Larger View

Golden Age Oliver Hazard Perry class Guided Missile Frigate:


Along with finding Arleigh Burke class destroyers and other large vessels, Golden Age Weaponsmiths found ten old guided missile frigates of the Oliver Hazard Perry class in their searching for vessels to refit. The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were constructed in the late twentieth century to replace World War Two escorts that were in need of replacement. Often these frigates were called the OHP class by their crews.


While these old frigates only had limited air assets even when built, they had a very capable towed array sonar system. Originally more than seventy of these frigates were constructed both by the United States and other nations. These include Australia, Spain, and Taiwan. As the United States retired their frigates, they found their way into other nations including Egypt, Poland, and Turkey. The United States had planned to dispose of all of its Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates but the war with India caused a handful to be retained. These were instead kept in inactive reserve status.


There were a number of frigate classes developed since the retirement of the Perry class frigates. These include a small number of Tomlinson class, a larger number of Richard E. Byrd class, and a very large class of Francis Darcey class frigates. Finally, there were the Liberty class litoral combat ships which might be considered frigates. Even if the Great Cataclysm had not occurred, it is extremely unlikely that they would even been returned to service.


How they were not disposed of before the Great Cataclysm is unknown. A couple had found their way into being museum vessels but the rest were still considered naval assets even though considered obsolete. Surprisingly, Golden Age managed to a total of ten of these old frigates. All of the ships that have been recovered have been of the long hull design


Even though the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates required a huge amount of work to reactivate, it was decided that it might be worth the effort. With improved weaponry, they might be able to compete with far more modern warships. Their comparatively small size meant that they might be reconditioned easier than they might otherwise, and should require relatively small crews. While not as capable as mor modern vessels, they are still capable of dealing with most minor threats.


Of the ten frigates that Golden Age Weaponsmiths has refitted, four were purchased by the Coalition States, two by Free Quebec, and two by Columbia. The two remaining frigates were retained by Golden Age Weaponsmiths for their own defenses. On occasion they have had issues with pirates and raiders. The four Coalition vessels have been commissioned as MF-1 Eagle (ex FFG-54), MF-2 Hawk (ex FFG-47), MF-3 Falcon (ex FFG-55), and MF-4 Osprey (ex FFG-58).


These frigates have mostly be used for convoy escort and coastal operations but on occasion have been enlisted in the role of escort for Coalition navy carriers. Even so, the Coalition prefers to use their larger vessels for carrier escorts and consider the old frigates of limited effectiveness. Interestingly, the Coalition is believe to have looked into developing a low cost escort design based on the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate although more consider it far more likely that it will be based on the James Bay class.


As previously stated, these vessels required a much greater refit that most other classes that Golden Age Weaponsmiths has refitted. During the refit, it was decided to improve the air defense capabilities of these frigates as much as practical. Otherwise, there were concerns that the old vessels would be simply too vulnerable to any sort of air threat.


One of the most improvements was the in the radar systems of the frigate. While the SPS-49 was considered an extremely long ranged radar, it was not designed for targeting. It was decided to augment the original radar with a pair of phased array radars. There is a fair amount of debate on its development. Some suggest that it was reverse engineered from the SPY-1D from Arleigh Burke class destroyers while it has also been suggested that Golden Age Weaponsmiths managed to find an example of the smaller SPY-1F and simply copy it with some minor improvements including being lighter weight. Even so, the superstructure had to be modified to enable the radar systems to be mounted and the ship’s top weight need to be reduced to enable the ship to carry the new radar system.


Even with the improved radar, if the ship was unable to effectively engage such threats, it would be of limited effectiveness. As built, the frigates were armed with a Mk 13 single arm missile launcher. These launchers were originally designed to fire the RIM-24 Tartar surface to air missile and converted to fire the RIM-66 Standard SM-1 missile. On the Oliver Hazard Perry class, the launcher could also fire the RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. This was later removed and a Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher where the Mk 13 launcher was originally located.


Originally Golden Age Weaponsmiths considered mounting a sixteen cell Mk 41 launcher where the Mk 13 launcher was originally positioned. However they were able to produce a smaller missile launcher that could fire a single long range missile or a pair of medium range missiles. They considered the launcher efficient with regard to space with a total of forty cell vertical launch missile cells were able to be mounted. In most cases, most of the cells carry two medium range missiles which gives the ship the ability to carry up to eighty medium range missiles.


For secondary weapons, it was decided to move the Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher to above the hanger and replace the Mk 15 Phalanx 20 mm Vulcan CIWS mounting. Refitted to fire standard short range missiles, the missile launcher was considered far more effective with respect to the close in defense role. Quite often fast moving air intercept missiles are used.


Two weapon systems were retained with little modification. Probably the most important of these is the Mk 75 76 mm gun mount on the superstructure. The main change is the development of better ordnance, developed by Wellington Industries. Otherwise, the frigate retains the triple 12.75 inch torpedo tubes mounted on either side. While primarily designed for anti-submarine torpedoes, interceptor torpedoes can also be fired from the torpedo tubes.


While rebuilding was extensive, most of the other modifications are similar to other vessels. As with other classes, the hull and superstructure had ceramic and composite armor added with some places being completely replaced by these materials. The keel also was heavily reinforced with these new materials. As a result, the frigate is able to withstand far more damage than it even could have in United States naval services.


Originally the frigate used a pair of LM-2500 gas turbine engines. During the rebuilding, these were replaced by a pair of fusion aircraft turbine engines. Because these engines are far more powerful than the original engines, the shaft needed to be replaced and the original gearing had to be reinforced in areas. While the propeller needed to be replaced as well, the replacement propeller chosen was still of a variable pitch design.


These ships were not designed with a reduced cross signature however they do have a bubble masking in order to reduce the ship’s noise. In addition, the original sonar system were retained. While the hull sonar can be considered relatively short ranged, the towed array is far longer ranged and effective. As with most systems, both are fully reconditioned and updated wherever possible.


As built, these frigates mounted the SLQ-32(V)2 ESM suite. This gave the Oliver Hazard Perry class only the ability to detect threats. After the U.S.S. Stark was hit by Exocet missiles, it was decided to upgrade these to the SLQ-32(V)5 Sidekick, adding active radar jamming abilities. Even so, the system is not as capable as more modern suites.


One of the primary purposes of these frigates was to be able to carry helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. To this end, the Oliver Hazard Perry class was designed with a large flight deck for their size and a hanger for two helicopters. Optionally, different VTOL aircraft can also be carried. In Coalition naval service, the most common helicopters carried are the Sea Storm or Sea Wasp.


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 “Long Hull” FFG-7 class Frigate.

Class: Guided Missile Frigate.

Crew: 176 total; 15 officers, 18 chief petty officers, and 143 enlisted.


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

Power Armor Compliment:

 

12

PA-06A SAMAS Power Armors (Other power armors normally embarked in non CS service.)

Aircraft Compliment:

 

2

Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft (Usually Sea Storm or Sea Wasp in CS service.)


M.D.C. by Location:

 

Bridge:

400.

 

[1] SPY-1UL Phase Array Radar Panels (4, superstructure):

150 each.

 

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

200.

 

[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 Mount (1, superstructure):

180.

 

GAW-VLS-XL 40 Cell Vertical Launch Systems (forward):

300.

 

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

150.

 

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

35 each.

 

[2] Mk 36 Chaff /Decoy Launchers (2, superstructure - Non-Coalition vessels only):

10 each.

 

Hanger (aft):

250.

 

VTOL / Helicopter Pad (aft):

200.

 

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

50.

 

[3] Main Body:

750.

Notes:

[1] Destroying the SPY-1UL phased array radar panels will destroy the ship’s fire control systems but guns have backup systems and panels can partially compensate for each other. The SPS-49 radar system is for long range tracking but can be used for crude targeting as well.

[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: Effectively unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 15 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries four (4) months of supplies on board.


Statistical Data:

Draft:    18.7 feet (5.7 meters) hull and 28.2 feet (8.6 meters) including forward sonar array.

Length:  408 feet (124 meters) waterline and 453 feet (138 meters) overall.

Width:   45.0 feet (13.7 meters).

Displacement: 3,650 tons light and 4,200 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 80 tons (72.6 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, converted to two nuclear fusion turbines reactors with an average life span of 15 years.

Black Market Price: Golden Age has sold their converted frigates for 180 million credits to outside interests but it is believed that they charged the Coalition between 125 and 150 million credits each ship. 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: The ship mounts a rapid fire three inch gun mount at approximately in the middle of the superstructure. 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: 360 rounds. Ship normally carries usually carries 135 High Explosive, 135 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 90 Plasma.

  2. One (1) GAW-VLS-XL 40 Cell Vertical Launch System: Of Golden Age Weaponsmith’s design, this launcher replaces the original Mk 13 single rail missile launcher that was fitted on the front of the vessel. The launcher has forty cells with provisions for missiles in an eight wide by five long cell configuration. The system is similar to the vertical launch system employed on many ships in the late twentieth century to launch the SM-2 series and other missile but missile cells are more compact. Each cell can carry one long range missile or two medium range missiles. Long range missiles are normally used against large targets and aircraft further out where the medium range missiles will normally be used to engage closer targets. About half of all long range missiles carried are fusion warheads and most missiles are normally smart missiles. The launcher can use a vast variety of missiles including surface skimming missiles and anti-submarine rocket propelled torpedoes (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.) The launcher may launch on multiple targets each.

    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 volleys of two (2), four (4), eight (8), or twenty (20) missiles per launcher per melee round and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.

    Payload: Forty (40) missile cells in launcher. One (1) long range missile or two (2) medium range missiles may be carried per cell. The ship will often carry thirty-two (32) cells in each launcher with two medium range missiles each (64 medium range missiles) and the other cells loaded with one long range missile each (8 long range missiles.) Ships serving in the Coalition Navy usually carry four (4) surface skimming anti-ship missiles and two (2) anti-submarine rocket propelled torpedoes . Ship carries no reloads

  3. One (1) GDC Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher: It is mounted on helicopter hanger where the 20 mm Vulcan cannon was originally mounted. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Two (2) Mk 36 Super RBOC Chaff / Decoy Launchers (Non CS Only): 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.

  6. Two (2) SLQ-25F Nixie Towed Torpedo Decoys (Non CS Only): 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. ]


Revised Oliver Hazard Perry Frigate image drawn and copyrighted by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa) & Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Mischa has no art home page at present but many other items on my site.


Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2003, 2011, & 2018, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


Return