[WIP] Alternate Universe Royal Navy Series - Type 92 'Guardian' Class Frigate
The Royal Navy's Type 92 'Guardian' Class Fleet Defence Frigate
Overview
The Type 92 'Guardian' Class Frigate is the pinnacle of fleet air defence within this alternate universe's Royal Navy, representing a monumental leap in defensive capabilities. Designed from the keel up as a dedicated Fleet Air Defence (FAD) platform, the 'Guardian' class is engineered to provide an impenetrable shield for high-value naval assets, such as carrier strike groups and amphibious task forces, against the most advanced aerial and anti-ship missile threats. Born from a strategic imperative to counter saturating attacks and hypersonic weapon development, these frigates are more akin to 'mini-destroyers' in their combat power, embodying the latest advancements in radar, missile technology, and integrated combat systems. Their designation as 'Guardian' reflects their critical role as the ultimate protectors of the fleet.
Design and Specifications
The Type 92 'Guardian' Class features a sleek, highly stealth-optimized hull form, prioritizing low observability across multiple spectrums. With an estimated displacement of 9,500 tonnes and a formidable length of 160 meters, these ships are among the largest and most capable frigates in service, offering exceptional stability for their powerful sensor arrays.
Propulsion:
The 'Guardian' class employs an advanced Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system, similar in concept to the Type 45 destroyers but with enhanced redundancy and power generation. This system, featuring multiple next-generation gas turbines and diesel generators, powers highly efficient electric motors. The IFEP provides a top speed in excess of 32 knots, crucial for maintaining station with carrier strike groups, and a range of approximately 6,500 nautical miles. The robust power generation is also essential for driving its energy-intensive radar systems and potential future directed-energy weapons.
Stealth Features:
Extreme care has been taken in the design to minimize radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. The superstructure is heavily faceted, incorporating advanced composite materials and radar-absorbent coatings. All major external fittings are shrouded or designed to reduce their radar cross-section, making the 'Guardian' incredibly difficult to detect at range.
Complement:
A highly specialized crew of around 220 personnel is required, including numerous weapons system operators and electronic warfare specialists. Ample space is provided for flag staff and embarked tactical command elements, reflecting their role in orchestrating fleet-wide air defence.
Weapons and Sensors
The Type 92 'Guardian' Class is built around a revolutionary integrated combat system, offering unparalleled situational awareness and layered defence capabilities against air and missile threats.
Primary Radar Suite:
The centerpiece of its sensor array is an innovative Integrated Multi-Function Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar Suite, featuring both long-range volume search and precision fire control capabilities. This includes a mast-mounted rotating or fixed panel AESA for 360-degree, long-range air and surface surveillance, complemented by multiple fixed-panel AESA arrays strategically placed on the superstructure for continuous, high-fidelity tracking and engagement guidance against hundreds of targets simultaneously.
Vertical Launch System (VLS):
The 'Guardian' boasts a massive VLS capacity, featuring up to 80-100 cells of a modular VLS. These cells are loaded with a diverse missile arsenal:
Long-Range Fleet Defence Missiles:
Advanced next-generation versions of the Aster 30 or entirely new, larger interceptors designed to counter hypersonic threats and saturate attacks at extreme ranges.
Medium-Range Air Defence Missiles:
Such as Sea Ceptor (CAMM) for area defence and engaging closer threats.
Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Interceptors: A dedicated capability for countering limited ballistic missile threats.
Guns:
A single 5-inch (127mm) Main Gun provides robust naval gunfire support. For close-in defence against swarm attacks and fast boats, two 40mm automatic cannons are positioned for optimal coverage. The ships also feature multiple Next-Generation Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), potentially incorporating directed-energy weapons (lasers) for precision engagement of drones and anti-ship missiles.
Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite:
A highly advanced and fully integrated EW suite provides comprehensive electronic support measures (ESM) for intelligence gathering, electronic countermeasures (ECM) for jamming enemy radars and missile guidance, and sophisticated decoy launchers for missile confusion.
Aviation:
While primarily an air defence platform, a single spacious hangar and flight deck can accommodate a Wildcat helicopter or a suite of advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for extended airborne surveillance and targeting, further enhancing the ship's defensive perimeter.
