"The Da Vinci Code". About what should be the battle ship of the 2020 of the year
The genius of the architect’s hand slid across the drawing, and the hull collapsed in two, as if another ship had emerged from under the bottom of the frigate. However, what is behind the ship sticks out from under the bottom, to the great curiosity of the readers, we will find out a little later.
The PPA class frigate is not the most usual design, but the perception of its innovations is somewhat smoothed due to the relatively low cost (compared to other innovative projects in the field of modern shipbuildingand legal proceedings).
You can see more through the glazed bridge than from the upper deck: virtual images are superimposed on the Mediterranean landscape. The technology of “Augmented Reality” (AR) has leaped from the screens of smartphones to the “smart” glasses of the bridge of a warship. When looking at the passing vessel on the glass, their parameters and the MMSI ID will be displayed. Clarifications will be given to the observed navigational signs, hydrological conditions, obstacle signaling and depth values. No more fuss and scattered posts. The number of personnel of the watch is halved.
Helmsmen and officers deserve the most complete picture of the environment. We should mention “increased situational awareness” here, but we will refrain from clever phrases, often replacing common sense. The Leonardo-Finmeccanica naval cockpit is really a step towards the fleet new era.
Among other unexpected decisions - during the creation of the frigate PPA, much less attention was paid to the stealth technology, which determined the look of European fleets over the past twenty years. As before, the superstructure extends “from side to side,” and its surfaces are made with regard to the radio reflection and the requirements for reducing observability. But no more bulwarks in the bow and middle part of the hull, giving the former ships a plump “box-like” look and feeling that they are larger than they actually are. Also, as the refusal of attempts to put together a hangar, ducts, bulwarks and a superstructure into a single cumbersome “pyramid”.
A part of the armament is installed directly on the deck, in launch canisters. The creators of the PPA made almost no attempt to improve the appearance, abandoning the idea of hiding deck equipment under a decorative upper deck. All anchor drives, davits, winches, lifting and other equipment are displayed on display, as on ships of the mid-twentieth century.
Fincantieri experts questioned the benefits of large-scale measures to reduce visibility. Or just saved, limiting the necessary minimum? PPA class frigates are not at all similar to peace-time patrol ships: they are even more “zubasts” than their predecessors FREMM. And in terms of the composition of strike weapons, they promise to be among the strongest among modern frigates and destroyers.
The third feature is the power plant with multiple redundant drive. The scheme is not the simplest designation CODAGOL (Combined Diesel And Gas Or (diesel) -eLectric).
According to the calculations, one working diesel will provide the frigate with the ability to maneuver units at a speed of 10-18. When connecting a second diesel, the travel speed will exceed 20 knots. The next option is to turn off both diesel engines and start the gas turbine (28-29 knots.). The fourth option is the simultaneous connection of both DD and GTE, which provides a full turn of the 32 node (design value). The fifth option - in case of damage to diesel engines and the turbine (or the main gearbox), the frigate is able to continue driving on one or two propeller electric motors powered by main or emergency diesel generators. This mode is also considered as the main one when patrolling at low speeds (up to 7 nodes).
With the increase in speed, the rowing electric motors will be able to switch to the generator mode together or separately, increasing the energy capabilities of the frigate.
The Italian fleet is not aware of problems with the “Kolomna diesel engines”; however, all the equipment is of German production (MTU / MAN), with the exception of the licensed GTE LM2500, assembled by the Italian Avia.
Interestingly, many decades later, the sailors returned to the need for high speed for ships with rocket weapons. Instead of the familiar 24-28 nodes, the new frigate is developing the 32 node at full speed. And here - voila! - it is the turn for the bulba of a sharp, cutting form, which was mentioned at the beginning of the article.
Historically, the Italians relied on speed, which in reality did not give them anything, only upsetting the balance of other characteristics. On the other hand, the power and compactness of modern EI allows to reach 30 + knots. without noticeable effort and compromise in design.
The “cutting” bulb and the hull of unusual shape indicate that the “Fincantieri” seriously became interested in the idea of cutting the waves on the move (instead of crossing over the wave due to their own buoyancy in most ships). This solution contributes to fuel efficiency and reduction in the pitching amplitude, which is not so important for sailors' convenience, as to improve the accuracy of radar chart control and partial removal of restrictions on the use of weapons in a storm. The main disadvantage, the strong flooding of the deck, for a modern ship does not matter.
Next we do not expect any surprises. All other elements of the frigate PPA will have a more traditional appearance, corresponding to other projects in recent years.
The “tower” of the superstructure optimized in form with the rejection of mechanically driven antenna devices. The main dual-band radar with eight active phased antennas (HEADLIGHTS) should provide all tasks for detecting, tracking targets and controlling missile and artillery weapons.
Creation on the basis of a single corpus of three modifications - from the simplest “patrol” PPA-LIGHT to the primary PPA-FULL. With the intention to replace with one, unified project, five previous types of warships of the Italian Navy.
Bet on guided weapons. From programmable anti-aircraft munitions to 76-mm machine guns and VN-VX-driven 127-mm projectiles, to long-range cruise missiles of several types. Declared the use of a pan-European naval missile Scalp-Naval and a TESEO-EVO rocket of its own design, for the destruction of sea and land targets.
* * *
The full designation of the project - Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura. According to the dictionary "multipurpose deep-water watch". I believe that for foreign ships in the General Staff, they use simpler and more understandable symbols that correspond to the norms of the Russian language and give an idea of their purpose (like the NATO classification for our weapons).
The PPA is a non-plastic model under glass from the 2019 Army and Fleet exhibition. The lead frigate of the Paolo Thaon di Revel series is scheduled for launching in May this year. Two more corps were laid last year. The planned composition of the series - 7 units. Amazing that news the creation of such powerful combat units is not covered in any way by specialized media. However, we have too much news about our own fleet re-equipment program with hydrographic boats and tugs.
In this case, we have a warship of the far sea zone with a length of 143 meters and a full displacement from 5830 to 6270 tons, depending on the modification.
The estimated number of crew for the modification of "Light" - 90 people. For the "full" modification - 120 people.
The main developer of the project is the shipbuilding giant Fincantieri (Trieste). All radio-electronic systems are developed by the Italian company Leonardo, one of the largest defense holdings in the world.
Armament:
- 16 vertical launchers for anti-aircraft missiles of the Aster family and SCALP-Naval long-range cruise missiles;
- 8 oblique PU for Otomat / Teseo Mk.2E anti-ship missiles (TESEO-EVO) with the ability to attack ground targets;
- Two X-NUMX and 76-caliber gun mounts, with guided missiles. According to the manufacturer, the range of fire with Vulcano ammunition is: up to 127 km (“budget”, uncontrolled), up to 60 km (with active IR guidance) and up to 80 km (with INS + GPS guidance at the target);
- for self-defense in the near zone, two 25 mm remote controlled installations are provided;
- anti-submarine weapons: self-guided torpedoes of caliber 533 and 324 mm (only for the "full" version) and 324 mm (2х3) for all other modifications of the frigate;
- the frigate is equipped with a flight deck (25x16 meters) and a hangar for two anti-submarine / multi-purpose helicopters; a transom stern provides a ramp for the 11-meter speed boat;
- in the middle of the hull there is an 20-ton crane and a place to put the target load. On the presented schemes: two semi-rigid boats or 15-meter amphibious boats or 8 standard containers. Also up to 5 containers can be installed in the free space below the flight deck. All - in accordance with the general trend for modern surface ships.
The key element of the weapon control system is the Kronos radar complex from Leonardo, which consists of a simplified version of four AFAR canals operating in the centimeter range. The “full” version frigates will be equipped with a dual-band version as part of 8 AFAR (four C-band and four StarFire antennas operating in the X range). The former use a range with 3,5-7,5 cm wavelengths, which contributes to a longer target detection range, and the latter uses a range with shorter wavelengths (2,5-3,75 cm), which provides better resolution when tracking small targets in the near zone.
In addition to the Kronos, the Leonardo SPS-732 general detection radar is used for covert surveillance, which prevents premature frigate detection. Its principle is based on the emission of pulses of different intensity in a wide range of frequencies that are indistinguishable from radio interference for the enemy's RTR facilities; The SPS-732 processor gradually accumulates data and, by probability theory, determines the position of the target.
Like most of the same age, PPA class frigates are equipped with a full-view infrared detection system in the near zone.
Four Leonardo development systems provide protection from underwater threats: ATAS towed active antenna with a submarine detection range up to 40 km; towed antenna "Black Snake" for the detection of torpedoes; anti-sabotage alarm system - to protect the frigate in the harbor from combat swimmers; and heat trace detection system. Everything looks great, except for one moment - the description is missing a subsonic sonar.
The rest of the project is beyond praise. Perhaps the best frigate among all similar projects of the beginning of the XXI century.
The most politically incorrect chapter
In the concept of the frigate PPA, as with all its predecessors, there is one strange and difficult to explain. This is not a constructive miscalculation, it is precisely the concept itself, the requirements of the customer.
The most advanced detection tools are combined with a meager anti-aircraft ammunition, in this case - 16 SAM of the Aster family. There are two types of rocket ammunition: “Aster-15”, due to the absence of the first stage, which have the best efficiency for intercepting in the near zone, and two-level “Aster-30” with 100 + km range, designed to combat carriers.
Total 16 starting cells, some of which are supposed to "give" for the placement of shock SC SCALP-Naval. In an era when the means of air attack are the main and, in fact, the only realistic threat to surface ships!
Before us is a superfrigate for 600 + million euros, which has everything except air defense systems. He is able to detect air targets in any quantity, but after a few volleys he will remain completely unarmed before the threat from the air.
He does not even have a closed-loop near-air defense system - an ultra-modern 76-mm machine gun with its own radar and programmable projectiles provides protection only at the rear corners.
It seems to the author that the situation has the following explanation. The fleet commanders and the European developers of naval armaments are confident that none of the potential adversaries is capable of carrying out a massive air attack on the connection of ships in the open sea (mobile target whose coordinates need constant updating). Raise drums and support groups into the air, catch up with the target, strictly maintain intervals and directions, calculate the launch point and carry out the anti-aircraft missile launch, while accidentally “not leaning out” over the horizon and not falling under anti-aircraft fire. For nothing that the frigate has just a dozen of missiles, he will not forgive such a mistake.
Practically no one in the world has neither technical means, nor experience, nor preparation for the implementation of such an air operation.
Therefore, the composition of the armament of the Euro-Frigates is designed only to counter the “pinpoint”, random attacks in the composition of a pair of planes and others.
Another explanation may lie in the low effectiveness of anti-aircraft fire. Much better chances against self-guided missiles are provided by jamming systems and EW facilities. By the way, the PPA class frigates are equipped with modern electronic warfare system ZEUS, capable of interfering with a wide range of frequencies. A dozen missiles on board eliminates the possibility of frigate bombing with conventional bombs.
And one more thing, causing the author a sense of pity for the modern fleet. So much effort, the best modern technology, and at the exit is a “container ship” on 8 containers with humanitarian aid. As if not a navy, but a fleet of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Yes, the probability of conflicts of low intensity is quite high. Yes, it's nice to have a multifunctional platform. But if you have already decided to build a ship for a billion, ready to go into a mortal combat, then you probably should admit that such a specific and expensive tool is not intended for humanitarian supplies. Just not intended, it can only bear death. And its design should be optimized for this task on 100%. Caesar - Caesar.
Instead of wasting domestic volumes and deck space to accommodate the “target load”, it may be worth considering how to increase the capabilities of the WARSHIP on which to kill, while not trying to die from the enemy’s response, at the expense of these reserves.
Finale
The situation in the field of naval weapons recalls a quote from Lewis Carroll: "You need to run as fast just to stay in place, but to get somewhere, you have to run twice as fast."
The program for the entry into service of the predecessors, the multi-purpose FREMM frigates, is still nearing completion (during the 2013-2018 period, the Italian Navy managed to join the 7 of the 10 planned ships). But “Fincantieri” is already working on the perspective of the next decades. Not only confining ourselves to “technical design,” but having laid down three ships, which, as of 2019, can be considered as representatives of the most modern existing project of a similar purpose.
The PPA class frigate is not the most usual design, but the perception of its innovations is somewhat smoothed due to the relatively low cost (compared to other innovative projects in the field of modern shipbuilding
You can see more through the glazed bridge than from the upper deck: virtual images are superimposed on the Mediterranean landscape. The technology of “Augmented Reality” (AR) has leaped from the screens of smartphones to the “smart” glasses of the bridge of a warship. When looking at the passing vessel on the glass, their parameters and the MMSI ID will be displayed. Clarifications will be given to the observed navigational signs, hydrological conditions, obstacle signaling and depth values. No more fuss and scattered posts. The number of personnel of the watch is halved.
Helmsmen and officers deserve the most complete picture of the environment. We should mention “increased situational awareness” here, but we will refrain from clever phrases, often replacing common sense. The Leonardo-Finmeccanica naval cockpit is really a step towards the fleet new era.
Among other unexpected decisions - during the creation of the frigate PPA, much less attention was paid to the stealth technology, which determined the look of European fleets over the past twenty years. As before, the superstructure extends “from side to side,” and its surfaces are made with regard to the radio reflection and the requirements for reducing observability. But no more bulwarks in the bow and middle part of the hull, giving the former ships a plump “box-like” look and feeling that they are larger than they actually are. Also, as the refusal of attempts to put together a hangar, ducts, bulwarks and a superstructure into a single cumbersome “pyramid”.
A part of the armament is installed directly on the deck, in launch canisters. The creators of the PPA made almost no attempt to improve the appearance, abandoning the idea of hiding deck equipment under a decorative upper deck. All anchor drives, davits, winches, lifting and other equipment are displayed on display, as on ships of the mid-twentieth century.
The predecessor of the PPA is the frigate of Claas FREMM. In the middle part of the hull, behind the height of the bulwarks, the RCC launchers hid
Modernist frigate "Lafayette", which gave the appearance of a whole generation of eurofreates. On the right - what its real upper deck looks like, under a radio reflecting decorative canopy
45-meter bulwark in the bow of the frigate "Gorshkov", giving the ship a complete, smooth silhouette
Fincantieri experts questioned the benefits of large-scale measures to reduce visibility. Or just saved, limiting the necessary minimum? PPA class frigates are not at all similar to peace-time patrol ships: they are even more “zubasts” than their predecessors FREMM. And in terms of the composition of strike weapons, they promise to be among the strongest among modern frigates and destroyers.
The third feature is the power plant with multiple redundant drive. The scheme is not the simplest designation CODAGOL (Combined Diesel And Gas Or (diesel) -eLectric).
According to the calculations, one working diesel will provide the frigate with the ability to maneuver units at a speed of 10-18. When connecting a second diesel, the travel speed will exceed 20 knots. The next option is to turn off both diesel engines and start the gas turbine (28-29 knots.). The fourth option is the simultaneous connection of both DD and GTE, which provides a full turn of the 32 node (design value). The fifth option - in case of damage to diesel engines and the turbine (or the main gearbox), the frigate is able to continue driving on one or two propeller electric motors powered by main or emergency diesel generators. This mode is also considered as the main one when patrolling at low speeds (up to 7 nodes).
With the increase in speed, the rowing electric motors will be able to switch to the generator mode together or separately, increasing the energy capabilities of the frigate.
The Italian fleet is not aware of problems with the “Kolomna diesel engines”; however, all the equipment is of German production (MTU / MAN), with the exception of the licensed GTE LM2500, assembled by the Italian Avia.
Interestingly, many decades later, the sailors returned to the need for high speed for ships with rocket weapons. Instead of the familiar 24-28 nodes, the new frigate is developing the 32 node at full speed. And here - voila! - it is the turn for the bulba of a sharp, cutting form, which was mentioned at the beginning of the article.
Historically, the Italians relied on speed, which in reality did not give them anything, only upsetting the balance of other characteristics. On the other hand, the power and compactness of modern EI allows to reach 30 + knots. without noticeable effort and compromise in design.
The “cutting” bulb and the hull of unusual shape indicate that the “Fincantieri” seriously became interested in the idea of cutting the waves on the move (instead of crossing over the wave due to their own buoyancy in most ships). This solution contributes to fuel efficiency and reduction in the pitching amplitude, which is not so important for sailors' convenience, as to improve the accuracy of radar chart control and partial removal of restrictions on the use of weapons in a storm. The main disadvantage, the strong flooding of the deck, for a modern ship does not matter.
Next we do not expect any surprises. All other elements of the frigate PPA will have a more traditional appearance, corresponding to other projects in recent years.
The “tower” of the superstructure optimized in form with the rejection of mechanically driven antenna devices. The main dual-band radar with eight active phased antennas (HEADLIGHTS) should provide all tasks for detecting, tracking targets and controlling missile and artillery weapons.
Creation on the basis of a single corpus of three modifications - from the simplest “patrol” PPA-LIGHT to the primary PPA-FULL. With the intention to replace with one, unified project, five previous types of warships of the Italian Navy.
Bet on guided weapons. From programmable anti-aircraft munitions to 76-mm machine guns and VN-VX-driven 127-mm projectiles, to long-range cruise missiles of several types. Declared the use of a pan-European naval missile Scalp-Naval and a TESEO-EVO rocket of its own design, for the destruction of sea and land targets.
* * *
The full designation of the project - Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura. According to the dictionary "multipurpose deep-water watch". I believe that for foreign ships in the General Staff, they use simpler and more understandable symbols that correspond to the norms of the Russian language and give an idea of their purpose (like the NATO classification for our weapons).
The PPA is a non-plastic model under glass from the 2019 Army and Fleet exhibition. The lead frigate of the Paolo Thaon di Revel series is scheduled for launching in May this year. Two more corps were laid last year. The planned composition of the series - 7 units. Amazing that news the creation of such powerful combat units is not covered in any way by specialized media. However, we have too much news about our own fleet re-equipment program with hydrographic boats and tugs.
In this case, we have a warship of the far sea zone with a length of 143 meters and a full displacement from 5830 to 6270 tons, depending on the modification.
The estimated number of crew for the modification of "Light" - 90 people. For the "full" modification - 120 people.
The main developer of the project is the shipbuilding giant Fincantieri (Trieste). All radio-electronic systems are developed by the Italian company Leonardo, one of the largest defense holdings in the world.
Armament:
- 16 vertical launchers for anti-aircraft missiles of the Aster family and SCALP-Naval long-range cruise missiles;
- 8 oblique PU for Otomat / Teseo Mk.2E anti-ship missiles (TESEO-EVO) with the ability to attack ground targets;
- Two X-NUMX and 76-caliber gun mounts, with guided missiles. According to the manufacturer, the range of fire with Vulcano ammunition is: up to 127 km (“budget”, uncontrolled), up to 60 km (with active IR guidance) and up to 80 km (with INS + GPS guidance at the target);
- for self-defense in the near zone, two 25 mm remote controlled installations are provided;
- anti-submarine weapons: self-guided torpedoes of caliber 533 and 324 mm (only for the "full" version) and 324 mm (2х3) for all other modifications of the frigate;
- the frigate is equipped with a flight deck (25x16 meters) and a hangar for two anti-submarine / multi-purpose helicopters; a transom stern provides a ramp for the 11-meter speed boat;
- in the middle of the hull there is an 20-ton crane and a place to put the target load. On the presented schemes: two semi-rigid boats or 15-meter amphibious boats or 8 standard containers. Also up to 5 containers can be installed in the free space below the flight deck. All - in accordance with the general trend for modern surface ships.
The key element of the weapon control system is the Kronos radar complex from Leonardo, which consists of a simplified version of four AFAR canals operating in the centimeter range. The “full” version frigates will be equipped with a dual-band version as part of 8 AFAR (four C-band and four StarFire antennas operating in the X range). The former use a range with 3,5-7,5 cm wavelengths, which contributes to a longer target detection range, and the latter uses a range with shorter wavelengths (2,5-3,75 cm), which provides better resolution when tracking small targets in the near zone.
In addition to the Kronos, the Leonardo SPS-732 general detection radar is used for covert surveillance, which prevents premature frigate detection. Its principle is based on the emission of pulses of different intensity in a wide range of frequencies that are indistinguishable from radio interference for the enemy's RTR facilities; The SPS-732 processor gradually accumulates data and, by probability theory, determines the position of the target.
Like most of the same age, PPA class frigates are equipped with a full-view infrared detection system in the near zone.
Four Leonardo development systems provide protection from underwater threats: ATAS towed active antenna with a submarine detection range up to 40 km; towed antenna "Black Snake" for the detection of torpedoes; anti-sabotage alarm system - to protect the frigate in the harbor from combat swimmers; and heat trace detection system. Everything looks great, except for one moment - the description is missing a subsonic sonar.
The rest of the project is beyond praise. Perhaps the best frigate among all similar projects of the beginning of the XXI century.
The most politically incorrect chapter
In the concept of the frigate PPA, as with all its predecessors, there is one strange and difficult to explain. This is not a constructive miscalculation, it is precisely the concept itself, the requirements of the customer.
The most advanced detection tools are combined with a meager anti-aircraft ammunition, in this case - 16 SAM of the Aster family. There are two types of rocket ammunition: “Aster-15”, due to the absence of the first stage, which have the best efficiency for intercepting in the near zone, and two-level “Aster-30” with 100 + km range, designed to combat carriers.
Total 16 starting cells, some of which are supposed to "give" for the placement of shock SC SCALP-Naval. In an era when the means of air attack are the main and, in fact, the only realistic threat to surface ships!
Before us is a superfrigate for 600 + million euros, which has everything except air defense systems. He is able to detect air targets in any quantity, but after a few volleys he will remain completely unarmed before the threat from the air.
He does not even have a closed-loop near-air defense system - an ultra-modern 76-mm machine gun with its own radar and programmable projectiles provides protection only at the rear corners.
It seems to the author that the situation has the following explanation. The fleet commanders and the European developers of naval armaments are confident that none of the potential adversaries is capable of carrying out a massive air attack on the connection of ships in the open sea (mobile target whose coordinates need constant updating). Raise drums and support groups into the air, catch up with the target, strictly maintain intervals and directions, calculate the launch point and carry out the anti-aircraft missile launch, while accidentally “not leaning out” over the horizon and not falling under anti-aircraft fire. For nothing that the frigate has just a dozen of missiles, he will not forgive such a mistake.
Practically no one in the world has neither technical means, nor experience, nor preparation for the implementation of such an air operation.
Therefore, the composition of the armament of the Euro-Frigates is designed only to counter the “pinpoint”, random attacks in the composition of a pair of planes and others.
Another explanation may lie in the low effectiveness of anti-aircraft fire. Much better chances against self-guided missiles are provided by jamming systems and EW facilities. By the way, the PPA class frigates are equipped with modern electronic warfare system ZEUS, capable of interfering with a wide range of frequencies. A dozen missiles on board eliminates the possibility of frigate bombing with conventional bombs.
And one more thing, causing the author a sense of pity for the modern fleet. So much effort, the best modern technology, and at the exit is a “container ship” on 8 containers with humanitarian aid. As if not a navy, but a fleet of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Yes, the probability of conflicts of low intensity is quite high. Yes, it's nice to have a multifunctional platform. But if you have already decided to build a ship for a billion, ready to go into a mortal combat, then you probably should admit that such a specific and expensive tool is not intended for humanitarian supplies. Just not intended, it can only bear death. And its design should be optimized for this task on 100%. Caesar - Caesar.
Instead of wasting domestic volumes and deck space to accommodate the “target load”, it may be worth considering how to increase the capabilities of the WARSHIP on which to kill, while not trying to die from the enemy’s response, at the expense of these reserves.
Finale
The situation in the field of naval weapons recalls a quote from Lewis Carroll: "You need to run as fast just to stay in place, but to get somewhere, you have to run twice as fast."
The program for the entry into service of the predecessors, the multi-purpose FREMM frigates, is still nearing completion (during the 2013-2018 period, the Italian Navy managed to join the 7 of the 10 planned ships). But “Fincantieri” is already working on the perspective of the next decades. Not only confining ourselves to “technical design,” but having laid down three ships, which, as of 2019, can be considered as representatives of the most modern existing project of a similar purpose.
Information