Shipbucket

Well after an even more protracted development (drawing) time I've got around to doing even more tweaks to the millionth iteration of the Gemstone, this time with some helpful input from other members put into them








Abstract:

Stemming from the CNGF project the Gemstone class of destroyers as one can probably tell ended up being full on destroyers in both displacement and capability terms leading to another design to replace ageing frigates. Like the UK Atlantia decided to leave the partnership that would end up with the Horizon class to develop what they had already developed. The result was a family of destroyers outwardly similar in appearance to the Horizon class albeit being slightly larger in all respects.
Unlike the Horizon class the Gemstones were designed to make use of the COGLAG style of propulsion rather than CODOG. During development there was talk of moving towards the as yet unproven SYLVER launching system over the the proven American made Mk.41. Politics however intervened and rather than SYLVER it was decided that Mk.41 would be installed to promote US relations (that said IRL SYLVER is to undergo integration of Mk41 capable munitions).

Future:

There are currently 34 Gemstones in service with the Atlantian Navy, their future is pretty much guaranteed for several decades current pipeline upgrades include operational integration of UAV/UCAVs, integration of NSM to supplement ASALM, supplanting SM-2ER with SM-6, operational clearance of CAMM and possible integration of other SYLVER capable munitions.

Specifications:

'Gemstone' class guided missile destroyer

• Produced:2000-2013
• In Commission: 2003 Onwards
• Displacement: <8,500 Tonnes
• Length: 169.1m Oa.
• Beam: 22.4m (7.53:1)
• Draught: 5.7m nominal
• Propulsion:
  • 2x Rolls Royce Marine MT30 gas turbines generator sets rated at 36MW ea.
  • 2x Rolls Royce Marine WR-21 propulsion turbines rated at 28,800SHP ea.
  • 40x MagPower MAFC fuel cells for a total of 200kW
  • 1x retractable auxiliary propulsor / limp home propulsion unit
• Speed: Cruise:20 knots Sustained: >30 knots (hopefully able to maintain 35 knots in reasonable seas)
• Complement and Accommodation: Crew: 200 Permanent Accommodation: 220 Surge Accommodation: 30
• Endurance: 60 days before resupply
• Range: 15,000km @ 17 knots
• Armament: Various
  Batch 1 + 4
  
  • 4x 76mm Davide dual-purpose guns
  • 1x 64 Cell (Strike Length), 1x 32 Cell (Strike Length) + 2x 8 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
  • 2x Oerlikon Contraves Phalanx 25 CIWS (25mm x184)
  • 4x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
  • 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos
  Batch 2
  • 1x 127mm/64 medium calibre gun
  • 1x 64 Cell (Strike Length) 1x 32 Cell (Strike Length) + 2x 8 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
  • 2x Mk49 RAM launchers (RIM-116 BLK2)
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
  • 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos
  Batch 3
  • 1x 76mm/62 SR medium calibre gun
  • 1x 48 Cell (Strike Length) 2x 8 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
  • 2x Oerlikon Contraves Phalanx 25 CIWS (25mm x184)
  • 2x Mk49 RAM launchers (RIM-116 BLK2)
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
  • 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos
  Batch 5
  • 1x 127mm/64 medium calibre gun
  • 1x 48 Cell (Strike Length), 2x 8 Cell (Strike Length) + 2x 8 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
  • 2x Mk49 RAM launchers (RIM-116 BLK2)
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
  • 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos
• Aviation:
  Rated For
  • UH-1N, WS70, AW101, Lynx, Sea Apache + Sea King.
    Common
    • Rotary-wing UAVs including MQ-8B and MQ-8C Fire Scout (Cross decking) as well as future operational capability to deploy Atlantian UAVs
    Batch 1+4
    
    • 2x WS70 Seahawks
    Batch 2
    
    • 2x WS70 Seahawks or 2x AW101 Merlins
    Batch 3
    
    • 2x AW101 Merlins or 2x WS70 Seahawks
    Batch 5
    
    • 2x WS70 Seahawks
      It should be noted that whilst all batches can land and physically hangar AW101s the volume of the hangar on batch 1,4 and 5 vessels precludes their operational use
  Boats and Landing Craft:
  Common
  • 2x 7m RHIBs for harbour launch duties and boarding work
  Batch 5
  
  • 2x 11m optionally armed for conveyance of boarding parties on anti-piracy operations and special operations

Deity Class Command Cruisers



Compared to their half sisters the Deity class are quite particularly set up to act as flotilla leaders and to act as the eyes and ears of said flotillas. As such they feature a somewhat different sensor arrangement.
Armament:
Batch 1

• 1x 76mm/62 SR medium calibre gun
• 1x 64 Cell (Strike Length) 2x 8 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
• 2x Mk49 RAM launchers (RIM-116 BLK2)
• 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
• 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
• 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos

Batch 2

• 3x 76mm/62 SR medium calibre guns
• 1x 64 Cell (Strike Length) + 1x 32 Cell (Self Defence Length) Mk41 Vertical Launchers
• 2x Mk49 RAM launchers (RIM-116 BLK2)
• 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
• 2x Rafael Mini-Typhoon weapon stations with M3 HMGs
• 2x Triple SVTT banks for either Mk46/54 or Stingray ASW torpedos

Combined Task Force 150 Stuff




Whilst on operations in the Indian Ocean HMAtS Diamond, Adamite and Emerald have all carried 'dazzle' schemes reminiscent of the Falkland schemes of some years back. The first scheme to be deployed was actually scheme 'B' which turned out to not be as effective as hoped, scheme 'A' was substituted on vessels deploying as a part of CTF-150. To suit the warmer waters that they semi-permanently operate in they have also received different anti-fouling arrangements.
For their deployments they land their ASW helicopters in favour of a SOFCOM MH.II Blacktip (MH-60M). Their forward and aft 'flex' areas have been organised to facilitate detainment of pirates and other undesirables as well as the embarkation of a larger than usual complement of boarding personnel made up from Atlantian SOFCOM personnel and SECFOR personnel.
On two occasions there have been TLAMs fired against targets in Somalia resulting in the destruction of both men and material.
Starting from 2014 the centurion countermeasure dispensers amidships will be retrofitted to fire Spike-ER surface to surface missiles to deal with skiffs and other vessels encountered also from operational experience the Batch 5 vessels now deploying to theatre will do so with an MH.I "Black Magic" SOFCOM transport helicopter (AW101) and Merlin HM.IA weapon capable transport.

_________________
AU Projects: | Banbha et al. | New England: The Divided States
Blood and Fire

Outstanding job! Your drawings never seize to impress.

_________________
Projects:
Zealandia AU
John Company AU
References and feedback is always welcome!

That is a lots of impressive stuff!

Great work! You can be sure I'm going to steel something from these

They are all very impressive, but as I was telling Timothy over IM, I struggle to differentiate <em>five</em> different modern roles that would call for seriously specialized destroyer variants.

There's much too much time and effort gone into them collectively to start economising. There are actually only (discounting the leaders) 2 specifc roles fulfilled. AAW/BMD and ASW. The general purpose (and most numerous) hulls only differ in that the later ones have better aviation facilities to handle Merlins.

_________________
AU Projects: | Banbha et al. | New England: The Divided States
Blood and Fire

Abstract:

The Patriot class are one of two to precede the Gemstone serving from 1984 and expected to be fully retired by 2014 they have had eventful lives being deployed to the Arabian Gulf for both the first and second invasions of Iraq. The Sanchez was damaged by a small boat filled with explosives whilst in harbour in Aden killing 33 of her crew and injuring a further 19. Both Oswald and Tasha Lem saw action in the campaign against the Muammar Gaddafi regime with the former engaging a Libyan frigate attempting to leave harbour with both 127mm gunfire and an RGM-84. Oswald consistently sailed close to the Libyan coast providing NGFS under direction from 30AU and 32AU personnel. During these actions Oswald was credited with the downing of a Libyan Mi-24 with one of its RAM launchers.

Future:

They are due for complete retirement by 2014 when Gemstones will have fully taken over their roles in one form or another. As of 6/6/2013 the vessels remaining in service were as follows:

• H-200 - HMAtS A. G. L. Stewart
• H-203 - HMAtS Lorna Bucket
• H-204 - HMAtS Tasha Lem
• H-207 - HMAtS Augustus Oduya
• H-209 - HMAtS Oswald
• H-211 - HMAtS Muriel Frost

All of the Harkness sub-class were retired by 2010 and laid up awaiting disposal as of 6/6/2013. H-219 is however expected to return to limited service as a trials ship.

Design:
The basic design of the Patriot class is that of a long slender hull with pronounced flare and knuckling towards the stem with a soft chine leading from it to the stern in an effort to maximise volume and reduce wetness (hence the bulwarks too).
The vessels are powered in a COGOG arrangement with 2x GE LM500 turbines providing cruise power, 2x GE LM2500 turbines providing boost/sprint power and 2x AG9140 ship service generators (During their SLEPs they received LM2500+ turbines replacing their earlier LM2500s as well as improvements to their gearing set-up.
The class originally featured open quarterdecks which in recent years have been plated over due to their almost constant wetness, the resulting expanse of space has been gladly utilised by the crews of remaining vessels.
Originally fitted with 4.5" Mk.8 mounts the class were retrofitted in their SLEP with 127mm mounts due to the 4.5/114mm calibre being abandoned in favour of the more common 127mm.
Other modifications I feel are self explanatory...

Specifications:

'Patriot' class guided missile destroyer

• Produced:1978-86
• In Commission: 1984 Onwards
• Displacement: <5,500 Tonnes
• Length: 152.4m WL
• Beam: 22.4m (10.09:1)
• Draught: 5.02m nominal
• Propulsion:
  • 2x GE LM2500 propulsion turbines (33,600SHP Ea.)
  • 2x LM500 cruise turbines (6,000SHP Ea.)
  • 2x AG9140 ship service generators
• Speed: Cruise:20 knots Sustained: >30 knots (hopefully able to maintain 35 knots in reasonable seas)
• Complement and Accommodation: Crew: 227 Permanent Accommodation: 250
• Endurance: 30 days before resupply
• Range: 9,260km @ 20 knots
• Armament:
  Pre SLEP Patriot
  • 1x 4.5" Mk.8 Medium Gun
  • 1x Mk13 GMLS (SM-1MR exclusively)
  • 8x RGM-84 Harpoon
  • 2x GCM-AO3-1 with 2x Oerlikon Contraves KCB 30mm x173 cannon each
  • 2x Triple SVTT for Mk46 / Stingray
  • 2x Mk49 launchers for RIM-116 RAM
  Post SLEP Patriot
  • 1x 127mm/54 Medium Gun
  • 1x 32 cell tactical length GMVLS (SM-1MR exclusively)
  • 8x RGM-84 Harpoon
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Triple SVTT for Mk46 / Stingray
  • 1x 8 cell SDLS length GMVLS (ESSM exclusively)
  • 2x Mk49 launchers for RIM-116 RAM
  Pre SLEP Harkness
  • 1x 4.5" Mk.8 Medium Gun
  • 1x Mk112 ASROC launcher (no reloads)
  • 8x RGM-84 Harpoon
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Triple SVTT for Mk46 / Stingray
  • 1x Mk29 launcher for ESSM
  Post SLEP Harkness
  • 1x 4.5" Mk.8 Medium Gun
  • 1x Mk112 ASROC launcher (no reloads)
  • 8x RGM-84 Harpoon
  • 2x Mk38 MOD 2 mounts with Oerlikon Contraves KBA cannon installed (25mm x184)
  • 2x Triple SVTT for Mk46 / Stingray
  • 1x 8 cell SDLS length GMVLS (ESSM exclusively)
  • 2x Mk49 launchers for RIM-116 RAM
  Aviation:
  Rated For
  • UH-1N, WS70, AW101, Lynx, Sea Apache + Sea King.
    Common
  • 2x Sea Lynx HMA.IX (AW Super Lynx 300)
  It should be noted that the vessels can land and refuel AW101s the size of the hangar precludes their operational use. Seahawks however will fit but are not operationally used

Boats and Landing Craft:
Common

• 2x 7m RHIBs for harbour launch duties and boarding work

~Mark.

_________________
AU Projects: | Banbha et al. | New England: The Divided States
Blood and Fire

Wow! Fantastic job! You never seize to amaze. Just one question, don't you think that the as built Patriot class is a little early for RAM since it didn't become operational till 1992?

_________________
Projects:
Zealandia AU
John Company AU
References and feedback is always welcome!

RAM has been around the block when it comes to it actually seeing service. Development could well have been hastened compared to the turn of events that actually occurred. Personally I'd call it delivered for but not with until available.

_________________
AU Projects: | Banbha et al. | New England: The Divided States
Blood and Fire

Fair enough

_________________
Projects:
Zealandia AU
John Company AU
References and feedback is always welcome!