[WIP] HM Royal Navy - Type 31 'Inspiration' Class Frigate
The Royal Navy's Type 31 Frigates (Inspiration-class)
Overview
The Type 31 frigate, also known as the Inspiration-class, is a new class of five general-purpose frigates currently being built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. These frigates are designed to be a more flexible and affordable warship, intended to supplement the higher-end Type 26 frigates and replace the aging general-purpose Type 23 frigates. The Type 31s are a key part of the British government's "National Shipbuilding Strategy" and are also being built in variants for the Indonesian and Polish navies, highlighting their export potential. Their role is to provide a global presence, deter aggression, and maintain the security of UK interests worldwide, undertaking missions such as maritime security, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian aid.
Design and Specifications
Based on the Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate hull, marketed as the Arrowhead 140, the Type 31 frigates are significantly larger than the Type 23s they are replacing, with a displacement of around 5,700 tonnes and a length of 138.7 meters.
Propulsion: The Type 31 employs a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, utilizing four Rolls-Royce/MTU 20V 8000 M71 diesel engines for main propulsion and four Rolls-Royce/MTU 16V 2000 M41B diesel generators for onboard power. This system allows for speeds in excess of 28 knots and an endurance of approximately 9,000 nautical miles. The choice of a less complex propulsion system aims to avoid the issues encountered with the Type 45 destroyers.
Complement: Each frigate will operate with a crew of around 110, with accommodation for up to 190 personnel, allowing for specialist teams or embarked forces.
Weapons and Sensors
The Type 31 is designed for adaptability and features a range of modern weapon and sensor systems, with a focus on general-purpose roles.
Combat System: The frigates will be fitted with the Thales TACTICOS combat management system and the Thales NS110 4D Dual-Axis Multi-Beam AESA Radar for air and surface surveillance and target indication.
Missiles: The primary air defense system is the Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile, which uses CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile) missiles. There is also an intention to fit the Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), which would provide a new level of lethality and the capability to launch a wide range of missiles, including anti-ship and anti-air variants.
Guns: The main gun will be a single 57mm Mk 110 main gun, complemented by two 40mm Mk 4 secondary guns. These provide considerable short-range deterrence against small vessels, drones, and fast attack craft.
Aviation: A large flight deck and hangar allow for the operation of a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter, expanding their anti-submarine and surface strike capabilities. The ships also have boat bays for launching and recovering smaller boats for boarding operations and other maritime security tasks.
Mission Bay: A significant feature is the flexible mission space, including a mission bay under the flight deck that can accommodate up to six 20-foot ISO containers, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of capabilities to suit different operational requirements.
