (162 lb)
Range: 7.5 km
Guidance System: tri-modal; Passive RF/IR, IR, or infrared dual mode enabled (radio frequency and infrared homing)
Propulsion and mobility
Borrowing again from ideas utilised on the LY6 Werewolf, the engines of the Hatchets are very well noise insulated, by means of rubber matting, lowering internal and external vibration and, thus, detectability. Noise levels outside the engine room are extremely low, both from inside and outside the ship.
Cruise speed is 15knots, granting the Hatchet-class a range of 4000 nautical miles. Top speed is 34 knots.
Batteries are integrated into the system, which allows the vessel to be driven yet more quietly for several hours with the engines shut down, a factor very likely to increase survivability in combat against hostile sub-surface force elements.
An innovation on ships, but now standard with Lyran armoured vehicles, the Hatchet-class is fitted with stern-mounted cameras for short range, in port or littoral operations.
Manning
The Hatchet as a highly automated, lightweight vessel, requires a relatively low number of crew to operate it. At full complement, the vessel will berth 71 personnel, of whom roughly 1 in 7 will be officers. The body of personnel enables limited combat redundancy, and allows the limited conduct of underway repairs. Given the highly modular nature of the platform, exact numbers of crew will, however, vary, both in number and in task. A ship fielding a helicopter will of course require flight crew and maintenance personnel, whereas a towed array sonar variant will need a larger number of sonar operators. The class is able to berth substantially more personnel than listed, should exceptional or emergency situations require.
Export
Executive Command, as is standard, retains complete oversight over the distribution of the above system. Further to that, amongst those to whom the class is available, acquisition of the role-specific production rights to the LY589 Hellion cruise missile is restricted. Indeed, given the sensitive nature of the LY589, and its AI and guidance packages, it would be the exception, rather than the rule, that DPR to that weapon be granted alongside purchase of one or more Hatchet-class vessels.
Upon purchase of one or more example of the class, the purchaser is, however, entitled to the following:
DPR to the LY4045 anti-ship cruise missile for use on-ship only
DPR to the LY4031 AA/ABM missiles for use on-ship only
DPR to the LY774 35mm naval autocannon for maintenance and resupply only
DPR to the LY366(N) L65/155mm navalised gun-launcher for maintenance and resupply only
DPR to the AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar, for maintenance and repair only
DPR to the AN/MPQ-77 Vigilant radar system, for maintenance and repair
Peacetime clearance to dock at Lyran or Lyran-held ports, subordinate to Lyran Executive Command revocation.
All modules features are not included, but DPRs are granted to produce the modules for use aboard Hatchet-class vessels only.
Purchases and enquiries through Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320&highlight=Lyras).
Standard purchase price is NS$960m per vessel.
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Dimensions
Length: 185.12m
Beam: 20.1m
Draught: 8m
Displacement (long tons) 14,400 t
Crew Complement: 200
Performance
Speed: 34 knots
Range: 4000 nautical miles at 15 knots
Weapons
2 x LY774 35mm naval autocannons
2 x 21 cell RIM-116B RAM launcher
2 x 2 cell launcher with RBS-15 Mk3 surface-to-surface missiles
1 x 8-cell Multirole torpedo launcher
Engines
2 x 40Mw turbines
2 shafts
2 screws
Modular options. One of the following mounted fore:
1 x LY366 L65/155mm gun
1 x 8-cell Multirole torpedo launcher
16 x GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS (cell dimensions: 0.7 × 0.7 × 9m^3)
One medium-lift helicopter, and hangar
Underway stores module
12-bed Medical facility
Modular options. One of the following mounted aft:
One medium-lift helicopter, and hangar
24 x sea mines and launcher
Towed array sonar housing
16 x GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS (cell dimensions: 0.7 × 0.7 × 9m^3)
AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar and associated electrics and power supply
Underway stores module
12-bed Medical facility
Countermeasures
2 x TKWA/MASS decoy launcher
UL 5000K ECM suite
Prairie-Masker system
Electronics
AN/MPQ – 77 Vigilant radar (unless superseded by Keep.)
2 navigation radars
Cromwell II battlespace information warfare suite
MIRADOR electro-optical sensors
UL 5000 K ESM suite
Conceptualisation
The Hatchet-class frigate is the Lyran Protectorate's current whole-of-ocean modular multi-mission light warship. Designed to meet the Leafanistani modular multi-role combatant ship contract, Hatchet-class vessels operate within the Lyran Navy.and in non-Lyran forces in a wide number of roles, including, but not limited to: EEZ enforcement, maritime patrol, search and rescue, air defence, surveillance, ELINT, ASW, mine-laying, convoy escort, anti-ship and counter-piracy.
Modularity
The primary focus of the Hatchet-class vessels is the platform's extensive modularity. By extensive component interoperability, and maximising use of fore and aft deckspace, the ships can adjust roles seemlessly, selecting from a wide variety of available task suites.
Two primary locations are set aside for the use of the modules. The first is to the ship's fore, set just behind the LY774 autocannons, and the second is set far to the rear. Each location is itself able to accept a wide range of modules.
For the forward mount, options include a single LY366(N) L65/155mm gun, 16 GWLS.35M2 4-cell vertical launch systems, an underway stores module and a 12-bed medical facility.
Rear mount options are a medium-lift helicopter (and hangar), 24 x sea mines and launcher, towed array sonar (in housing), the same 16 GWLS.35M2 4-cell vertical launch systems as available to fore, the AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar and associated electrics and power supply, an underway stores module, and the same 12-bed medical facility.
Networking, Sensory and Fire Control System
The Hatchet-class, as with all existing and planned Lyran vehicles across all areas of the battlespace, uses the Cromwell II fire control and battlespace integration system as the basis of its electronic and information warfare suite. Like the Cromwell before it, the Cromwell II system inputs and actively seeks information from a wide variety of sensory sources, not limited to those on the ship itself.
Cromwell II system follows on from its Inter-Vehicular Information System (IVIS) conceptual ancestor, and is part of an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximises combat lethality, and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual aircraft, ship, vehicle or soldier, but from every Cromwell II equipped friendly platform within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness.
The Cromwell II system utilises this information to compute firing solutions, based upon analysis of the target and selected weapon. This is achieved in less time than it would take the operator to depress the firing stud or authorise the missile launch. The firing solution that Cromwell II generates ensures a near-perfect hit percent at standard ranges, across all conditions.
At the most basic level, the Cromwell II system aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the warfighting system. This acceleration is acheived by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Cromwell II's ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources.
As well as radar, the fire control system on the Hatchet-class also has an electro-optic channel with long-wave thermal imager and infrared direction finder, including digital signal processing and automatic target tracking.
The Cromwell II network coordinates the fire power of (utilising the greater computational power available to a warship, as opposed to the mobile, ground-based LY471 from which the system was derived) up to 80 other Cromwell-equipped vessels, spaced at distances of up to 900km. Any vessel can be the network master controller (although larger vessels with larger computational facilities, or dedicated task group command vessels, are of course more effective in this role) and the network can link with other command facilities, or even other networks, in real time, allowing for individual ships to control the anti-air coverage of taskgroups, and integrate the entirety into a cohesive whole, a system-of-systems approach, which has increasingly been prevalent globally.
The fully automatic real-time data exchange includes aerospace control data, weapon control orders and fire control orders, target identification data, individual system status and vehicle position, threat prioritisation and optimised weapon allocation, engagement status, weapon status and jammer triangulation data.
In an anti-aircraft role, when fielding the appropriate modular components, the warship's computational facilities can track and target up to 560 air or ground targets near simultaneously, a sixteen percent increase on its battery-level Skyguard predecessor, with the control point directing the network to ensure the right weaponry arrives at the right time. The system can also assign targets to other vehicles in the network that are operating with their radars in silent mode, maximising lethality while maintaining proportionally high levels of emission concealment. A network controller can also vector in extra weapons systems, in flight, if targets are missed or if the ships magazines have been depleted beyond its capacity to engage hostile force elements.
The Cromwell II links for the Hatchets, like the Skyguard and Shepherd, use frequency-agile radios or direct laser LOS transfer, satellite assisted if required. Over 4,000 frequencies with 20kHz channel spacing are used in the frequency agile radio link. The system architecture provides full duplex data exchange and simultaneous half duplex voice communications.
As with the LY471, the Hatchet's air defence sensor net is a multi-system package. By default, the Hatchet's anti-aircraft system is based on the AN/MPQ-77 Vigilant, a three-dimensional radar used to alert and queue Short-to-Medium Range Air Defense (STMRAD- pronounced “stem-rad”) weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching front line forces. The Vigilant radar uses an X-band, range-gated, pulse-doppler system. The antennae use phase-frequency electronic scanning technology, forming sharp 3D pencil beams covering large surveillance and track volume. The radar automatically detects, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. It uses a high scan rate (40 RPM), is frequency agile, and operates at a range of 52 km.
When used primarily as an air defence variant, the Hatchet-class uses the far larger and more powerful AN/MPQ-71 Keep target tracking radar. Unlike purpose-built platforms or extremely large ships (such as the Longsword-class), the system detects at 450km and tracks at 350km, in normal conditions. The Keep radar also uses the X-band, and is like its smaller cousin a range-gated, pulse-doppler system. The antennae use electronic steering to direct the radar, and it sweeps at 40RPM. The radar. As with its Vigilant ancestor, automatically detects, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Both radars are designed to incorporate extremely high resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM), partly by way of GaAs circuitry, and can perform target acquisition, confirmation, tracking and identification in the absence of the other layers of radar coverage, should circumstances require.
Well implemented networking, using the Cromwell II system, can contribute to improved effectiveness in other ways as well. Rather than micromanage Cromwell-equipped platforms with close control via a command link tether (such as a radio), networked platforms are given significant autonomy, defined objectives, and allowed to take the initiative in how they meet these objectives. The size, integration and scope of the networked Cromwell II system enables all units across the battlespace to respond faster than their opposition, and this increased tempo generates increased lethality across all levels of the engagement spectrum.
The system, in its entirety, is fully insulated against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 512-bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security.
Armament
Due to its modular nature, there are a wide variety of weapons systems that the class may employ.
For the GWLS.35M2 4-cell VLS, four weapon systems are available of compatible dimensions, namely the LY4031, LY4045 AShM, BGM-109 Tomahawk and LY589 Hellion.
In the anti-aircraft role, the Hatchet-class operates the Lyran-standard LY4031. The LY4031 missile is a medium range, high-acceleration, endoatmospheric interceptor missile, capable against a wide range of targets. The LY4031 is more than able to engage aircraft and air-launched weapons at ranges in excess of 210 km. The missile is small - similar in size to the 9M96M missile of the S-400, on which the LY4031 is based, and uses a hit-to-kill attack profile. The missile is equipped with an active homing head and has an estimated single shot kill probability of 0.98 for manned aircraft and 0.92 for unmanned maneuvering aircraft. A gas-dynamic control system enables the LY4031 missile to maneuver at altitudes of up to 65 km at positive g forces over 30, which permits engagment of non-strategic ballistic missiles. The LY4031 (modified) has become the basic long-range weapon of Lyran Protectorate Air Force's combat aircraft, and the standardised missile for medium-to-long range air defense SAM systems, ship-launched air defense missile systems, and fighter aircraft.
VLS cells on the Hatchet capable of firing the LY4031 are the same cells able to fire the LY589 Hellion, LY4045 AShM or BGM-109 Tomahawk, and exact loadout is variable. By convention, Lyran operational cruises detailing air defence as a given vessel's primary tasking will carry 32 LY4031 missiles in the fore modular (VLS) section, and an AN/MPQ-71 Keep radar system in the rear, where alternate radar coverage is unavailable. Should alternate radar coverage be available, either through another Hatchet or a different platform altogether, then it is entirely possible that both fore and aft modules will be composed of vertical launch tubes armed with the LY4031.
Length: 5.1 m
Diameter: 0.31 m
Wing span: 0.46
Weight: 355 kg
Propulsion: solid propellant boost and sustain
Guidance: inertial with command updates. Active radar terminal homing from AGAT. Alternate home-on-jamming modes.
Warhead: KE hit-to-kill
Speed: 3600 km/h
Range: 210 km
Altitude: 65,000 m
Where the anti-ship or surface-to-surface role is primary, three similar missile systems may form the primary armament, again located in either fore or aft modular sections.
The first is the near ubiquitous BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile, which itself needs little by the way of introduction. The only remaining Tomahawks in Lyran service are the Block Vs, however the VLS cells themselves are backwards compatible.
Length: Without booster: 5.56 m
With booster: 6.25 m
Diameter: 0.52 m
Wing span: 2.67 m
Weight: 1440 kg
Propulsion: Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan
using TH-dimer fuel and a solid-fuel booster
Guidance: GPS, TERCOM, DSMAC
Warhead: Conventional: 1,000 lb (450 kg) Bullpup, or submunitions dispenser with BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb, or a 200 kiloton of TNT (840 terajoule)
Speed: 880km/h
Range: 2500km
The second is the LY4045 anti-ship cruise missile. Itself developed from the BGM-109, and remarkably similar superficially, the LY4045 has undergone a series of minor modifications to optimise its performance in the anti-ship role. Having seen action in numerous theatres since its inception, at the hands of both Lyran forces and allies and clients, the LY4045 is a rugged, destructive and relatively cheap system that is generally fired in relatively large numbers to ensure target destruction. To date, the LY4045 is responsible for more naval tonnage destroyed than all other forms of offensive firepower employed by the Lyran Protectorate combined.
Length: Without booster: 5.6 m
With booster: 6.45 m
Diameter: 53cm
Wingspan: 2.7m
Launch mass: 1500kg
Propulsion: Lyran Arms AB112 turbofan with solid-fuel booster
Guidance: GPS/INS with mid-course command data-transfer via Cromwell system. IR, ARH, SARH or command terminal stage homing.
Warhead: 450kg Tandem-charge HEAS
Speed: 900kph
Range: 3000km
The third system is the LY589 Hellion advanced cruise missile. The LY589 Hellion is a long-range, all-weather, multi-role, fourth generation subsonic cruise missile. Designed and built by Lyran Arms for a wide variety of roles, it was designed primarily as a medium- to extreme-range, low-altitude, surface-to-surface missile that could be launched from a variety of platforms against a variety of targets. During initial concept development, the missile changed from a fairly conventional (albeit advanced) cruise missile into arguably the most intelligent and technologically sophisticated multi-role guided munition in the world. Warheads available to the Hellion include (but are not limited to) high-explosive anti-ship, unitary HE, unitary fragmentation, bomblet dispersal, WAGAV and thermobaric. Where mission flexibility or simultaneous anti-ship/ship-to-shore operations are anticipated, Hellion is usually the weapon of choice.
Diameter: 53cm
Length: Without booster: 5.6 m
With booster: 6.45 m
Motor: Lyran Arms AB112 turbofan with solid-fuel booster
Launch mass: 1510kg
Wingspan: 2.7m
Warhead: Variable
Guidance: GPS, INS, Cromwell 2 (if available), DSMAC, ARH, IR, TERCOM, IMU
Fuzes: Variable, depending on selected by missile.
Speed: 880kph
Range: 3000km
The GWLS.35M2 is also capable of delivering the Questarian P-900 Sea Scimitar Light AShM, which, while considerably shorter ranged than the BGM-109 (1/10th the range ), is rated as more likely to hit a given naval target, and has slightly more than twice the warhead yield. It is worth noting that while the platform can fire the missile system, the neither production rights to the missile nor individual missiles are avaiable from Lyras, and purchase, if applicable, must be arranged by communication with appropriate Questarian entities.
Diameter: 0.595m
Length: 6 m
Motor: Afterburning Turbojet
Launch mass: 1000kg
Wingspan: 0.965m (foldout)
Warhead: 200kg HE
Guidance: Active Home on RADAR; INS/GPS capable, mid course guidance
Speed: 1076.4kph cruise, 2160kph terminal
Range: 400km (max)
300km (effective)
Flight Altitude: 25-100m
For close range protection, the ship is armed with two LY774 35mm naval autocannons, mounted to the fore, port and starboard, which can be fired either manually, using remote weapons stations, or automatically, by Cromwell uplink to the vessel's central computer. The system, once more pursuant to any rules of engagement in effect, can automatically engage unidentified or hostile targets that enter firing envelope, as a means of automated self-defence. This feature can, of course, be overridden or deactivated, as the tactical scenario warrants. The system, in addition to naval craft, can also engage low-flying aircraft and ground targets. The LY774 is not a modular option, and unless expressly specified otherwise is maintained regardless of the vessel's primary tasking.
Also available for surface attack or naval fire support tasking is the versatile LY366(N), the navalised version of the LY366 L65/155mm gun-launcher. The LY366 was first developed for the LY2A3-2 Bull Mastiff Tank Destroyer, also saw action as main armament of the LY3 Warhound MBTseries, and later in the LY6 Werewolf assault gun. The LY366, while optimised for long-range, OTH engagements, is more than capable of being used in a direct-fire role, where it remains an accurate, cost-effective and sustainable means of placing firepower on-target. On the Hatchet-class vessels, when the LY366(N) is deployed, it is fitted to the forward modular section.
The chromium-plated barrel is a fraction over 8m long and is fitted with a slotted muzzle brake which yields increased muzzle velocity whilst reducing the degree of muzzle flash. The wedge-type breech block is integrated with an exchangeable primer magazine fitted with a standard conveyer assembly for automatic (but adjustable and controllable) primer transportation, loading and unloading.
Like the LY366, the LY366(N) carries 50 rounds of 155mm ammunition stored within the turret, and fed by an automatic loader. Unlike the weapon's ground-based counterpart, in the naval version additional shells are picked up from below the turret, and automatically stowed in the 50-round magazine in the centre of the chassis, to facilitate a more reliable firing rate, and generating a higher ammunition availability.
The shell loading system is driven by brushless electric servo motors supplied by Lyran Arms' Highcairn Manufacturing Zone. The automatic shell loading system has air-forced ram and Cromwell-backed automatic digital control, ammunition supply management and autonomous target-assessed fuze setting.
The LY366(N) is rated to fire out to 55km with standard ammunition, and 65km with rocket-assisted munitions.
The LY366(N) remains compatible with most 155mm ammunition, including both guided and unguided projectiles, both Lyran and non-Lyran.
Armour and Protection
Hatchet-class vessels employ a range of signature reduction techniques integral to their design, including extensive use of radar-absorbent materials and radar refractive angular surfaces. Active exhaust cooling and IR suppression also render the vessel harder to target or detect on infra-red than might otherwise have been thought, especially when operating in the littoral.
The NBC system follows Lyran standard, and features quite adequately as a climate control system, making for working temperatures easily adjustable to every national or personal need (operating temperature range -40C to 55C).
Two 21-cell RIM-116 rolling airframe missile launchers are carried for surface to air point defence. The RIM-116 RAM is a small, lightweight, IR-homing or HoJ surface-to-air missile designed as a point defence system for use against anti-ship cruise missiles. Aboard Lyran ships, and many others that utilise Lyran hardware, the system is integrated into the Cromwell II battlespace management suite. While designed primarily for the anti-missile and anti-aircraft defensive role, the weapon system can be employed against surface targets. The system uses a Mk49 launcher, with a total weight of 5.8 tons.
Designer: Raytheon, Diehl BGT Defence
Length: 2780 mm
Diameter: 127 mm
Fin span: 445 mm
Speed: Mach 2.0+
Warhead: 11.3 kg blast fragmentation
Launch Weight: 73.5 kg (162 lb)
Range: 7.5 km
Guidance System: tri-modal; Passive RF/IR, IR, or infrared dual mode enabled (radio frequency and infrared homing)
Propulsion and mobility
Borrowing again from ideas utilised on the LY6 Werewolf, the engines of the Hatchets are very well noise insulated, by means of rubber matting, lowering internal and external vibration and, thus, detectability. Noise levels outside the engine room are extremely low, both from inside and outside the ship.
Cruise speed is 15knots, granting the Hatchet-class a range of 4000 nautical miles. Top speed is 34 knots.
Batteries are integrated into the system, which allows the vessel to be driven yet more quietly for several hours with the engines shut down, a factor very likely to increase survivability in combat against hostile sub-surface force elements.
An innovation on ships, but now standard with Lyran armoured vehicles, the Hatchet-class is fitted with stern-mounted cameras for short range, in port or littoral operations.
Manning
The Hatchet as a highly automated, lightweight vessel, requires a relatively low number of crew to operate it. At full complement, the vessel will berth 71 personnel, of whom roughly 1 in 7 will be officers. The body of personnel enables limited combat redundancy, and allows the limited conduct of underway repairs. Given the highly modular nature of the platform, exact numbers of crew will, however, vary, both in number and in task. A ship fielding a helicopter will of course require flight crew and maintenance personnel, whereas a towed array sonar variant will need a larger number of sonar operators. The class is able to berth substantially more personnel than listed, should exceptional or emergency situations require.
Export
Executive Command, as is standard, retains complete oversight over the distribution of the above system. Further to that, amongst those to whom the class is available, acquisition of the role-specific production rights to the LY589 Hellion cruise missile is restricted. Indeed, given the sensitive nature of the LY589, and its AI and guidance packages, it would be the exception, rather than the rule, that DPR to that weapon be granted alongside purchase of one or more Hatchet-class vessels.
Upon purchase of one or more example of the class, the purchaser is, however, entitled to the following:
DPR to the LY4045 anti-ship cruise missile for use on-ship only
DPR to the LY4031 AA/ABM missiles for use on-ship only
DPR to the LY774 35mm naval autocannon for maintenance and resupply only
DPR to the LY366(N) L65/155mm navalised gun-launcher for maintenance and resupply only
DPR to the AN/MPQ-71 Keep air defence radar, for maintenance and repair only
DPR to the AN/MPQ-77 Vigilant radar system, for maintenance and repair
Peacetime clearance to dock at Lyran or Lyran-held ports, subordinate to Lyran Executive Command revocation.
All modules features are not included, but DPRs are granted to produce the modules for use aboard Hatchet-class vessels only.
Purchases and enquiries through Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320&highlight=Lyras).
Standard purchase price is NS$960m per vessel.