Some insight into the requirements that may find their way into the design of the new frigate with an emphasis on AAW capability. Previous discussions in the public domain had focused on the SuW and ASW missions so this is an interesting glimpse into the Navy's thinking. Both LM and Austal designs would do well to have a more powerful complement to SeaRAM specially in the escort role. It remains to be seen what piece of the frigate pie is reduced/sacrificed in the process.
PressTV-US Navy considering more powerful warships
RET has been tasked with designing LCS-based frigates that can carry a minimum of 16 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) Block 2 missiles or make use of a Mark 41 vertical launch system that can house at least 8 Standard SM-2 missiles—one of the primary anti-air weapons used by on the Navy’s various vessels.
The challenge is that using that type of weaponry requires the addition of several new radars and a more capable command and control system.
The ships would also have the Cooperative Engagement Capability, which links sensors and weapons carried on multiple ships, aircraft or shore installations and turns them into an integrated fire control system.
