A bit random but I am the sort of armchair general guy who says “what if?, why not?” and then draws a picture to illustrate what I mean. So, here is my line of thought as to the optimum expeditionary frigate/destroyer – somewhere between FREMM and Absalon, and actually with a RN weapons fit in mind.
Although BAE Sys would no doubt push for their products, I think that a OTO-Melara lightweight 127mm main gun with Volcano ammunition is the best choice. CIWS would be three 35mm Millennium guns (one forward, two aft).
Hangers would be on either side of the ship with an air-control room between them, and a medium sized Slyvr VLS capable of Aster-15/30 but mainly for Storm Shadow. SAM would be VL MICA.
Single integrated mast similar to Thales systems with multiple phased arrays including surface search. Single Sat uplink atop the mast (not Sampson).
Modest Ro-Ro/flex deck. Two 11m boats on flanks. Pop-up automatic 20mm guns forward of bridge.
On top there is a large flexible weapons deck similar to that on Absalon (but bigger). Whole range of weapons options and/or mission modules (removed via crane). Typical weapon here would be loiter attack drones (as per recent British test flight).
Powerplant as per Type-45 but exhaust between hulls to reduce IR sig and leave upper deck clear for max weapons/flex.
Obviously I’e never built a boat in my life so this is all guesswork 😉
Nice trimaran design. Would this be your proposal for a future Chinese destroyer?
—–JT—–
sort of, proposal would be the wrong word. It’s designed around Chinese systems just because it stems from a discussion on SinoDefence forum. The design itself is heavily influenced by various European thinking (VosperT’s designs, FREEM/HORIZON etc). The hull is actually after a proposed French idea (BGV), but with a Chinese Type-022 “look” to the outrigger.
Hey, just found this on the BGV website, interesting designn for lightweight LCS type role:
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