British Royal Navy Thatcher class Trimaran Land Attack Destroyer
(Type 68):
Even though the Audacious class frigates were considered to have performed well, both those that were later refitted with advanced materials and those of later batches built using the new composites and alloys, the Royal Navy of the Twenty-Sixties saw themselves in need of a new class of ships for the fleet. Most considered the Audacious class frigates to be just a little small for the task. While the Daring class destroyers had been converted as well with the new materials, they were simply getting old. To the leadership in the navy, it was clear that a new, more capable class of ships was needed.
As the Audacious class frigates had lead the way with the trimaran hull form for modern warships, it was no clear that it could be a reliable hull form for a warship. As a result, it was decided that the new class of warship would also be of a trimaran design although far larger. During development, it was decided to borrow as many design characteristics from the Audacious class as to reduce development costs. Luckily, during the development of the Audacious class frigates, some research had been done into larger trimaran designs.
From the beginning, it was planned for these new vessels to perform two roles. One was to act as air defense ships while the other was to perform land attack missions in order to support marine landings. At first an attempt was made for a single vessel to be able to perform both roles but the design ran into problems. The capability for one role would cut into the capability for the other.
While the United States solved this problem by building big, the British Navy decided to go with two different designs both sharing a common hull, propulsion system, engineering, and many of the same weapon systems. However, both designs would have different ultimate capabilities. The Thatcher design was the design for primarily the land attack role.
In common with her sister design, the design of the Thatcher was that of a sleek trimaran, with her two secondary hulls set about halfway her main hull. With a by now common feature, the destroyer had a deckhouse that was a single massive block. Upon the deck house was a radar tower very similar to that of the Audacious class frigate with its Mini-Sampson active phased array radar. Aft of the deckhouse was a large fight deck designed around the ability to operate four large Merlin helicopters. Finally there was a rear deck behind the flight deck was a secondary deck for the towed array sonar.
When you compare the silhouette of a Thatcher class destroyer and an Audacious class frigate, they are quite similar. Items that stick out beyond the fact that the Thatcher class is far larger are the mounting a secondary radar system and a pair of large 155 mm cannons located forward and aft on the ship. Finally, one might not more a clipper bow on the larger destroyer. While the Audacious class had proven to be good sea boats, they also had been proven to be rather wet at the same time.
As fusion power was proven technology by the time that the Thatcher class destroyer was developed, these trimarans used fusion turbines instead of gas turbines. While there had been some problems at first with electrical propulsion, that too had been worked out and the Thatcher class used indirect electrical propulsion as well. As with her sister class, actual propulsion was provided by two huge two electrical induction engines which drop a pair of propellers.
While the old Daring class, especially with the first batch, had a rather austere weapon fit, the Thatcher class destroyer had a far more complete weapon fit. These destroyers, compared to their air defense sisters, did however missile launchers for long range gun power. In comparison, the air defense version might carry over three hundred missiles while the Thatcher class destroyer might only carry about two hundred missiles.
Even though there was a conventional 155 mm gun mount developed from the 4.5 inch gun mount carried on the Daring class destroyer, the Thatcher class destroyer was designed to carry the much larger electro-thermal 155 mm gun mount with approximately twice the range. Often a target might be outside the range of the conventional 155 guns while able to be reached by the longer ranged electro-thermal weapons. For the first couple of vessels, the gun mounts were pulled from Daring class destroyers that were being retired.
Although the missile load was greatly reduced compared to the air defense sister of the Thatcher class, these destroyers still carried considerable numbers of missile launchers. Behind the forward 155 mm electro-thermal gun mount was a Mk 41 forty-eight cell tactical length vertical launch systems. On either side of the superstructure above the secondary hulls were Mk 41 thirty-two cell strike length vertical launch systems. While the forward launcher was normally divided between long and medium range missiles, the side launchers normally were primarily loaded with hypersonic Fasthawk cruise missiles.
To give these destroyers a bit better ability to strike other warships, it was decided to carry anti-ship missiles in canisters in the superstructure. Originally designed for the RGM-84 Harpoon missile, these canisters were later modified to be able to fire a wider variety of long range missiles. Most commonly carried missiles however were surface skimming anti-ship missiles.
Prior to the Thatcher class destroyers entering service, the Mk 15 Phalanx 20 mm CIWS and SeaRAM systems had both been retired in Royal Naval service. The American Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” point defense system had replaced it. In many ways the new weapon system might be considered to have combined the best aspects of both weapon systems, combining short range missile launchers with a powerful rail gun. Other advantaged were that the new point defense mounts had their own active phased array radar system and were designed to have a low radar cross signature. Three of these mounts were carried aboard the new Thatcher class destroyers.
There has been a fair amount of debate why these destroyers mounted a pair of 30 mm auto cannon mounts. Rarely used in service although the main argument seems to have been as defense against small boats. Even there, why the cannon mounts were not replaced by rail guns as they were with most navies that mounted light guns is often questioned.
Even though anti-submarine warfare was not a primary role for these destroyers, it was decided to mount a pair of twin 324 mm torpedo tubes. In addition, a total of sixty torpedoes were carried for the torpedo tubes. Both a powerful hull and towed array sonar was fitted to these destroyers. Some military analysts have suggested that the anti-submarine warfare aspects of the destroyer are a carry over from the Audacious class frigates, In general, the much larger Thatcher class destroyer was identically equipped with the exception of carrying a greater number of torpedoes.
While the Thatcher class destroyer was not designed primarily as an air defense vessels, these trimaran destroyers did retain considerable air defense ability. For the main radar, the Thatcher class destroyer mounted a Type 1055 “Mini Sampson” along with the S1855M air / surface search radar system. Even though the Mini-Sampson and S1855M systems did not have quite the tracking of the original Samson and S1855M systems, they both still retained considerable tracking ability.
These vessels have been compared from time to time with the American Raymond Fox class destroyers. Both could carry considerable marine compliments although the American vessel was designed to be able to carry a much larger aviation compliment. For marines, the Thatcher class was designed with room for up to 160 Marines along with their power armors.
With respect to the four Merlin helicopters, either anti-submarine or transport models could be embarked. The Transport models might be tasked with either transporting troops or material transport. Instead of the Merlin helicopters, the Thatcher class could also carry three Chinook helicopters. This seldom done, because the hangar is then severely crowded, and maintenance work is hampered. In addition, sometimes one of the Merlin helicopters might be replaced by a Sea Wolf attack helicopter.
Compared to her air defense sister, the Thatcher class destroyer was designed with a larger hanger and greatly enlarged marine berthing. Part of this comes from extending the hanger slightly aft. In addition, the deletion of the command and control facilities that are on the air defense sister design also freed up considerable space.
These ships were never quite seen as the same priority as the Hood class cruisers. As a result, only six Thatcher class destroyer were built prior to the Third Falklands War. They were built in two batches of three vessels with a considerable delay between the first and second batches. Even so, there were few modifications between Batch One and Batch Two vessels. Most that there were can be considered relatively minor and most were back fitted to earlier vessels.
It is hard to know why but three out of six of the Thatcher class destroyer were assigned to the task force escorting the carrier H.M.S. Ark Royal. Perhaps it was in order to threaten Argentina with the potential of missile strikes on vital assets and shore bombardment. As it was, H.M.S. Thatcher, H.M.S. Churchill, and H.M.S. Blair were all attached to the ill fated battle group.
Threatened by the Royal Navy task force, the Argentinian military struck at the force with stealth bombers armed with nuclear missiles. For several long seemed to be standing on a knife edge from total nuclear war. As it was, the war resulted in the end of Argentina both as a military and a economic world power. Prior to this, no nation had used a nuclear weapon in almost one hundred and sixty years.
While the world thought the entire task force was lost, the reality was that all of the nuclear missiles were shot down short of the task force. However, one or more warheads exploded and activated what would later become known as the South American Sea Triangle. Instead of being destroyed, the entire tack force was projected many years into the future in a time after a massive cataclysm.
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: Type 68 Thatcher Class Destroyer
Vehicle Type: Ocean, Guided Missile Destroyer, Land Attack.
Crew (Cruiser): 175; 12 officers, 20 Chief Petty officers, 20 Command Crew (various),and 123 enlisted
Troops: 28 Merlin crew members, 160 Marines.
Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:
Power Armor Compliment:
|
100 |
BA-V FPA-05D Gypsy Moth Power Armor (with Flight Packs.) |
|
40 |
BA-V FPA-05D Gypsy Moth Power Armor (with Underwater Thruster Packs.) |
Aircraft Compliment:
|
4 |
Westland Merlin HM 1 helicopters (Anti-Submarine Warfare / Transport Versions.) |
M.D.C. by Location:
|
Bridge: |
650. |
|
[1] Type 1055 “Mini Sampson” Active Phased Array Radar System: |
225. |
|
[1] Marconi/Signaal S1855M Air/Surf. Search Radar (superstructure): |
160. |
|
[2] Signaal Sirius Infrared Cameras (2, superstructure): |
10 each. |
|
BAE Systems 155 mm (6.1 inch)/65 Mk 3 Electro-Thermal Gun Barrels (2, mounts): |
100 each. |
|
BAE Systems 155 mm (6.1 inch)/62 Mk 3 Electro-Thermal Gun Mounts (2): |
250 each. |
|
Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile System (3, superstructure): |
200 each. |
|
30mm Mark 44 Bushmaster II Auto Cannon Mounts (2, superstructure): |
50 each. |
|
Mk 41 Tactical Length 48 Cell Vertical Launch System (1, forward): |
360. |
|
Mk 41 Strike Length 32 cell Vertical Launchers (2, sides of superstructure): |
280 each. |
|
Mk 141 Missile Canisters (8 total, superstructure): |
100 each. |
|
Dual 12.75 inch (324 mm) Medium Torpedo Launchers (2, sides): |
35 each. |
|
[2] Sea Gnat Chaff / Decoy Launchers (4, superstructure): |
10 each. |
|
Hanger (aft): |
520. |
|
VTOL Pad (aft): |
300. |
|
Outer Hull (per 40 foot / 12.2 meter area): |
85. |
|
[3] Primary Hull (main body): |
2,400. |
|
[4] Secondary Hulls (2, either side of primary hull): |
750 each. |
Notes:
[1] Destroying both the Type 1055 “Mini Sampson” rotating active phased array radar system and the S1855M air / surface search radar system will destroy the ship’s main long range fire control and tracking systems but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors.) Both air search systems are separate so both systems are not likely to be disabled from a single hit.
[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] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. If the secondary hulls are still intact, the ship will sink very slowly and will take a full twenty four hours to sink. This may give the ships crew time to patch the damage to an extent that the ship will float but all propulsion will be destroyed but the ship may be repairable. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.
[4] Destruction of one secondary hull will reduce stability and negate bonuses due to quiet design and for piloting. Destruction of both secondary hulls will give the ship a -20% penalty to piloting and give a bonus of +20% to be detected. Ship’s speed is also reduced to 34.5 mph (30 knots / 55.6 kph).
Speed:
Surface: 60 knots (69 mph / 111.1 kph).
Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries six (6) months of supplies and consumables on board.
Statistical Data:
Height: 118 feet (35.4 meters).
Width: 110 feet (33 meters).
Length: 575 feet (175.3 meters) waterline and 615 feet (184.5 meters) overall.
Displacement: 9,500 tons standard and 12,100 tons fully loaded.
Cargo: Can carry 720 tons (653.2 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: Four nuclear fusion reactors, average life span is 20 years. Usually only goes 10 years between refueling.
Black Market Cost: Not for sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 500 million or more credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.
WEAPON SYSTEMS:
One (1) BAE Systems 155 mm (6.1 inch)/65 Mk 3 Electro-Thermal Naval Gun: Mounted in the bow and stern of the destroyer. While there was also a 155 mm gun designed to use standard artillery shells, later fitted to the Audacious class frigate, this is an upgraded version that is an electro-thermal design and longer ranged. The projectile is loaded into the barrel, behind which there is a “propellant,” which is a dot of light metal. A powerful electromagnetic force is applied to the metal, which causes its atoms to “switch” directions. This happens so violently that the metal turns to plasma, and this expanding gas then drives the projectile forward. The reload system is fully automated and the rate of fire can be maintained as long as the system retains ammunition. While the projectiles has a lot greater range than standard 155 mm projectiles, they carry the same size warheads and inflicts about the same damage. Self Guided projectiles can be used for pinpoint accuracy although G.P.S. Satellite guided projectiles are no longer useful due to the elimination of the satellites. Guided projectiles are far more expensive. Both non rocket assisted and rocket assisted projectiles are available for the weapon system. Weapon is not designed to use Extended range Guided Munitions and they were not seen as necessary with the great range of the electro-thermal projectiles. The gun mount can rotate 270 and has a 60 arc of fire.
Maximum Effective Range: 31.1 miles (27 nautical miles / 50 km) for standard projectiles, and 49.7 miles (43.2 nautical miles / 80.0 km) for rocket assisted projectiles.
Mega-Damage: Standard Projectiles: 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 feet (7.7 meters) for High Explosive, 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 6 feet (2 meters) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 4D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 feet (7.7 meters) for Plasma. Rocket Assisted Projectiles: 2D4x10 to a blast radius of 20 feet (6.1 meters) for High Explosive, 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 4 feet (1.2 meters) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 20 feet (6.1 meters) for Plasma.
Use the statistics for 155 mm artillery warheads (Go to Battlefield Artillery for Rifts for more information - standard or rocket assisted as appropriate) when using artillery rounds.
Rate of Fire: Up to four (4) single shots per melee round per mount.
Payload: 750 rounds each for 1,500 rounds total.
Two (2) 30mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II Auto Cannon Mounts: Two 30 mm cannons were mounted on the superstructure, next to the bridge. These weapons had a good range and rate of fire, but lacked the punch to do damage to large targets. Since they were manually aimed, they were little good against missiles, and the crew often joked that they were only good for “Shooting life boats and survivors in the water.” Primarily however, they are for defense against small boats and similar threats. Each gun can rotate 270 degrees and has a 90 degree arc of fire.
Maximum Effective Range: 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).
Mega-Damage: 2D6 per round, and 1D6x10 for a burst of 30 rounds.
Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (usually 4 or 5).
Payload: 600 rounds (20 bursts) each. Ship carries an additional 4,000 rounds of ammunition in magazines. Auto cannons requires 3 minutes (12 melees) to reload by properly trained personnel (Double for untrained crews.)
Three (3) Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: One is mounted over the bridge, while the other two are located on the sides of the ships superstructure, next to the long range radar. Bought from the United States as a replacement for aging defense system. Mounted on the sides of the superstructure. This anti-missile defense system combines both a rapid fire rail gun and a short range missile launcher. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking and fire control systems. The short range missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee. Quite powerful, the rail gun is capable of destroying any missile or inflicting serious damage on aircraft. The rail gun can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee (Has +3 to strike missiles and +2 to strike aircraft). In its design, the rail gun is very similar to those carried on the Sea King cruiser and it is likely that the Sea King’s rail guns came from a prototype of this system. The system also can be used against other ships and ground targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead.
Maximum Effective Range: Rail Guns: 11,000 feet (2 miles / 3.2 km). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Mega-Damage: Rail Guns: 3D4x10 M.D. per burst of 40 rounds (Can only fire bursts). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Rate of Fire: Rail Guns: Six (6) attacks per melee round. Short Range Missiles: Two (2) attacks per melee round, can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) short range missiles.
Payload: Rail Guns: 8,000 rounds (200 burst) each. Short Range Missiles: Sixteen (16) short range missiles each.
One (1) Mk 41 Tactical Length 48 Cell Vertical Launch Systems: Mounted forward of the superstructure but behind the forward 16 cell tactical length Mk 41 launcher. An American design which was much more flexible than the French Sylver A-50 launcher, the slightly larger cells allowed for two long range missiles or four medium range missiles to be loaded into one cell. It also provided a better rate of fire. The tactical length version could not carry cruise missiles and used almost exclusively to house surface to air missiles. From the beginning, the launchers have been found to be very flexible and adaptable and the launcher can carry 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 volleys of two (2), four (4), sixteen (16), or twenty-four (24) missiles for both launchers per melee round and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.
Payload: Forty-eight (48) cells for missiles in forward VLS launcher (possible total of 96 long range missiles). Two (2) long range missiles or four (4) medium range missiles may be carried per missile cell. Normal load is sixty-four (64) long range missiles and sixty-four (64) medium range missiles. Ship carries no reloads.
Two (2) Mk 41 Strike Length 32 Cell Vertical Launch Systems: Mounted on the sides of the ship in the superstructure over the secondary hulls. An American design which was much more flexible than the French Sylver A-50 launcher, the slightly larger cells allowed for two long range missiles or four medium range missiles to be loaded into one cell. It also provided a better rate of fire. As these are the longer strike version of the missile launcher, they can carry the longer cruise missile. From the beginning, the launchers have been found to be very flexible and adaptable. The launcher was originally design for the Tomahawk and Standard SM-2 Missile. In later service,, these launchers have been adapted to hold one cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles per cell. Cruise missiles are usually used against hardened fixed targets, long range missiles are normally used against aircraft and other large targets, and medium range missiles are normally used against closer targets such as incoming missiles. Anti-Submarine rocket launched torpedoes also can be fired from the launcher (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.) On the Thatcher class these missiles cells carried long range missiles and the hypersonic Fasthawk cruise missile for land attack roles.
Maximum Effective Range: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details / for Fasthawk missiles, go to missile description for details.)
Mega-Damage: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details / for Fasthawk missiles, go to missile description for details.)
Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), or sixteen (16) missiles for both launchers per melee round and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.
Payload: Forty-eight (48) cells for missiles in forward VLS launcher (possible total of 96 long range missiles). One (1) cruise missile, two (2) long range missiles, or four (4) medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Normal load is sixteen (16) long range missiles, sixteen (16) land attack, and eight (8) sea skimming anti ship Fasthawk cruise missiles per vertical launch system. Ship carries no reloads.
Eight (8) Mk 141 Long Range Missile Canister Launchers: These launchers are special canisters mounted in two quadruple mounts on the superstructure, just aft of the Sampson radar array. 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 missiles, 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.)
Two (2) Dual 12.75 inch (324 mm) Medium Torpedo Launchers: There is one twin launcher on each side of the ship. Each twin torpedo launcher has two torpedo tubes and tubes are 12.75 in (324 mm) wide. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted against surface targets as well. Interceptor torpedoes are also available for launchers / tubes to use against incoming torpedoes. The tubes have an automatic reloading system and can be fired quickly. Ship carries 60 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 medium torpedoes one at a time or in volleys of two (2) medium torpedoes per side, launcher can fire a maximum of two (2) volleys of torpedoes per melee each launcher.
Payload: Two (2) medium torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of four (4) medium torpedoes. Has an additional sixty (60) medium torpedoes for reloads.
Four (4) Sea Gnat Chaff / Decoy Launcher: Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. All four 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: Six (6) each for a total of twenty-four (24) canisters. One-hundred and forty-four (144) reload canisters are carried, reloading takes two melee rounds.
Four (4) Graseby Type 188 Towed 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 28.8 mph (25 knots / 46.3 kph) and below. 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 and targeting systems due to technological differences.
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 three 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:
BAE Systems Type 1055 “Mini Sampson” Active Phased Array Radar System: Miniaturized version of the original Sampson system with slightly less tracking ability. Powerful and flexible active phased radar system that is comprised of a single rotating array on top of the main mast with a powerful computer controlling it. Can simultaneously track and identify up to 320 targets at one time. The system controls missiles launched from the missile launchers and the system tracks and guides each individual missile to an individual target for up to 60 targets. If a target is eliminated, missiles are automatically guided to a new target. The system can also control missiles launched from other linked vessels as well and can also act as fire control for gun mounts. Active phased array radar systems are harder to detect and jam due to being able to rapidly jump across frequencies. Range: 201.4 miles (175 nautical miles / 324.1 km), subject to the radar horizon.
Marconi/Signaal S1855M Passively Scanned Phased Array Air/Surface Search Radar: Modified version of the S1850M with a reduced number of elements and lower power. Long range passive electronically scanned array air search radar system. Has incredible tracking ability with radar system able to track up to 480 targets simultaneously and is capable of limited fire control. Range: 426.4 miles (380 nautical miles / 684.1 km), subject to the radar horizon.
Signaal Sirius IRST: Long range infrared tracking system that consists of two high powered passive infrared cameras with each camera computer controlled. The camera system can up to 24 targets simultaneously. Range: 80 miles (69.5 nautical miles / 128 km), subject to visual horizon. Bonuses: The system gives a +10% to Read Sensory Instrument skill rolls.
Ferranti/Thomson Sintra Type 2350 Hull Sonar System: Mounted under the bow of the ship. This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 32 targets at one time. Range: 27.6 miles (24 nautical miles / 44.6 km).
Type 2331 Towed Array Sonar System: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the ship on a long cable. This towed array sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 48 targets at one time. Range: 103.6 miles (90 nautical miles / 166.8 km).
Racal Cyrus III / Mantis Advanced Integrated ESM / ECM Suite: Combination of radar / radio detection system (ESM) and an active jamming (ECM) system. The system can detect another radar system at around 125% of the range of the transmitting radar and is usually subject to radar horizon. This includes the ability to detect radar guided weapons. Can be used for limited targeting. In jamming mode, causes -25% to detection but when it is active, other vehicles/ bases can detect that it is jamming, and some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Some missiles also have AESA type radars themselves and/or have backup infra-red sensors. Jamming also causes a -4 penalty to all radar guided weapons. Can be used to jam a wide area or for focused jamming against several targets.
Sonar Masking System: The hull and propulsion are designed to minimize noise from the vessel and uses air bubbles to form a barrier against sonar as well. Bubble masker protects both the hull and propellers against detection. Gives a -20% penalty to any Read Sensory Instrument skill rolls to detect this ship using sonar and bubble masker reduces ability to classify vessel.
Radar Defeating Profile & Radar Absorbing Materials: The ship’s superstructure and hull are designed so that the radar profile of the ship is reduced and the ship is covered with radar absorbing materials. Because of this, attempts to detect the ship using radar are made with a -20% penalty to any Read Sensory Instrument rolls when attempting to detect this ship and vessel will appear to be smaller on radar than it would otherwise. Go to General Detection Penalties for more information on penalties and bonuses to use with stealth.
Bonuses:
+20% to Piloting Rolls
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Writeup by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa) and revised by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).
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