So, continuing my illustration of UCL DRC design projects:
This is a carrier for 6 CAT-VL UCAVs broadly the same size as the X-47A but trading some warload and range for VL. The ramp forward is to allow operations in rough weather, as this ship is too small to use a catapult only.
Displacement about 7300 te. Weapons are FLAADS(M) with a CAMM battery forward and a notional MRR on the foremast, with IRST fore and aft. This is backed up by two DS-30B / LMM / Starstreak combination mounts, proposed a couple of years ago. Plus, the usual ESM, decoys and a Lynx for communications and self defence ASW.
Note the antenna farm on the superstructure (offset to stbd, containing the hangar and maintenance space). The exact design of the upperworks wasn't a focus of the project, but would need some work if a large number of communications channels were to be included.
Maximum speed 28 knots, cruise speed 18 knots for 7000 nm. CODAG in an IFEP architecture.
This design was developed as part of an internal study to revisit previous examination of the concept, and was presented at RINA's Warship 2009 conference.
- RP1