NationStates Jolt Archive


CNC unveils the Firefly Class Stealth Frigate

Questers
03-09-2008, 12:20
Firefly Class FFG
Overview: CNC began work on the Firefly Class Stealth Frigate in response to a Royal Navy inquiry on the usefulness of stealth on surface vessels. The result was the Firefly class; a steel constructed Frigate mounting an all-purpose Beaufort Electrics Sensors-Dual Band Radar (BES-DBR) that has significant anti-surface, air, and subsurface weaponry for its size. The construction of the Firefly and her weapons and sensors was done specifically for the purpose of reducing her radar-cross-section and making her harder to detect on radars of all types. In this she has been considered extremely successful.

General Systems: The ship is equipped with helicopters and UAVs and the landing deck has no clutter that cannot be removed. The 'wall' that stops landing aircraft from slipping off the side of the deck is constructed from aluminium and can be lowered back into the ship when not used, greatly reducing the amount of right angles on the stern of the vessel and therefore reducing its RCS. The ship's boats are mounted in another reclinable door below the radar and navigation bridge. Other escape systems include two doors with internal bays that hold lifejackets and pump-up smaller lifeboats, that serve as evacuation points, again reducing the ship's RCS and removing deck clutter. Decoys are loaded and launched from inside the ship from launch tubes that also can be reclined over by a 'door.' There are eight decoy points with four launchers each and eight reloads inside the ship, to be used as either IR or Radar decoys for incoming missiles.

Number of personnel has been greatly reduced by automation and personnel living in relatively comfortable quarters. The ship has satellite internet which is at all times available for the use of the sailors, and they share only a single mess and relaxation room with a seperate room that houses an eighty inch television and surround sound for movies and films on-demand. However, due to the large amount of weaponry, space is sometimes cramped and necessitates physical excercise, which the ship does not necessarily always have space for on its limited helicopter bay and forecastle.

Armament: The Firefly is armed with two main weapons systems; her Mk.50 VLS and her Mk.90 VLS. The Mk.50 VLS tubes are arranged in 4 columns of 9 (4x9) on the main fore VLS platform and any missile that fits those dimensions can be stored and launched (presuming it is compatible with the ship's sensors.) The 36-cell Mk.50 weighs 125t in total, including support systems, and therefore any replacement on the fore section cannot weigh more than 125t when fully loaded. Apart from that, any missile that fits to the dimensions of 8m x .6m sq can be loaded and fired from the Mk.50 and any system that weighs and fits the total allowable space dimensions of 10m long x 9m wide x 9m deep can be used instead. Cold launch can be supported with extensive modification but again, can not break the structural integrity limits of the fore VLS platform.

The midships Mk.90 VLS platform is designed specifically for SSMs (or large SAMs) and contains 6 missiles in columns of 3 (3x2). Any missile that fits within the 10m x 1m sq dimension can be stored and launched (presuming it is compatible with the ship's sensors.) The total dimension area of the amidships VLS is and the total supportable weight is 100t. Like the fore VLS any system that can fit into the dimensions of 6m long x 6m wide x 11m deep and the supportable weight limit of 100t can be attached with sufficient and usually extensive modification. With its large cell size in terms of diametre the Mk.90 plays the primary anti-shipping role of the Firefly Class.

For close-in defence the Firefly is fitted with 4x4 Mk.41 SDLS launchers generally equipped with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, of which 64 can be quad-packed and stored in their launchers at any one time. The equivalent of three Rolling Airframe Launchers or innumerable gun-based CIWS systems this allows the Firefly a generally unique advantage in defending itself in a hostile environment without threatening her radar-cross section by cluttering the deck. Slaved to the missile fire control systems in the BES-DBR/01 the ESSMs can be assigned tracks and engage them in a split second. They are mounted behind the helicopter hangar.

Other armament includes an MGR-105 10.5cm naval rifle and 150 rounds for shore bombardment and defence against fast boats and boghammers, and a pair of 12.5mm MGs mounted amidships.

Sensors The main sensors of the ship can be found on the mainmast behind the navigation bridge, although there is an integrated sensor suite where helicopter-related landing and takeoff sensors can be found. The mainmast features the BES-DBR/01 sensor system. The DBR/01's main active/passive radar system replaces individual antennas and interfaces with a single six-faced radar,with three faces at X-Band and 3 faces at S-Band, removing the previous need for two masts, each with a single radar band. Even with low emissions control were radars are not permitted to radiate under operational or tactical standards, the DBR/01 can still broadcast an effective passive radar without being noticed. The scanning and detection radar has a maximum range of 425km search and 250km track with a maximum tracking number of 800 targets; obviously range is limited by horizon.

For some tasks both frequencies can be used for the same objective. With the advantage of a shared resource manager, bringing both frequencies to bear can bring an incredible advantage to a ship's warfare officers in understanding and planning the battle area. Furthermore it handles air search, sea search, tracking and illumination, environment and weather, recognition and assessment, communication, navigation, and as both radars are AESA radars, is also extremely potent in EW and ECM. Not only is sharing these resources on a resource manager and reducing the amount of computers and personnel needed to process the data useful, it also lowers the amount of deck clutter and reduces the ship's total RCS, especially when systems are running off or very low. A small suite above the navigation bridge handles IR and LIDAR equipment.

Furthermore a bow mounted sonar complements this.

Propulsion: The Firefly Class FFG is propelled by a pair of Beaufort Electrics AMG gas turbines which produce 20MW of power each, and are routed through a pair of Beaufort Electrics electric motors which also produce 20MW each. This system is known as Integrated Electric Propulsion and is known to be generally quieter than other forms of propulsion.

OOC Notes: Obviously the Firefly FFG is not invisible, and unless you understand proper stealth naval doctrine and operational tactics, it will be just as visible as any other destroyer or frigate. First things first, emissions control is necessary. In a warzone, the warship does not need to be broadcasting its active radar all the time. If any enemy ships or aircraft are doing so they will reveal their position, which can be plotted via ESM according to the general strength and distance of the enemy 'emitter.' Action can then be taken without even having to turn on an active radar; a missile with an active-hmoe on seeker can be shot blind and still has a chance of hitting the target.

Secondly, the Firefly is not automatically hidden. Yes, I imagine the role of this ship to be mounting large amounts of Harpoons or other sized missiles, running up to a enemy task group in a squadron of maybe 2-3 ships on full emissions control, and using her ESM to figure out the approximate enemy position and then letting lose with her missiles, using enemy emissions to track her way there and not her own. Yet, any truly competent commander will be doing his own detection methods and he will make absolutely sure he is not the first one to turn on his active radars. Of course, I don't expect real naval warfare in the slightest from II.

In short; you can choose how you use the Firefly, either carefully and cautiously as it ought to be, or in the typical NS fashion of 'i fire missiles at u post losses plz', but if the latter doesn't work out for you, don't blame me or my design, blame your shortcomings, not mine.

Producer: Consolidated Naval Construction
Image: [Link] (http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/7869/stealthfrigateoq4.png)

Dimensions: LOA 135M x BOA 15m x T 5.75m
Displacement (Empty): 4,000T
Displacement (Full): 4,850T

Complement: 82 enlisted + 15 officers
Aircrew: 18 provisional
Marines: N/a

Powerplant: 2 x Beaufort Electrics AMG Gas Turbines powering 2 xBeaufort Electrics EMR Electric Motors
Speed: 20 knots / 32 knots
Range: 6,500km @ 20 knots

Gun Weaponry:
1 x MGR-105 105mm rifle
2 x 12.5mm machineguns

Missile Weaponry:
36 x Mk.50 VLS or other sizable equivalent [SM-2, SM-3, RIM-162, RGM-84, BGM-109,. RUM-139]
16 x Mk.41 SDLS VLS [ESSM]
6 x Mk.90 VLS or other sizable equipment (see writeup)
1 x Mk.144 RAM (see writeup)
8 x Hull decoy launchers

Vehicles:
1 x Medium sized HELO (Sea King)
1 x Small sized HELO or U/CAV
4 x RHIBs

Sensors:
BES-DBR/01 S/X Band Radar
IR/LIDAR Suite
Bow SONAR Suite
Aircraft Land/Takeoff Suite

Cost per Unit: $1.55bn per ship; $15bn per 10 ships; $12.5bnn per 20 ships; $11bn per 100 ships

Please order in increments of 10, 20, or 100.

An order of 110 ships would cost 11bn+15bn. an order of 130 ships would, for example, cost 11bn+15bn+12.5bn. an order of 150 ships, therefore, woudl cost 11bn+15bn+12.5bn+12.5bn.

Confused? Don't worry, you don't need to post how much you're paying in your order, only how many ships you are ordering. If you don't want to calculate the cost that's fine but if you want to, I'm not helping you :P
Questers
03-09-2008, 14:40
bump lul
Ustio North
03-09-2008, 15:09
Nice design - for Burlitania, I presume?
Tolvan
03-09-2008, 16:27
The Commonwealth of Tolvan wishes to purchase one hundred (100) Firefly class Frigates, to be known in Tolvanic service as the Type 66 stealth frigate.

Chad Graves
Underminister of Defence for Procurement
Commonwealth of Tolvan

OOC: Excellent work.
Questers
03-09-2008, 17:22
Nice design - for Burlitania, I presume? Well, sort of; if he wants to buy it, he can, but he only gave the idea to design a stealth ship, and not the motivation.

Tolvan: Approved
Sur Abruzzi
03-09-2008, 17:28
The proud nation of Sur Abruzzi would like to purchase 100 of the Firefly Class Frigate. All monies will be wired into your account upon confirmation of order and price.

With regards,

Samuel Johnson
Treasury Secretary

OOC: This is VERY impressive work.
Questers
03-09-2008, 17:39
Approved.
Anemos Major
03-09-2008, 17:43
The Holy Empire of Anemos Major, Holy Office of War.

We would like to purchase 40 of these ships for the coastguard.
Questers
03-09-2008, 17:53
Lol, approved.
Leistung
03-09-2008, 21:00
OOC: Lol, you realize now that I'll have to come out with a stealth ship line to keep up. Ah, capitalism. Gotta love it.
1010102
03-09-2008, 22:48
OOC: Another good design.
Third Spanish States
04-09-2008, 03:04
The MilNet Private Defense Agency wishes to inquire whether it would be possible for Consolidated Naval Construction to develop a new vessel using the same superstructure of the Firefly Class with as much of armaments removed as necessary, to be replaced by refueling facilities and a runway large enough for a few Harrier-sized S/VTOL aircraft to land and take off from as a type of stealth light carrier, for such vessel would be perfect for many of our strategic and tactical needs.
Zinaire
04-09-2008, 03:50
OOC: Expensive new toys!

http://img.skitch.com/20080714-engi3h9hhxtyewhsucey13314s.png

From: The Zinairian Military Authority
To: Consolidated Naval Construction
Re: Firefly Purchase
Priority: Normal
Encryption: Level 3

We are impressed with your latest design and would like to purchase thirty of your Firefly Class frigates. Money will be wired upon confirmation.

The Zinairian Military Authority does not divulge classified information, information with the potential to endanger military operators or information related to another government entity without explicit permission to do so. If you believe you have received information in error, please report it immediately.
Questers
04-09-2008, 07:23
Approved.

[OOC: Heh heh heh]
Questers
04-09-2008, 07:38
The MilNet Private Defense Agency wishes to inquire whether it would be possible for Consolidated Naval Construction to develop a new vessel using the same superstructure of the Firefly Class with as much of armaments removed as necessary, to be replaced by refueling facilities and a runway large enough for a few Harrier-sized S/VTOL aircraft to land and take off from as a type of stealth light carrier, for such vessel would be perfect for many of our strategic and tactical needs. Sorry this is not possible at the present date.
Cotland
05-09-2008, 14:35
Official Statement

Dear sir,

On the behalf of the Royal Cottish Navy, I am pleased to inform you that the Type 36 Firefly class frigate has been selected to serve as the new escort vessel for the Royal Cottish Navy's aircraft carriers and battleships. In service with the Royal Cottish Navy, the Fireflys will cover the waters of Haven and ensure the safety of Cottish and allied commerce and interests.

Due to the size of the Cottish Navy, we shall require a total of twenty-five hundred (2 500) vessels, which will be ordered in increments of 100 for a total of twenty-five (25) 100-ship increments. At a cost of $11 billion NSD per 100-ship increment, this equals to $275 billion NSD, which will be wired upon confirmation of the order.

We thank you for the swift response.


Signed,

Viseadmiral Ørjan Bakke
Royal Ministry for the Defence of the Realm
Realm of Cotland
New Manth
05-09-2008, 19:03
Official Purchase Request
Denomination of Strategy Procurement Office

Dear sirs,

I am pleased to submit on behalf of the Union Navy an order for 400 hulls of the Firefly class vessel. The amount of $44 bn has been set aside from the current year's procurement budgets, and, your kind assent permitting, will be paid upon delivery of the vessels by yourselves.

Regards,

Cyril Bakhoum
Director of Naval Procurement