Trident-class Frigate

Iverican test configuration of FFG-222 Trident in Súbic, 2019
Class overview
Builders:	Argis-Marenesia Maritime Industries
Operators:	Armada Iverica Royal Gallambrian Navy Salvian Navy
Preceded by:	Súbic-class frigate (ARIV) Daring-class frigate (RGN) County-class frigate (RGN)
Subclasses:	Excalibur-class frigate (RGN)
Cost:	ca. $850 million-$1.1 billion depending on variant (2021)
Built:	2018–present
In commission:	2019-present
Planned:	Trident-Class: 36 Excalibur-Class: 34
Building:	Trident-Class: 6 Excalibur-Class: 4
Completed:	Trident-Class: 8 Excalibur-Class: 6
Active:	Trident-Class: 6 Excalibur-Class: 6
General characteristics (Displays the equipment of all Flights)
Type:	Frigate
Displacement:	Flight I-A: 7,300 tonnes Flight I-B: 7,200 tonnes Flight I-C: 7,500 tonnes
Length:	151.18 m (496 ft 0 in)
Beam:	19.80 m (65 ft 0 in)
Draft:	4 m (13 ft 1 in)
Propulsion:	CODLAG 1 × 20 MW gas turbine 2 × 5 MW electric motors 4 × 3 MW diesel generators 3 × gearboxes: one for each shaft and one to crossconnect the gas turbine to them 2 × shafts, driving controllable pitch propellers 1 × 1 MW bow thruster
Speed:	24 kn (44 km/h) on dielsel-electric, in excess of 29 kn (54 km/h) max.
Range:	6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) on diesel-electric. Approx. 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) using gas turbine.
Boats & landing craft carried:	2 × UUV/ROV 2 × 11 m (36 ft 1 in) RHIB, capable of more than 40 kn (74 km/h)
Capacity:	Space for 2 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in) containers
Complement:	190 (standard crew: 110)
Sensors and processing systems:	Aerano KG/SPY-103A Guardian (AESA) Aerano KG/SPS-73 Surface-Search Radar KG/SPG Fire-Control Radars GAe Systems Multifunction Radar Fortis Defence Electronics Masted EW & ESM System GAe Systems Occulus ESM (Flight I-C only) JDCS-A, B, C (Joint Defence Communications System) Fortis Defence Electronics Noosphera Shipboard Command Suite (Flight I-C) Manille Systems Debris and Diver Detection Sonar (hull) Manille Naval Systems Multi-Function VDS TAILS 2087 (Flight I-A & I-B) Manille Systems RI/SQQ Submarine Warfare System Link 11, Link16, Link 18, Link 22 communications systems
Electronic warfare & decoys:	TKWA/MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System) (FFBNW on Flights I-A and I-C, stock on I-B) Fortis Defence Electronics Electro-Optical Jammer and Laser Warning Suite (Flight I-C) Sirena Jamming System (Stock on Flight I-C and optional on Flight I-A) Radar and Sonar Decoys for missiles and torpedoes 2 × Towed decoy array (acoustic and magnetic) (Flight I-B)
Armament:	Naval guns: 128/64 ARX GNL with guided VULCANO ammunition for land-attack missions; range: more than 100 km (62 mi) (Flight I-B only) 1 × 76mm ARX (Flights I-A and I-C) 2 × 30 mm ARX remote-controlled autocannons 5 × 12.7 mm remote-controlled machine gun turrets 2 × 12.7 mm HMG (manually controlled) Close-In Weapon System: 1 × ARX Orthos CIWS Vertical-Launch Missiles: ME-DE Missiles (assorted) mounted on 32-cell G-42 Mod 2 1 × 8-cell G-42 Mod 4 Anti-ship missiles: 6 × TevRan anti-ship missiles or 8 × TVU-54 Torpedoes MIMiK Mine Warfare Module (Flight I-B only) Mine Countermeasures Module Mine Laying Module Non-Lethal: Water cannons (optional)
Aircraft carried:	2 × helicopters (depending on nation) SUR-31V (ARIV) NH-90 (RGN)
Aviation facilities:	2 × hangars

The Trident-class frigate refers to a multi-mission configurable frigate hull designed and constructed by the Argis-Marenesia Maritime Industries, a joint Iverican and Gallambrian consortium for naval technology developers and shipbuilding services. The project was known within AMMI as AMMI PROJ. FF-71918; and known as the Future-Frigate Program by the Gallambrian and Iverican governments. Member states of the TRIDENT also committed varying amounts of financial assistance to the project via pre-order.

Though the Trident-class refers specifically to a base frigate design that can be mounted with differing mission configurations, 3 different pre-configured variants were stipulated as an additional objective of the Future-Frigate programme. All variants contracted had a baseline capability to conduct Air-Defence and Anti-Submarine Warfare with the potential for ship-to-ship engagement depending on what missiles were loaded in the vertical-launch and amidships hardpoints. Flight I-A features surface combat systems and anti-submarine equipment. Flight I-B specialises in mine-laying, mine-countermeasures, in-land fire support, and anti-submarine warfare. Flight I-C is a command ship equipped with enough instrumentation, processing, and intelligence suites to serve as a small flagship; Flight I-C also features several Electronic Warfare systems like radar jammers and electro-optical jammers.

Currently, three variants are designated Flights: I-A, I-B, and I-C. All three passed trials and are in production in the Súbic Naval Yards with production licenses granted to Gallambrian builder Mainwaring Trent. The designation "Trident-class" is an internal one and might be re-named depending on the military employing the ship.

Design

FFG-222 Trident in earlier stages of construction

The Trident-class was initially designed with the goal of providing TRIDENT nations with a flexible, configurable, and affordable hull design. In 2014, Iverican naval shipbuilder Manille Consolidated Maritime and Gallambrian equivalent Mainwaring Trent began a project to design a large frigate hull that was compatible with the existing Iverican MIMiK. The design parameters also called for the use of newer 17-7PH stainless steel for the cast parts of the hull, with light-weight cupro-nickel required for internal fixtures and some surfaces. The joint-project delivered a test model in 2016, to much success. The hull design received positive remarks for its relative mass to size ratio—largely thanks to Manille Consolidated use of its new stainless steel and cupro-nickel alloys.

In June of 2016, both Manille Consolidated and Mainwaring Trent began a joint effort after receiving identical Requests for Proposal (RFP) from both Gallambrian and Iverican governments. The RFPs of both governments were consolidated as the Future-Frigate Programme later that month and outlined the requirement of a flexible Future-Frigate design that could be equipped for Anti-Submarine Warfare, Mine Warfare, and Command roles. In August of 2016, the keels for three test units were laid in the Súbic Naval Yard, Dock Complexes C, D, and E.. Construction of the test units were conducted within Súbic's special projects area and within covered docks and proceeded quickly thanks to the complex's access to mechanised gantries and retractable scaffolds.

By April of 2018, both companies decided to form a jointly-owned consortium, Argis-Marenesia Maritime Industries, which would officially continue development and pre-production. In May 2018, both governments oversaw trials by competing companies expecting entries to be in the near-finished state of development. After a 3-day run of trials, AMMI was announced as the contracted party for the consolidated Future-Frigate RFP. In July of 2018, limited details released to the press stated that the AMMI test units were "nearing completion". The development stage of the project had gone over-budget by an estimated $100 million standard units. To cover the concern and mindful of further budgetary needs, AMMI extended pre-order offers to other members of the TRIDENT.

Through its development cylce, the Trident-class went through a number of delays and re-designs for 2 successive years until finally entering final trials and pre-production in 2018. Initial requirements placed on the project by the Iverican Armada were far too ambitious; total vertical launching cells had to be reduced, along with the total cancellation of the proposed collapsing helicopter pad for the AMMI Snow Cub unmanned rotorcraft. Successes and innovations were also noted by the team. Extensive use of 3D modelling, printing, and new simulation software allowed the team to correct structural faults well-before pre-production; arguably, this measure saved time and capital.

Nevertheless, three hull configurations passed the Armada Iverica review. In mid-2018, one functional test unit per configuration was delivered to the Súbic Naval Proving Zone. These were: Test Unit variants I-A, I-B, and I-C; dedicated surface combatant, shore-warfare ship, and command ship respectively. All variants had a baseline capability to conduct Air-Defence and Anti-Submarine Warfare; though each of the variants also possessed specialised modules or equipment that others did not. All flights passed a shakedown series of manoeuvres and live-fire exercises conducted over the course of 3-days. 1 month following the Iverican admiralty submitted a request to have several allegedly "redundant" test modules removed from the final pre-production models. As a result, the Trident-class carries a number of empty mounting points which were to carry modules classified to be "Fitted-For But Not With" (FFBNW).

Variants

FFG-225 Atgeir (foreground) and FFG-223 Albard (background) under construction on 31 August 2019

According to Armada Iverica ship classification conventions, ship "flight" alphanumeric designations are set by one aroman numeral (e.g. I, II, III, IV) denoting the series of the hull and its major physical features; and one letter (A, B, C, D) denoting a configuration of equipment. All variants contracted had a baseline capability to conduct Air-Defence and Anti-Submarine Warfare with the potential for ship-to-ship engagement depending on what missiles were loaded in the vertical-launch and amidships hardpoints.

The Excalibur Subclass of the Trident referrs to Trident class baseline units finished in Gallambria by shipbuilder Mainwaring Trent. Excalibur-class units are nearly identical but typically differ in type of armament. TevRan missiles are usually not present on Excalibur models. Likewise, Orthos CIWS units on the Excaliburs are typically replaced with Gallambrian systems.

After trials, the Iverican Ministry of Defence chose not the re-designate the class. The Tridents entered Armada service under the same name. Beginning with FFG-222, most Iverican ships are named after Polearms or significant TRIDENT operations. FFG-225 Atgeir, is named after the Atgeir joint naval exercise, the first organisation-wide training event. An Atgeir is also the name of a Northern-Argic hewing-spear. Currently, the Iverican Armada operates 6 out of the 12 active units, with 36 more units on order. The Ministry of Defence is considering opening a second shipyard in Nou Stille to expedite production.

While technically a subclass, the two test ships FF(X)-220 and 221 are not considered fit for military service. FF(X)-220 suffers an irreparable warp to its keel sustained from testing manoeuvres during its earlier iterations. FF(X)-221 served as a testbed for an entirely different interior layout that used aluminium parts. Upon review, AMMI determined the the currently available aluminium shipbuilding materials were unable to meet their corrosion resistance and cost cieling standards. FF(X)-220 is due to be scrapped by the end of 2021, while FF(X)-221 is due to be redesignated a research and exploratory vessel for the Iverican Ministry of Applied Science and Technology.

Thanks to the MIMiK system, all variants have the ability to be quickly refitted to fulfil some degree of another variant's role.

Stock systems that are equipped on all flights:

• Armaments:
  • At least 1 x Orthos CIWS- a variant of the Sagittario CIWS using 20mm autocannons and 2 x octo-racks of MVI-66 instead of the Sagitarrio's 30mm and 2 x quadracks of MBI-90.
  • G-42, Mod 2- a 32-cell Vertical-Launch System.
  • 2 x G-42, Mod 4- an 8-cell Vertical-Launch System.
  • 25mm ARX Chainguns
  • 12.7mm Remote Machineguns
• Sensors and Processing Systems:
  • ANCILE Baseline A (SPY radar, surface-search radar, ANCILE fire-control system, etc.)
  • JDCS-A, B, C (Joint Defence Communications System)
  • GAe Systems Multifunction Navigation & Helicopter Guidance Radar
  • Fortis Defence Electronics Masted EW & ESM System
  • Manille Systems Debris and Diver Detection Sonar (hull)
  • Manille Naval Systems Multi-function Variable-Depth TAILS 2087- a towed radar array with the ability to be deployed at selected depths in the water column.
• Countermeasures:
  • Chaff and Decoys- to counter radar, active-laser guided, and infrared-seeking systems.
  • Sonar Decoys- trailing decoys receiving, amplifying, and returning "pings" from an enemy torpedo, presenting a larger false target to the torpedo.

Flight I-A

Broadside illustration of a Flight I-A vessel.

A dedicated surface combatant with air-defence and anti-submarine capabilities. Flight I-A was conceptualised as a cost-effective solution to fielding destroyers. Much of its armaments and systems are comparable to that of a small destroyer. Given that the Flight I-A production cost is approximately half of an Ancile Combat System General Luna-class destroyer, it is argued that the Flight I-A provides the quantity of ships needed for comparable roles while also being much less of a financial loss if damaged or destroyed. Recent commentary at press events suggests that the Iverican Armada plans to minimise future production of destroyers and lighter frigates, fully focusing on deploying formations of heavier frigates like the Trident-class.

Flight I-A carries all baseline modules that her sister ships carry. Though it is equipped with considerably more anti-ship missiles and missile interceptors.

Notable Sensor Systems

• KG/SPG- Gallambrian built dedicated fire-control radar that searches a narrower beam but yields high targeting-quality radar data and is rated to track small, very fast moving surface and aerial targets.

Notable Armaments

• 76mm ARX Rapid Gun- a naval gun capable of firing 120 rounds per minute. Utilises different ammunition types making the gun ideal for engaging swarms of surface targets or fast-moving aerial targets.
• MVT-84DE (Block II)- a near-sonic sea-skimming missile armed with a variety of electronic countermeasures and evasive programming. A cost-effective, short-range (280 km), anti-ship missile. Trident-classes may carry 2x quad-launchers amidships. Though the amidships hardpoints are capable of bearing the launchers, most Trident-classes will carry the MVT-220 triple launchers instead.
• MVT-220- Armada designation for the supersonic, ramjet TevRan Missile. A much faster, but much larger sea-skimming missile for engagements at medium range (650-700 km). Trident-classes may carry 2x triple-launchers amidships.
• ME-DE-1 (MVT-101)- a vertically-launched, supersonic, sea-skimming, anti-ship missile fired from a G-42 Vertical-Launch System. Trident-classes may have any number of these inside its 40 cells carried.
• ME-DE-2 (MVT-102)-a vertically-launched, supersonic, sea-skimming, anti-submarine missile. It consists of three stages, one booster with a thrust vector nozzle, one conventional booster, and one anti-submarine light torpedo. The system does not require an exact lock; the third-stage torpedo is capable of seeking sonar signatures independently over a small area.
• TVU-54- a light, short-range (9.1 km) torpedo capable of active, passive, or semi-active acoustic guidance. Trident-classes may carry 2x triple tubes amidships or in in the quarterdeck. If amidships anti-ship launchers are removed, Tridents can carry 4x triple tubes for a total of 12 torpedoes.
• MVI-201- also known as the ANCILE-1 missile; supersonic interceptor missile capable of shooting down missiles or aircraft. Is also known to be capable of an anti-ship role, but suffers from a slow, gliding terminal stage and high-angle of attack when in this mode.
• MVI-80DE- also known as the Golondrina missile; a compact surface-to-air missile designed to counter supersonic manoeuvering anti-ship missiles. May be quad-packed into one G-42 VLS cell. Usually equipped on all Trident-classes

• Flight I-A systems
• 

  ANCILE-1 fired from an Iverican Destroyer

• 

  TVU-54 torpedo launched from a Trident-class frigate

• 

  KG/SPG-62 fire-control radar

• 

  an Orthos CIWS; armed with twin 20 mm guns and 2 octo-racks of MVI-66.

• 

  A missile decoy being launched.

Flight I-B

An AMMI Snow Cub loitering.

Flight I-B was conceptualised out of the perceived necessity to maintain an ocean-going vessel capable of keeping up with carrier formations and then providing mine-sweeping and countermeasures capability once in the Area of Operation. Its mine warfare and anti-submarine specialities were integrated as a cost-saving measure; both missions require an indexed capability to deploy sonar sensors effectively. The decision to include an in-land fire support role came out of I-B's perceived operating environment; noting that mine-warfare operations already happen in and around littoral zones, the Trident design team decided to integrate the mission with I-B's already expansive capabilities.

Flight I-B fulfils the role of a group escort that could provide the baseline roles (air-defence, escort) while armed with specialised sonar sensors and land-attack armaments for its primary roles of mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and in-land firesupport. I-B carries a hull sonar, towed variable-depth sonar, sonobuoys, torpedoes, unmanned underwater vehicles, and a rotorcraft equipped with mine detection and mine-neutralisation modules; I-B may also carry 2-4 unmanned, mine-countermeasures equipped rotorcraft in place of the manned utility rotor. These rotorcraft and sensors are also used for anti-submarine warfare; the I-B comes further equipped with a RI/SQQ submarine warfare system that acts much like the ANCILE Combat System, allowing for the quick communication of surveillance sensors and guidance sensors to neutralise an enemy submarine. For in-land fire-support, this configuration is also armed with land-attack versions of the TevRan missile in addition to its 12.8 cm naval gun. Its vertical-launch system may also be equipped with land-attack versions of the ME-DE cruise missile.

Notable Sensor Systems

A dipping sonar being lowered from a SUR-31V helicopter

• RI/SQQ-89 Submarine Warefare System- The system presents an integrated picture of the tactical situation by receiving, combining and processing active and passive sensor data from the hull-mounted array, towed array and sonobuoys. SQQ-89 is integrated with the ANCILE combat system and provides a full range of undersea warfare (USW) functions including active and passive sensors, underwater fire control, onboard trainer and a highly evolved display subsystem. It provides detection, classification, and targeting capability.
• Detection Systems on Rotorcraft and Underwater Vehicles- Snow Cub, SUR-31V, and a UUV can provide laser or sonar surveillance. Rotorcraft use an airborne laser mine detection system for sea-mines and a dipping sonar for submarines. The UUVs mount a RI/AQS-20A sensor system; they are capable of magnetic and acoustic detection.

Notable Armaments

ME-DE-2's third-stage vertically-launched torpedo.

• 128/64 ARX GNL- a long-range naval gun for main-line surface warfare combatants. Can engage aerial and surface targets. Can be loaded with a satellite-guided rocket-assisted munition for in-land fire-support at a range of up to 100km.
• MBT-220- a land-attack version of the TevRan Missile. Trident-classes may carry 2x triple-launchers amidships.
• ME-DE-2 (MVT-102)-a vertically-launched, supersonic, sea-skimming, anti-submarine missile. It consists of three stages, one booster with a thrust vector nozzle, one conventional booster, and one anti-submarine light torpedo.
• TVU-54- a light, short-range (9.1 km) torpedo capable of active, passive, or semi-active acoustic guidance. Trident-classes may carry 2x triple tubes amidships or in in the quarterdeck. If amidships anti-ship launchers are removed, Tridents can carry 4x triple tubes for a total of 12 torpedoes.
• Airborne Mine Neutralisation System- carried by rotorcraft; the RI/ASQ-235 uses a handling system and a neutraliser vehicle carrying an armour-piercing warhead. Once a threat is detected, the system is deployed by rotorcraft and lowered to the vicinity of the mine. The warhead is fired and the mine is detonated.
• Snow Cub Guided Rockets- the AMMI Snow Cub may be fitting with a pair of rocket pods containing 4 semi-active laser homing rockets each.
• I-B may also carry any other missile system that is compatible with the G-42 VLS.

Notable Countermeasures

• TKWA/MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System)- originally designed to come stock on all Trident-class configurations, the Soft-Kill system was later removed as a cost-saving measure. It remains on the I-B as the ship is the most likely to encounter small rocket or missile weaponry while conducting its close-to-shore operations.
• Additional Towed Acoustic and Magnetic Decoys

Flight I-C

Flight I-C features expanded Command & Control facilities.

The Flight I-C Trident-class is a command configuration of the Trident-class. While retaining the capability to be armed with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, I-C also carries a wide array of signals equipment and command & control facilities. Additional surface and air search radars permit the I-C to constnatly monitor an area of operations. ESM equipment allow for intelligence gathering while additional operations rooms allow more command or intelligence staff to operate synchronously.

This configuration is also equipped with radar jammers, expanding its role to include electronic warfare. Within a group, the I-C can support units by jamming enemy aircraft, drones, or nearby ships and land installations. I-C's Sirena jammer can also be used to cause a communications blackout over a certain area; limiting the use of radio or cellular communications. Additionally, the I-C can act as a missile instrumentation ship, tracking long-range launches.

Notable Sensor Systems

ground variant of the Sirena towed jamming module on display.

• ANCILE Baseline C- a much more sophisticated radar suite comprised of the SPY radar, an additional surface and aerial search radar, and instrumentation and designation radar.
  • SMART-L Radar (additional)- for long-range, high-volume search.
• GAe Systems Occulus ESM- a passive listening suite that allows for analysis of a variety of different frequencies and bands of detected signals.
• Fortis Defence Electronics Noosphera Shipboard Command Suite.
  • Capable of HF, UHF, VHF, SHF, and encrypt/decrypt.
• Dedicated space for additional command & control facilities.

Notable Armaments

an IR lamp part of the Electro-Optical jamming suite

• 76mm ARX Rapid Gun- a naval gun capable of firing 120 rounds per minute. Utilises different ammunition types making the gun ideal for engaging swarms of surface targets or fast-moving aerial targets.
• MVI-201- also known as the ANCILE-1 missile; supersonic interceptor missile capable of shooting down missiles or aircraft. Is also known to be capable of an anti-ship role, but suffers from a slow, gliding terminal stage and high-angle of attack.
• MVI-80DE- also known as the Golondrina missile; a compact surface-to-air missile designed to counter supersonic manoeuvering anti-ship missiles. May be quad-packed into one G-42 VLS cell. Usually equipped on all Trident-classes
• I-C may also carry any other missile system that is compatible with the G-42 VLS.

Notable Countermeasures

• Electro-Optical Jammer and Laser Warning Suite- Infrared dazzlers and Directed-Infrared Countermeasures. Can be used to
• Sirena Jamming System- intended to jam AWACS/AEW&C aircraft or drones. Can also be used to jam communications.

Additional Systems Carried

• The I-C has space for an additional 2 RHIBs or two armed ROVs making this configuration capable of launching small amphibious sorties.