Latest Known LM CSC Design Phase Update … So Far

By David Dunlop, 23 November 2022

Since LM will be updating its CSC design phase before the end of this year, I would like to give Forum members an update on what we can say we know so far with some confidence. Here is the latest update as of 22 November 2022 for the CSC Type 26 Frigate weapons and systems design with updated LM CSC Type 26 Graphics. Notice that the number of MK 41 VLS Cells has been dropped to 24 cells vice 32. Also the mast is much taller. The crew size seems to have increased as well from 208 to 210 personnel. Also notice the tonnage has increased to 8,080 tonnes although that will not be the full-load weight (probably around 9,400 tonnes). If any forum members can add or subtract from my guesses please let me know. Cheers!

1. 1 X LM Solid State 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) "S" Band Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR)-SPY 7 (V) 3 Phased Array Air Search Radar - Confirmed by Lockheed Martin (LM).
2. 1 X Solid State AESA "X" Band Illumination Radar supported by MacDonald Dettwiller Associates (MDA) in Richmond British Columbia (below the SPY 7 radar mast-latest graphics), with integration into the CMS 330 system-this may be an MDA built radar or IMO it may be an existing radar from Thales (possibly the Sea Fire 500 AESA Phased Array Radar) however MDA is not talking. Any enlightenment on this radar from any forum members, would be appreciated.
3. "X" & "S" Bands Navigation Radars
4. MacDonald Dettwiller Associates (MDA) - Electronic Warfare Suite System & Chaff launchers
5. MacDonald Dettwiller Associates (MDA) - Laser Warfare Defence System (again MDA is not talking).
6. 24 x MK 41 strike length VLS-ESSM2, SM II/IIIC (fitted for but not with SM3/6); Raytheon Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM).
7. Combat Information Management Systems - Links 11/16/22/GCCS-M; Mode 5S Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
8. Light Weight (LW) MK 54 Torpedo system and magazine with twin launcher tubes
9. Sea Spider anti-torpedo system (Magellan/TKMS)
10. 6 x 4 ExLS VLS-Aft of the funnel (Sea Ceptor, quad-packed) for CIADS
11. 2 x 4 Quad packs Kongsberg NSM-Port/Stbd Above Mission Bay.
12. Main Gun: 1 x 5 inch Leonardo OTO Melara 127mm Light Weight (LW) Land Attack and Anti-Air Vulcano gun. This gun will confer the CSC ships with the ability to fire extended-range, precision-guided Vulcano munitions – both in guided long-range and the ballistic extended-range versions – and conventional AA ammunition.
13. Secondary Guns: 2 x OTO Melara Marlin MS 30mm Stabilized Rapid Fire Naval Gun Systems from Leonardo-(Port/Stbd of Flight Deck)
14. Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Sensor Netting-Integrated Cyber Defence System; Integrated Bridge & Navigation System from OSI
15. Internal/External Communications Suite-HF/UHF/SHF/VHF/SATCOM from L3 Harris.
16. Electro Optical & Infrared Systems; Radio/Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) to include: Frequency Identification; Laser Warning & Countermeasures System; Radar/Radio Frequency Electronic Jammers; Electronic Decoy Systems.
17 Combat Management System: Lockheed Martin CMS 330/Aegis Combat System (ACS) in support of Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC).
18. Ultra Electronics Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) - Ultra S2150.
19. Ultra Electronics Active/Passive Towed Array Sonar; Towed Torpedo Countermeasures - Sea Sentor S21700.
20. Sonobouy Processing System (SPS) from General Dynamics with expendable Acoustic Countermeasures.
21. Combined Diesel Electric Gas Turbine (CODLOG) Propulsion System to include 1 X Rolls Royce RR/MT 30 Gas Turbine; 2 X Electronic Motors from General Electric; 4 X RR MTU Diesel Generators; Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) from L3 Harris.
22. CH 148 Cyclone Sikorsky (S-92) ASW Helicopter; SKELDAR V200 UAV systems from Saab - known as CU-176 "Gargoyle"
23. Speed-approximately 27-30 kts. Statement of Requirement (SOR) required this capability for US Carrier Battle Group (CBG) Ops.
24. Crew Complement-210 max crew (fitted with separate female quarters)

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