The concept is to have a single Hull design which can be outfitted with what you want it to do. The project Office still talks of 15 vessels so in essence replacing what Canada now has; 3 destroyers and then 12 Frigates. Obviously the first combatants to be replaced will be the AAW. The difference is these will not all be built over a short period, they will (my guess) come on line once every year or year and a half. The also mention vessels in the 6000t range so they would be larger than the present ships. See page 3 for a good general overview of the history and direction of the project.
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms_images ... 07%20e.pdf
My take is the concept is to build-in the ability to change the radar, com, and weapons when newer technology is available. An example might be: the 76OTO being replaced by a rail gun or the diesel/electric engines replaced with a fuel cell based propulsion. How far can we advance in 15 yrs, 20yrs, and so on. We've seen the hulls ability to last 40 yrs but it seems the technology changes almost annually.
My inspiration through-out this process is to try and come up with the most capable ship and then pair down it's abilities and add others, such as an ASW ability.
Many thanks for the ideas and guidance as I continue to "tweek".