Orion-Class Frigate: Difference between revisions

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The '''Orion-Class Frigate''' is a class of guided-missile frigates currently in service in the Imperial Union and Zokesia, fulfilling its role as an affordable modern escort/patrol Frigate.
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The '''Orion-Class Frigate''' is a class of guided-missile frigates currently in service in the [[Imperial Union]] and [[Zokesia]], fulfilling its role as an affordable modern escort/patrol Frigate.
   
 
{{Craft
 
{{Craft
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|designer=[[VAE Shipyards]], [[Vocavium/Westray]]
 
|designer=[[VAE Shipyards]], [[Vocavium/Westray]]
 
|cost=
 
|cost=
|built=10, 20 on order
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|built=23, 20 on order
 
|serv_start=2197|serv_end=ongoing
 
|serv_start=2197|serv_end=ongoing
 
|operators=[[Zokesia]]<br/>[[Confederate Coast Guard]]<br/>[[Confederate Navy]]<br/>[[Imperial Union]]
 
|operators=[[Zokesia]]<br/>[[Confederate Coast Guard]]<br/>[[Confederate Navy]]<br/>[[Imperial Union]]
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|height= 26
 
|height= 26
 
|draft= 3
 
|draft= 3
|propulsion= 2x FROSTON Industries Electric Propulsion Motors
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|propulsion= x2 FROSTON Industries Electric Propulsion Motors<br/>x1 M1800 Gas Turbine Generator
 
|knots=29|metres=15
 
|knots=29|metres=15
 
|range= 1800
 
|range= 1800
 
|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
 
|crew= 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
|sensors= VAE SIMPSON radar<br/>VAE T-11 Sonar
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|sensors= FROSTON CRYSTAL<br/>VAE SIMPSON radar<br/>VAE T-11 Sonar
|armament=x1 76mm Naval Gun<br/> x2 Phalanx CIWS <br/> x1 SeaRAM Launcher <br/> x2 4-cell AshM Launcher <br/> 48 VLS cells
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|armament=x1 57mm Naval Gun<br/> x2 Phalanx CIWS <br/> x1 SeaRAM Launcher <br/> x2 4-cell AshM Launcher <br/> 48 VLS cells
   
   
 
}}
 
}}
  +
|Aircraft Carried=Up to x2 K-53B II VTOL Fighters <br/> x2 ASW Helicopters}}
}}
 
[[File:Screenshot219.png|left|thumb|304x304px|Lead ship HMS ''Orion'' under-going sea trials, 2197]]
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[[File:Screenshot219.png|left|thumb|298x298px|Lead ship HMS ''Orion'' under-going sea trials, 2197]]
   
 
==Development==
 
==Development==
  +
The Orion-Class Frigate began development in 2195 under [[VAE system]]'s subsidiary [[VSD]] to meet the [[IRN]]'s new requirements for a next-generation escort/patrol frigate that could incorporate newly introduced technology at a lower cost than its traditional counterparts. In consideration of the newly deployed [[Huntsman-class Destroyer]] and the planned requirements of the [[Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser]], the VSD's proposal revolved around the [[FROSTON Industries]]' new CRYSTAL (Combat Radar Yellow, Search and Track Array Luminator) system in order to provide basic-level fleet air protection at a low cost. Due to weak competition from other designers or lack thereof, the proposal was approved by the Imperial Navy Design Committre in 2196, and an initial order of 5 frigates was placed to be delivered by the end of the following year.
The Orion-Class Frigate began preliminary development in 2195 under the
 
  +
==Design and Armament==
[[File:Screenshot222.png|left|thumb|HMS ''Orion'' conducting a routine operation off the coast of Westray.]]
 
  +
[[File:Screenshot222.png|left|thumb|HMS ''Orion'' conducting a routine operation off the coast of Westray.]]As a next-generation surface combatant geared for escort and patrol duties, the Orion-class incorporated a wide range of new Imperial technology that pioneered their use on other vessels through out the Imperial Armed Forces. One noteworthy example is the inclusion of a reinforced keel for greater ASW effectives and survivability in case of a torpedo hit to the keel. While traditional keels would succumb to even indirect detonation, the newly introduced reinforcements will allow current and future Orion frigates to be combat-effective even after a direct torpedo hit.
  +
  +
Froston Industries' CRYSTAL system saw its first deployment on the Orions, with two arrays being mounted on the sides of the superstructure aft of the main bridge. While it does not provide full coverage of the combat area, the two arrays combined with secondary SIMPSON radar and illuminators enable long-range tracking of up to 16 enemy contacts, a marked increase from the preceeding Acheron Class. Crew and technical data garnered from the radar systems onboard the lead ship HMS Orion during its initial combat trials allowed researchers at FROSTON Industries and VAE Shipyards to perfect system and software integration for their upcoming Future Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser project.
  +
  +
One of the most obvious changes made from VSD's intial proposal is the marked increase in maximum speed. While the original design was projected to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots using traditional disel-electric propulsion, the IRN demanded the ship be capable of reaching 30 knots in order to keep up with Imperial Carrier fleets. To accomodate for this demand, VAE Shipyards replaced their traditional propulsion-power system with Froston Industries' Electric Propulsion Motor Mk3 and a M1800 Gas Turbine generator. Although slightly more costly than their traditional counterparts, it was discovered in HMS Orion's maiden voyage that the new systems were far more efficient and reliable in long-term operations, prompting the IRN to investigate the possibitilies of refitting major combatants to utilise the new technology.
  +
  +
The frigate also boasts an impressive arsenal for its size with 48 VLS cells fore of the bridge, one 57mm naval gun, one SeaRAM launcher, two Phalanx CIWS systems and two 4 cell AshM launchers located amidships. In its standard escort configuration the VLS cells are designed to accomodate ESSM medium range interceptor missiles but they are also able to be outfitted with RIM-66 long-range interceptors or a limited range of cruise missiles to supplement the 8 AshMs stored in box launchers. [[File:Screenshot10731.png|left|thumb|Orion-class Frigate in Confederate Coast Guard service.]]
  +
Another noteworthy feature of the Orion-class is the large mission bay located amidships. Despite the frigate's small size, the mission bay is able to accomodate up to two [[K-53B II]] VTOL Fighters or ASW Helicopters as well as two [[BIMO]] (Boat, Inflatable, Multi-service Operational) high-manouverability boats, giving the Orion its characteristic mission flexibility.
  +
  +
==Contract Award and Foreign Sales==
  +
In November 2196, VAE Shipyards was awarded with a 1.5M Kredit contract by the IRN to produce 5 frigates with an option for 15 additional frigates after the intial delivery. However, following the ship's stellar performance during its maiden voyage and combat trials that far exceeded application, the order was expanded to 5+20, all expected to be delivered by the end of 2201.
   
  +
Both the [[Confederate Coast Guard]] and Navy expressed interest in the frigate even during its design phase at VSD. The frigate's cost-effectiveness combined with its large mission bay made it a strong contender for the two service's future combatant program, and by 2197, contracts for 10 frigates from the Coast Guard and 8 for the Navy were awarded to VAE Shipyards. All 18 frigates were delivered and are in active service under the two services.
==Conversion==
 
As built, these vessels were all 114 feet (35 m) in length. In 2149 as part of the Coast Guard Rearmament Act, the Confederate Coast Guard began refitting some of these vessels, removing 3 feet (1 m) from the stern and an extention of the bow vertically to enable open ocean sailing. The vessel also received an aluminum superstructure, advanced electronics, and defensive armament.
 
   
  +
== Service History ==
Seven of the ''Lafayette''-class would be sold to the Confederate Coast guard post conversion, with a further ten going abroad. The refit became extremely popular amongst its crews, and the type has served for nearly 70 years in its role as coastal patrol craft.
 
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[[File:Screenshot237.png|left|thumb|Reinforced keel of HMS Vega]]
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N/A
   
==Transfers to foreign operators==
 
The Confederate Coast Guard has transferred several partially built ships to foreign navies and coast guards via the Confederate Security Cooperation Agency's Office of International Acquisition's Excess Defense Articles Program (EDA). Orders shot in almost immediately, and demand was so high production was restarted in 2160 to meet demands from various coast guards globally.
 
   
In May 2193, the Confederate government pledged to provide [[Ilishira]] at least two Island-class patrol vessels which was agreed by both sides, as it was offered alongside two [[Cyten-Ward Industries|Cyten-Ward]] [[C-24 Mastodon]] aircraft during President Bongbong Marcos' visit to Ezekialgrad. The recipient of the transferred vessels will be the Ilishiran Navy.
 
   
   
[[File:Screenshot10731.png|left|thumb|Orion-class Frigate in Confederate Coast Guard service.]]
 
 
[[Category:Naval Craft]]
 
[[Category:Naval Craft]]

Revision as of 16:27, 2 June 2024

The Orion-Class Frigate is a class of guided-missile frigates currently in service in the Imperial Union and Zokesia, fulfilling its role as an affordable modern escort/patrol Frigate.

Orion Class
Orion Class Guided-Missile Frigate
Ship
ZokeScreenshot10995.png
FFCG-127 Robert B. Haverdam
Role Frigate Escort
National Origin Imperial Union
Production History
Designer VAE Shipyards, Vocavium/Westray
Number Built 23, 20 on order
Service History
In Service
2197 - ongoing
Used By Zokesia
Confederate Coast Guard
Confederate Navy
Imperial Union
Vessel Characteristics
Displacement 1000 Tons
Length 96 m
Beam 13.8 m
Height 26 m
Draft 3 m

Propulsion x2 FROSTON Industries Electric Propulsion Motors
x1 M1800 Gas Turbine Generator
Max Speed 29 kn (15 m/s)
Operational Range 1800 km

Complement 200 (24 officers, 176 enlisted)
Sensors and Processing Systems FROSTON CRYSTAL
VAE SIMPSON radar
VAE T-11 Sonar
Armament x1 57mm Naval Gun
x2 Phalanx CIWS
x1 SeaRAM Launcher
x2 4-cell AshM Launcher
48 VLS cells


Lead ship HMS Orion under-going sea trials, 2197

Development

The Orion-Class Frigate began development in 2195 under VAE system's subsidiary VSD to meet the IRN's new requirements for a next-generation escort/patrol frigate that could incorporate newly introduced technology at a lower cost than its traditional counterparts. In consideration of the newly deployed Huntsman-class Destroyer and the planned requirements of the Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser, the VSD's proposal revolved around the FROSTON Industries' new CRYSTAL (Combat Radar Yellow, Search and Track Array Luminator) system in order to provide basic-level fleet air protection at a low cost. Due to weak competition from other designers or lack thereof, the proposal was approved by the Imperial Navy Design Committre in 2196, and an initial order of 5 frigates was placed to be delivered by the end of the following year.

Design and Armament

HMS Orion conducting a routine operation off the coast of Westray.

As a next-generation surface combatant geared for escort and patrol duties, the Orion-class incorporated a wide range of new Imperial technology that pioneered their use on other vessels through out the Imperial Armed Forces. One noteworthy example is the inclusion of a reinforced keel for greater ASW effectives and survivability in case of a torpedo hit to the keel. While traditional keels would succumb to even indirect detonation, the newly introduced reinforcements will allow current and future Orion frigates to be combat-effective even after a direct torpedo hit.

Froston Industries' CRYSTAL system saw its first deployment on the Orions, with two arrays being mounted on the sides of the superstructure aft of the main bridge. While it does not provide full coverage of the combat area, the two arrays combined with secondary SIMPSON radar and illuminators enable long-range tracking of up to 16 enemy contacts, a marked increase from the preceeding Acheron Class. Crew and technical data garnered from the radar systems onboard the lead ship HMS Orion during its initial combat trials allowed researchers at FROSTON Industries and VAE Shipyards to perfect system and software integration for their upcoming Future Air Warfare Destroyer/Cruiser project.

One of the most obvious changes made from VSD's intial proposal is the marked increase in maximum speed. While the original design was projected to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots using traditional disel-electric propulsion, the IRN demanded the ship be capable of reaching 30 knots in order to keep up with Imperial Carrier fleets. To accomodate for this demand, VAE Shipyards replaced their traditional propulsion-power system with Froston Industries' Electric Propulsion Motor Mk3 and a M1800 Gas Turbine generator. Although slightly more costly than their traditional counterparts, it was discovered in HMS Orion's maiden voyage that the new systems were far more efficient and reliable in long-term operations, prompting the IRN to investigate the possibitilies of refitting major combatants to utilise the new technology.

The frigate also boasts an impressive arsenal for its size with 48 VLS cells fore of the bridge, one 57mm naval gun, one SeaRAM launcher, two Phalanx CIWS systems and two 4 cell AshM launchers located amidships. In its standard escort configuration the VLS cells are designed to accomodate ESSM medium range interceptor missiles but they are also able to be outfitted with RIM-66 long-range interceptors or a limited range of cruise missiles to supplement the 8 AshMs stored in box launchers.

Orion-class Frigate in Confederate Coast Guard service.

Another noteworthy feature of the Orion-class is the large mission bay located amidships. Despite the frigate's small size, the mission bay is able to accomodate up to two K-53B II VTOL Fighters or ASW Helicopters as well as two BIMO (Boat, Inflatable, Multi-service Operational) high-manouverability boats, giving the Orion its characteristic mission flexibility.

Contract Award and Foreign Sales

In November 2196, VAE Shipyards was awarded with a 1.5M Kredit contract by the IRN to produce 5 frigates with an option for 15 additional frigates after the intial delivery. However, following the ship's stellar performance during its maiden voyage and combat trials that far exceeded application, the order was expanded to 5+20, all expected to be delivered by the end of 2201.

Both the Confederate Coast Guard and Navy expressed interest in the frigate even during its design phase at VSD. The frigate's cost-effectiveness combined with its large mission bay made it a strong contender for the two service's future combatant program, and by 2197, contracts for 10 frigates from the Coast Guard and 8 for the Navy were awarded to VAE Shipyards. All 18 frigates were delivered and are in active service under the two services.

Service History

Reinforced keel of HMS Vega

N/A