March 11, 2022 Royal Navy Type 32 BAE Systems

During Euronaval 2022, BAE Systems publicly demonstrated the Adaptive Strike Frigate (ASF) warship concept. Based on the need for an adaptive capability to enable the Navy to "respond at relevant speeds while operating over longer timeframes," the ASF design "utilizes system modularity to provide a mission-ready digital platform," said a BAE Systems representative at the show. BAE Systems representatives at the show said.

Through the ASF, BAE Systems aims to explore options and industrial solutions to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy Type 32 frigate program. First introduced by the UK government in November 2020 as the third category of next-generation ships to increase the number of escort platforms in the future RN fleet, Type 32 has evolved from a mothership primarily for autonomous vehicles to a general-purpose-purpose frigate. "Equipped with advanced sensors and weapons, this new ship will feature a modular design that will enable these platforms to rapidly adopt emerging technologies throughout their lifecycle and switch roles based on the nature of the threat," the Defense Command Paper (DCP) envisions in 2021. The latest version of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, released in March 2022, focuses on these platforms to expand the RN's forward presence around the world, emphasizing that "the Type 32 program will be the first of a new generation of warships focused on hosting and operating autonomous outboard systems that increase the cost of mass and complexity for (UK) adversaries". According to the same document, up to five ships will be procured for the Type 32 program, to enter service from the early 2030s.

Although the UK MoD has not yet provided a detailed specification, the ASF design is derived from the outline of the above document and the Maritime Operational Concept (MarOpC), which was published in September 2022.3 The MarOpC is a conceptualization of the UK's contribution to the maritime domain. The latter document describes the combined power of the maritime domain's contribution to the UK. "It provides inferences and insights for the Royal Navy and considers the maritime domain holistically," explains a presentation from the U.K. Ministry of Defense.

BAE Systems naval architects have developed a concept ship with a proven hull design to demonstrate a viable and seaworthy platform, as BAE Systems representatives emphasized to EDR On-Line during the exhibition. With a length of approximately 130 meters and a displacement of approximately 6,000 tons, the new concept design is essentially divided into a forward end, which closely resembles that of a conventional frigate, and an aft end, which contains major design innovations. The forward section accommodates a gun and a number of different sized VLS units on the foredeck, providing enough space for both defensive and offensive missile systems. The model on display was equipped with BAE Systems Bofors 57 mm Mk3, but the platform can accommodate a larger gun, four 6-cell VLS for CAMM missiles, and an 8-cell VLS for more powerful air defense and/or anti-ship and land strike missiles.

In addition to the Combat Information Center (CIC) and main accommodation space, the same section includes the bridge area with the forward main mast. The integrated mast shows a four-fixed-surface AESA multifunction radar, while the E/O fire control commander and surveillance are visible from the top of the bridge. Just behind it, the platform shows an auxiliary mast for the communications system, flanked by funnels. The ship's equipment package also includes two laser defense systems similar to those being tested by the Dragonfire consortium, a joint industry and UK MoD collaboration between MBDA, Leonardo, QinetiQ and Dstl for the UK Laser Directed Energy Program, and two BAE Systems Bofors 40mm Mk 4 guns, although other smaller weapons systems are envisioned.

The aft section has four main areas or components: a large mission bay with a stern ramp, a hangar structure for Merlin-type helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), four cabins and a mid-ship area for containerized payloads, in addition to equipment with communications and intelligence equipment, and machinery premises.

Representatives from BAE Systems explained that while forward deployed to provide persistent presence, the modular system approach allows ASFs to be reconfigured for a wide range of operations in a cost-effective manner.

The mission module extends the full length and width below the Chinook-capable flight deck. It has a stern ramp capable of accommodating a launch and recovery system that is capable of operating in high sea states and with heavy payloads, including unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The mission bay can also be accessed by vehicles or container modules through side doors and the same aft ramp. Tunnels under the hangar provide access to areas below the midship elevators allow containerized payloads to be transferred to deck space. As a payload example, the published image shows this mid-ship area housing containers and drones.

With modularity at its core, BAE Systems has worked with specialist equipment handlers who have helped to optimize the movement of container capacity in the challenging offshore sector, designing a flexible deck space that can accommodate more than 20 20ft Equivalent Unit (TEU) containers. BAE Systems has been working with SH Defense to provide modular capabilities through the Cube system to meet the rapid re-role requirements at the heart of ship design.

The Maritime Operational Concept (MarOpC) emphasizes that the Royal Navy will distribute capabilities in interchangeable modules, such as PODS (Persistent Operational Deployment System), rather than empowering capabilities on a single platform where utility and function are fixed. "Increased distribution through modular systems may enable rapid configuration, improve operational effectiveness and expose adversaries to more dilemmas," the same publication emphasizes.

Four cabins, two on each side, are equipped with conventional davit racks and together with the mission bay can accommodate a range of RHIBs and unmanned surface and underwater vessels. The vessel model is displayed alongside a Steller Systems unmanned vehicle. The Royal Marines' Future Commando Team issued a tender in September 2022 to demonstrate a full-size prototype of a multi-payload, low-signature, long-endurance unmanned and underwater vessel (USSV). This will be able to be rapidly moved above ground and quickly moved underground to covertly deliver the capability. According to BAE Systems representatives, the mission module will allow autonomous vessels carrying ARCIMS (Atlas Elektronik Remote Combined Influence Minesweeping System), as well as underwater vehicles such as the Herne XLUUV (Extremely Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle), which is being demonstrated by BAE Systems, and also in a model during the show.

To meet the new MarOpC, BAE Systems has developed the ASF, which can operate as part of a task group or independently, "enabled by a digital backbone to unlock the potential for multi-domain operations using cloud-based mission systems." In addition to managing all on-board systems, the ASF digital backbone provides interfaces for modular assets to plug into the systems so they can provide the functionality they carry. ASF uses automation and a high level of resilient system integration to enable lean staffing of around 60 elements and maximize adaptable space for specialized reinforcements and embarked military forces.

According to a BAE Systems representative, the propulsion system concept envisioned for the ASF to date is based on a combined diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical (CODED) arrangement. The model shows a center shaft with direct diesel drive and two azimuth pods, also known as azipods. in the latter case, the propellers are driven by motors mounted in the pods, which can rotate around their own shafts to provide the platform with the required steering capability. These azipods have been used in logistical support and amphibious vessels by various shipbuilders around the world and are in service with different navies. BAE Systems has worked with ABB for a long time, but has not considered them for combat platform design. According to BAE Systems, the propulsion unit offers high maneuverability and sprint capability without the need for a rudder and tiller, and based on the model shown in Paris, it is better suited to the ASF's aft design with its mission bay and aft ramp.

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