FFG-69 R.F.S. Wolverine (Ex U.S.S. Tomlinson) Guided Missile Frigate:


When the REEF was initially forming, Lieutenant Moor (later to become General of the REEF) discovered a frigate built long before the Great Cataclysm near the rubble that was once New York City. The vessel was the U.S.S. Tomlinson, a guided missile frigate. Due to a quark of fate, the ship has been protected from the elements and has survived surprisingly well.


The U.S.S. Tomlinson, along with three other sisters, had been an export design being build in the Bath Ironworks Shipyard. These ships were meant for an American Asian ally. These four ships were nearing completion when war broke out between the United States and India. As a result, it was decided to seize these ships and commission them in the United States navy.


Prior to the conflict, virtually all of Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates had been decommissioned. Many had already been scrapped in fact. Few of the survivors were in any condition to activate quickly either. Unfortunately there was a pressing need for relatively small and inexpensive escorts.


Even so, there was quite a bit of criticism with regard to acquiring these vessels. Many in naval circles considered these warships obsolete when commissioned. Criticisms included that these frigates were blocky in order to maximize internal volume and to reduce building costs. This precluded any measures to reduce the radar cross signature of these vessels, something which was already a feature of warships built long prior to the Tomlinson class.


Probably even more of a concern however was the electronics of these frigates. While there were important differences, the electronics were largely based on the previous Oliver Hazard Perry class. One of the most serious issues was that the SPS-49 radar system greatly limited the frigate’s tracking and targeting ability, especially compared to phased array systems such as the SPY-1 system.


At least with regard to the missile system, the Tomlinson did mount a tactical length Mark 41 vertical launch system instead of the Mark 13 single rail missile launcher which was carried on the Oliver Hazard Perry class. Far more flexible, the Mark 41 could be loaded with a combination of Standard, ESSM, and ASROC missiles. Unfortunately, due to it being a tactical length version and was unable to carry Tomahawk missiles. Other changes over the Oliver Hazard Perry class include the addition of eight Mark 141 Harpoon missile canisters on the fantail as well as a Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher also on the fantail.


A number of weapon systems were identical tho those of the Oliver Hazard Perry class however. These included a single 76 mm OTO-Melara Mk 75 gun mount in the bow of the ship, a 20 mm Mark 15 Phalanx Vulcan cannon above the hanger and Mk 32 triple 12.75 inch torpedo tubes on either side of the vessel. In order to speed completion, these weapons were largely pulled from decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates.


While like the Oliver Hazard Perry class, the four Tomlinson class frigates mounted the LM-2500 gas turbines, the new frigates were far beamier. As such the gas turbines had to be uprated to be able to produce 35,000 horsepower each. Still, top speed was considered to be slightly better than the Oliver Hazard Perry class with a nominal top speed of around thirty and a half knots.


It was decided to go with a twin shaft design instead of a single shaft design. Otherwise, the variable pitch propellers allowed for far more maneuverability than might be otherwise possible. While these frigates did not have measure of radar reduction, these did feature a bubble masking system to reduce the ability to find these submarines using sonar.


These frigates did not remain in service for long in the United States navy after the end of hostilities and there was little interest by foreign governments either. It was not long before the Patriot class littoral combat ship, mounting a SPY-1K radar system, replaced the Tomlinson class frigates. The later Richard E. Byrd class frigates also made the Tomlinson and her sisters even more superfluous. These new designs all had important features that the Tomlinson class lacked. These included phased array radar systems and having a reduced radar cross signature.


Long before the coming of the Great Cataclysm, all four Tomlinson class frigates had been put into inactive reserve status or scrapped. The U.S.S. Tomlinson herself lasted in service a few years longer than her sisters because had been used as reserve training vessel although was rarely deployed. Instead she acted as more of a pier side training platform. Even so, she was soon considered surplus and retired as well.


As tensions escalated, a number of older warships were retained that might have otherwise been scrapped but all three of U.S.S. Tomlinson were scrapped. There was never any consideration given towards refitting these old frigates. Somehow the U.S.S. Tomlinson herself survived although mostly by being basically forgotten. Still, it is almost certain that the U.S.S. Tomlinson would have been scrapped herself if the Great Cataclysm had occurred a few years later.


When Lieutenant Moor saw the U.S.S. Tomlinson and that it was in a relatively good condition, she saw the potential to use the frigate as a base of operations. Rebuilding of the frigate went through various phases but eventually included the reinforcement of the ship with advanced high strength composites and the replacement of the original propulsion system with something more modern.


Just prior to discovering the U.S.S. Tomlinson, her team found a badly damaged Coalition Deaths Head transport although with its reactors intact. Originally the frigate had been powered by a pair of LM-2500 gas turbines but the original gas turbines were not found to be able to be repaired. Even though there might have easier options, it was decided to use the power plant from the Coalition vehicle because it was already on hand.


The amount of power that the reactor produced was actually many times that of the original LM-2500 gas turbines. In fact there was an immediate concern that the power would destroy the shafts. At first it was attempted to reinforce the shafts but later they were replaced by shafts of advanced high strength alloys. The variable pitch propellers also had to be replaced by ones made from the new advanced alloys. Even so, it was decided to limited top speed to around thirty-six knots.


Various modifications were required with the weapon systems as well. It was relatively strait forward to convert the Mark 41 vertical launch system, Mark 141 Harpoon missile canisters, and Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher with modern missile types. Beyond needing to be reinforced, the 76 mm Mk 75 gun needed to have modern ammunition developed for it. While 20 mm ramjet ammunition was available for the Mark 15 Phalanx Vulcan cannon, it was decided to replace the weapon with an extremely powerful multi-barrel laser system. Finally, the vessel also has four point defense mounts based on a Kittani spider defense system captured by the group.


While the electronic suite has not been upgraded in any significant way, there has been debate around replacing the SPS-49 with a mor sophisticate radar suite. Some kind of rotating active phased array radar system is being considered. The system would likely be shorter ranged but capable of tracking more targets and able to perform far better targeting.


Having a lack of personnel initial, great efforts were made to reduce the crew required to operate the frigate as much as possible. In part this was done through additional automation although still likely operated by a crew smaller than might be comfortable for the United States Navy even with the additional automation. Unfortunately it was also not possible to fully automate the vessel.


While the hanger was originally designed for a single helicopter, the hanger was modified so that Lieutenant Moor could operate her Logan fighter from the vessel. In addition, the ship was able to carry a small troop compliment. While originally the Wasp power armor was carried, this is being superceded by the Katana SAMAS power armor. In addition, thirty troops in standard body can be embarked.


As far as why the name “Wolverine” was chosen for the former U.S.S. Tomlinson is slightly on the humorous side. Of course they had no idea who the U.S.S. Tomlinson might have been actually named for. There was however a picture of the Marvel comic character ‘Wolverine’ found painted on the wall on the entrance from the quarterdeck. That is where they got the idea to name the ship the R.F.S. Wolverine.


Author Note: With respect to time line, these designs may or may not reflect our modern time line. The time line of these writeups diverged from our time line starting around 1999. Consider the universe that these designs are created for to be an alternate universe not bound by ours.


Model Type: Modified FFG-69 class Guided Missile Frigate.

Vehicle Type: Ocean, Guided Missile Frigate.

Crew: 82; 8 officers, 12 chief petty officers, and 62 enlisted (Original was around 200 but has relatively high automation.)

Troops: 1 Logan Veritech fighter pilot, 12 pilots for Katana SAMAS Power Armors, and 30 soldiers in normal body armor.


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

Power Armor Compliment:

 

4

Aqua-Tech LEA-50 Deep Sea Power Armors.

 

12

REEF PA-03 Katana SAMAS Power Armors.

Fighter / Aircraft Compliment:

 

1

ADCAP Logan Veritech Fighter.


M.D.C. by Location:

 

Bridge:

400.

 

[1] SPS-49 Two Dimensional Air Search Radar Mast (superstructure):

150.

 

[2] OTO-Melara Mk 75 Single Barrel 3 inch (76-mm)/62-cal DP Barrel (1, gun mount):

60.

 

OTO-Melara Mk 75 Single Barrel 3 inch (76-mm)/62-cal DP Gun Mount (1, forward):

180.

 

Mk 15X Vulcan Laser Phalanx Gun CIWS (1, superstructure above hanger):

100.

 

[2] LPDS-1000 Light Point Defense Systems (4, Superstructure):

50 each.

 

Mk 41 Tactical Length Thirty-Two Cell Vertical Launch System (1, forward):

220.

 

Mk 141 Missile Canisters (8 total, fantail):

100 each.

 

GDC Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher (1, fantail):

150.

 

Mk 32 Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Medium Torpedo Launchers (2, sides):

35 each.

 

[2] Mk 36 Chaff /Decoy Launchers (2, superstructure):

10 each.

 

Hanger (aft):

350.

 

VTOL / Helicopter Pad (aft):

300.

 

Outer Hull (per 40 foot / 12.2 meter area):

60.

 

[3] Main Body:

1,050.

Notes:

[1] The SPS-49 radar system is for long range tracking but can be used for crude targeting as well. Missiles rely mostly on onboard tracking and targeting systems otherwise.

[2] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the attacker to make a “called shot,” but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.

[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the ship’s structural integrity, causing it to sink. There are enough flotation devices and inflatable life rafts to accommodate everyone aboard.


Speed:

Surface: 41.5 mph (36 knots/ 66.7 kph).

Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries four (4) months of supplies on board.


Statistical Data:

Draft:    17.4 feet (5.30 meters) hull and 26.5 feet (8.08 meters) including forward sonar array.

Length:  398 feet waterline (121.31 meters) and 433 feet (131.98 meters) overall.

Width:   48 feet (14.6 meters)

Displacement: 3,400 standard and 4,300 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 200 tons (181.4 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ship’s officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship’s spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.

Power System: Originally conventional gas turbine propulsion (2 LM-2500 gas turbines producing 35,00 hp each) with twin propellers, converted to a nuclear fusion reactor with an average life span of 20 years. Usually only goes 10 years between refueling.

Black Market Cost: Not for sale but would sell if available for 400 million or more credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.


WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. One (1) OTO-Melara 3 inch (76-mm) 62-cal DP Mk 75 Naval Gun: Mounted on the bow of the frigate. The gun is very reliable and fires very rapidly (About 85 rounds per minute). The main weaknesses of the gun are its relatively short range and the fact it cannot use rocket assisted projectiles. The gun was carried on many ship classes around the world until well into the Twenty-First century. The guns can be used against other ships, ground targets, aircraft, and even missiles. Theses guns were among the smallest that could use a proximity fuse for their warheads.

    Maximum Effective Range: 4.9 miles (4.3 nautical miles/8.0 km) for standard projectiles

    Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 1D4x10 M.D.C. with 10 foot (3 meters) blast radius per single shot and 3D4x10 M.D.C. with 20 foot (6.1 meters) blast radius for three round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D6x10 M.D.C. with 4 foot (1.2 meters) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10 M.D.C. with 8 foot (2.4 meter) blast radius for three round burst. Plasma: 2D4x10 M.D.C. with 12 foot (3.7 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D4x10 M.D.C. with 25 foot (7.6 meter) blast radius for three round burst.

    Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (Three round bursts count as one attack.)

    Payload: 350 rounds. Ship normally carries usually carries 125 High Explosive, 125 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 100 Plasma.

  2. One (1) Mk 15X Phalanx Block II (Laser replaced 20 mm Vulcan Cannon): The weapon is mounted on the top of the hanger. It has been modified with a powerful laser replacing the multiple auto cannon barrels of the CIWS. The laser itself is a knock off of the IH-44L Vulcan Laser mounted originally on the Iron Hammer heavy tank. It is excellent for both taking out missiles and aircraft and can be targeted at ocean level targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead. The laser system can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee round (Has +3 to strike missiles and +2 to strike aircraft).

    Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,212 meters).

    Mega-Damage: 3D4x10 MD for an instantaneous burst of six lasers.

    Rate of Fire: Six (6) attacks per melee round (Has +3 to strike missile and +2 to strike aircraft).

    Payload: Effectively Unlimited.

  3. Four (4) LPDS-1000 Light Point Defense Systems: Based on the K-1000 Spider Defense Systems although fixed in place instead of being mobile platforms. They are a fully automatic point defense system. Located on the superstructure, two are on the sides near the bridge while the others are forward of the Mark 15 Phalanx mount. The systems are connected to the ships power supply so that it has unlimited shots. Weapon system normally is used as an anti-missile defense. Instead of the system having its own independent power system, power is pulled from the ship and have effectively unlimited payload. Replacing the original smoke grenades, the mounts carry four prismatic aerosol grenades each for protection against lasers. Other grenades can be used as well but are rarely used.

    Maximum Effective Range: Laser: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) for light blasts and 3,000 feet (915 meters) for heavy blasts. Electrical Blaster: 20 feet (6 meters). Grenades: 100 feet (30.5 meters).

    Mega Damage: Laser: 4D6 for light blasts and 1D4x10 for heavy blasts. Electrical Blaster: 3D6 S.D.C. Grenades: See writeups on grenades for further details on grenades.

    Rate of Fire: Autonomous: Six (6) attacks per melee round (+2 to strike) - grenades are fired on at a time. Manual: Equal to number of combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (usually 4-6).

    Payload: Laser: Effectively Unlimited. Electrical Blaster: Effectively Unlimited. Grenades: Total of four (4) grenades - usually two smoke and two prismatic aerosol grenades.

  4. One (1) MK 41 Tactical Length 32 Cell Vertical Launch Missile System: The launcher has a thirty-two (32) cells for missiles and is located on the forward section of the ship between the 76 mm gun mount and the superstructure. These are the shorter tactical version of the missile launcher and cannot carry the longer cruise missile. From the beginning, the launchers have been found to be very flexible and adaptable. The launcher was originally designed for the Standard SM-2 Missile and later the Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM.) In later service, the launchers have been adapted to hold two long range missiles or four medium range missiles per cell. Anti-Submarine rocket launched torpedoes also can be fired from the launcher (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Maximum Effective Range: As per long or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: As per long or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volley of two (2), four (4), or sixteen (16) missiles per melee round and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.

    Payload: Thirty-two (32) missile cells in VLS launcher (Possible total of 64 long range missiles). Two (2) long range missiles, or four (4) medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Usual missile load is thirty-two (32) long range missiles and sixty-four (64) medium range missiles. Ship carries no reloads.

  5. Eight (8) Mk 141 Long Range Missile Canister Launchers: These launchers are special canisters that are located on the fantail of the ship. They mount on the deck of the vessel and are effectively bolted on. While the launchers are reusable, they are still inexpensive and are easily jettisoned if damaged. Originally designed for the RGM-84 Harpoon missile but adapted for a larger variety of ordnance. While any long range missile type can be carried, usually special surface skimming missiles will be carried in launchers and are used against surface targets only.

    Maximum Effective Range: As per long range missile type (Surface skimming missiles have 25% less range than normal long range missile, see revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega Damage: As per long range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire long range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), or eight (8) long range missiles with all launchers operating together.

    Payload: One (1) long range missile each launcher for a grand total of eight (8) long range missiles (Has no missiles in storage for reloads.)

  6. One (1) GDC Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher: Launcher is mounted on the fantail of the ship. This is a Pre-Rifts missile launcher originally designed to fire the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) but later modified to fire a wider variety of short range missiles. Has a total capacity for twenty-one short range missiles and designed to act as inner anti-missile point defense and is considered effective in dealing with incoming cruise missiles. Short range missiles are usually a mixture of 50% Armor Piercing and 50% Plasma. Launchers can lock onto multiple targets at the same. The systems missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee round.

    Maximum Effective Range: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) short range missiles and can be used up to twice (2) per melee round.

    Payload: Twenty-one (21) short range missiles each.

  7. Two (2) Mk 32 Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Torpedo Launchers: There is one torpedo mount on each side of the ship. Each torpedo mount has three torpedo tubes and tubes are 12.75 in (324 mm) wide. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted on surface targets as well. Interceptor torpedoes are also available for launchers / tubes to use against incoming torpedoes. Ship carries thirty-six reloads for torpedoes. For the most part torpedo warheads are equal to medium range missile warheads.

    Maximum Effective Range: 20 miles (17.4 nautical miles / 32 km) for standard torpedoes.

    Mega Damage: By medium torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Can fire torpedoes one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or three (3) torpedoes per side. Reloading tubes requires two (2) full melee rounds.

    Payload: Three (3) medium torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of six (6) medium torpedoes. Has a total of thirty-six (36) medium torpedoes for reloads.

  8. Two (2) Mk 36 Super RBOC Chaff / Decoy Launchers: Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. Both launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles) and reduce effects of launchers by 10% per launcher not used (Add +10% to rolls per launcher not used.) Only useful against missiles, not useful against torpedoes underwater.

    Range: Around Ship.

    Mega Damage: None.

    Effects:

    01-35

    Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud - Missiles are all destroyed.

     

    36-60

    Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in wrong direction (May lock onto another target.)

     

    61-00

    No effect, enemy missile or missile volley is still on target.

    Payload: Twenty-four (24) each for a total of forty-eight (48) canisters.

  9. Two (2) SLQ-25F Nixie Towed Torpedo Decoys: A special decoy which is towed behind the ship. The Coalition has not seen a need for this system so has not equipped their ships with it. It generates a sound like the ships propellers in order to confuse incoming torpedoes. Only effective at speeds below 25 knots. Otherwise, the noise of the ship’s systems and propellers is too powerful to mask. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies guidance systems due to technological difference.

    M.D.C.: 5 each.

    Range: Not Applicable although decoy is deployed approximately 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) from the vessel.

    Effects: The decoy has a 65% chance of fooling ordinary non military sonars and non smart guided torpedoes, the decoy has a 35% chance of fooling military level sonars (like those of the Coalition) and non “smart” torpedoes, and the decoy has a 10% chance of fooling advanced military sonars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and “smart” torpedoes.

    Payload: One ready to use, with one more ready to deploy. It takes approximately three minutes (twelve melee rounds) to reel out another decoy.

Special Systems:

The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:


[ Altarain TM, Bandito Arms TM, Brodkil TM, Chipwell Armaments TM, Coalition States TM, Cyber-Knight TM, Federation of Magic TM, Free Quebec TM, Golden Age Weaponsmiths TM, Horune TM, Iron Heart Armaments TM, Kankoran TM, Kittani TM, Kydian TM, Larsen’s Brigade TM, M.D.C. TM, Mechanoids TM, Mega-Damage TM, Megaversal Legion TM, Millennium Tree TM, Mutants in Orbit TM, Naruni Enterprises TM, Naut’Yll, New Navy TM, New Sovietskiy TM, NGR TM, Nog Heng TM, Northern Gun TM, Phase World TM, Psyscape TM, Rifter TM, SAMAS TM, S.D.C. TM, Shemarrian TM, Splugorth TM, Stormspire TM, Sunaj TM, Tolkeen TM, Triax TM, Wellington Industries TM, Wilk’s Laser Technologies TM, Xiticix TM, and Zaayr TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

[ Beyond the Supernatural®, Heroes Unlimited®, Nightbane®, Ninjas & Superspies®, Palladium Fantasy®, and Rifts® are registered trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

[ Macross®, Robotech®, Robotech: Sentinels®, SDF-1®, Southern Cross®, and Zentraedi® are registered trademarks owned and licensed by Harmony Gold USA, Inc. ]


Picture by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 1997 to 2001, 2010, & 2019, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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