CSC TYPE 26 FRIGATE LATEST INFO GRAPHIC/CAPABILITIES AS OF 14 MAY 2024
Here are the latest updates as is either known or speculated as of
14 May 2024 for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) Type 26 Frigate weapons & systems design. The number of MK 41 VLS Cells has been dropped to 24 Cells forward vice 32 (for now). As seen by this latest graphic, the mast is not only taller but has lost the X Band Illumination AESA Radar however both Ottawa & MDA are not talking. It has been said that the X Band Illumination Radar is now not required for the CSC Frigate as the SPY 7 (V) 3 has the capability of targeting all threats on its own unlike the new AESA SPY 6 (V) 1 by Raytheon for the Arleigh Burkes which has a targeting function within the radar itself. Also notice the Port/Stb'd waist areas midships have been "cut-out" to also save weight no doubt (or perhaps for “future-proofing”). The government has also changed the Leonado MARLIN 30mm gun mount to the latest Leonardo 30mm X Gun as per para 12. The crew size has increased from 204 to 210 personnel. The ship tonnage has increased-
8,080 tonnes although that may not be the full-load weight (possibly around
9,400 tonnes):
1. 1 x Lockheed Martin (LM) Solid State 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) "S" Band Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR)-SPY 7 (V) 3 Phased Array Solid State Air Search Radar with integration into the CMS 330/Aegis Combat System-Confirmed by Lockheed Martin (LM).
2. 2 x "X" & "S" Band Navigation Radars from BAE Systems with integration software into the CMS 330/Aegis Combat System.
3. MacDonald Dettwiler Associates (MDA)-Electronic Warfare Suite System & Chaff launchers.
4. MacDonald Dettwiler Associates (MDA)-Future High Energy Laser (HEL) Warfare Defence System (again MDA is not talking).
5. 24 x MK 41 strike length (ExLS) VLS-ESSM2, SM II/IIIC-SM3/SM6 & Hypersonic Ballistic Cruise Missiles (fitted for, but not with for CSC Batch I build) Batch II build may have up to 64 ExLS Mk 41 cells as with the BAE proposed missile fit for the Australian Hunter class Type 26 Frigate and 4x4 NSMs as with the USN Constellation class (The Multi-Mission Bay (MMB) & Mission Bay Handling System (MBHS) would then be replaced to accommodate the increased missile load midships); Raytheon Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM).
6. Combat Information Management Systems-Links 11/16/22/GCCS-M/Mode 5S Identification Friend or Foe (IFF).
7. Light Weight (LW) MK 54 Torpedo system and magazines with twin launcher tubes (Port/Stb’d).
8. Sea Spider anti-torpedo system (Magellan/TKMS)
9. 6 x 4 ExLS VLS-Aft of the funnel (Sea Ceptor, quad-packed) for Close In Air Defence System (CIADS) (could be increased to 12 x 4 ExLS cells with CSC Batch II build).
10. 2 x 4 Quad packs Kongsberg NSM Surface-To-Surface Missiles-Port/Stb’d above Multi-Mission Bay (MMB). These NSM missiles may be increased to 4 x 4 Quad packs for CSC Type 26 Batch II build as with the Constellation class frigates.
11. Main Gun: 1 x 5-inch Leonardo Oto Melara 127mm Light Weight (LW) Land Attack and Anti-Air Vulcano gun with NA-30S Mk-2 Fire Control Radar System (FCS). This gun will confer the CSC ships with the ability to fire extended-range, precision-guided Vulcano munitions – both in guided long-range and the ballistic extended-range versions – with conventional Anti-Air Warfare ammunition as well.
12. Secondary Guns: 2 x X-Gun 30mm x 173 mm weapon system Stabilized Rapid Fire Naval Gun System (from Leonardo-Port/Stb’d of Flight Deck) Lionfish 30 turret with RC-Remotely Controlled. At the heart of the new gun, is the electrically-powered drum cam which, with its rotation provided a brushless motor (installed inside the same drum cam). The overall X-Gun mass weighs 189 kg (Approx. 417 Lbs.), of which 78 kg of the receiver, 60 kg for the barrel and 35 kg for the feeder. The gun control unit (GCU) adds 16 kg allowing to save the latest data should power fail. With an ‘always safe’ feature, the X-Gun has an adjustable rate of fire up to 200 rpm (single, programmed and continuous burst), and presents two key features: the sniper mode and the next round selection. To enhance precision, with the first mode the round is pre-chambered with the breach nearly closed, minimizing vibrations and firing delay for improved accuracy. Additionally, the weapon incorporates a “first-round selection” capability, allowing immediate firing with the selected ammunition without shooting rounds of the previous type during magazine changes. The X-Gun has a C-UAS capability against mini e micro drones offered by the MF-ABM and its dedicated programmer under development. The X-Gun Lionfish 30 FCS will be able to fully exploit a large database of information on UAS thanks to algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI) which will be resident on a Decision Support System (DSS). In terms of lethality, development will maximize its effectiveness against airborne targets like UAS, the new ammunition frontal performed mass fragmentation consists of high-quality steel spheres, complemented by natural lateral fragmentation of the cylindrical steel casing. Upon initiation of the High-Explosive (HE) charge, the spheres form a cone with a reduced angle, while the body generates fragments that also travel forward in a cone shape. This creates a wider-angle pattern, increasing Pk over a broader area. The new ammunition can also be used in point detonation (PD) mode, being activated on impact on target. The new ammunition together with the time-delay fuse setting system are expected to be tested before year-end (2024), completing the development program, while qualification will be conducted in 2025. COAX-"Coaxial Electro-Optical Sensor Suite" and ILOS-Independent Line-Of-Site able to fire HE-High Explosive/AP-Armor-Piercing/TP-Target Practice/ABM-Air Burst Munitions. With an X-Gun MER of 3,000+ meters, the turret has a training range of -155° + 155° while elevation is -20°, +70°, with training speed and acceleration of respectively 140°/sec and 220°/sec and elevation speed and acceleration of respectively 90°/sec and 220°/sec. Provided by Leonardo, other solutions are available based on customer requirements, the independent EOD being capable of 360° surveillance, multi-target and tracking tasks, is equipped with a day camera with a detection, recognition and identification range of 9.5, 4.8 and 3 km vs NATO standard target, alongside an IR camera with the same capabilities range of respectively 12, 6 and 3.5 km with cooled sensor (uncooled is also available) and a laser range finder with a 10 km range. ROF-Rate Of Fire-SS-Single Shot/200 Rounds Per Minute (RPM); Day & IR Camera. Effective against any surface threats/Helicopters and Drones. Outstanding accuracy and precision; automatic Duel-Feed system; Stealthy Design; Video Tracking Capability; High reliability and ease of maintenance with no deck penetration.
Leonardo has unveiled its new X-Gun 30x173 mm weapon system, accounting initial customers in the naval domain, alongside the three-barrel Gatling 20 mm and under-development single-barrel Blaze 30x113 mm weapon in a media tour at its Brescia facility.
www.navalnews.com
13. Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)-Sensor Netting-Integrated Cyber Defence System (future-proofing for possible Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability.
14. Integrated Bridge & Navigation from OSI Maritime Systems.
15. Internal/External Secure Communications Suite-HF/UHF/SHF/VHF/SATCOM from L3 Harris.
16. Electro Optical & Infrared Systems; Radio/Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESMs) to include: Frequency Identification; Laser Warning & Electric Countermeasures System (ECM-RAVEN); Radar/Radio Frequency Electronic Jammers; Electronic Decoy Systems.
17. Lockheed Martin Combat Management System (CMS)-330/ACS-Aegis Combat System (ACS) with Aegis Common Source Library (A-CSL) in support of CEC and Canadian Tactical Interface (CTI) with future BMD-Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Capabilities.
18. Aegis-ESM Support-AN/SLQ-32 (Slick-32) Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP Block 2)
19. Ultra Electronics Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS)-Ultra S2150.
20. Ultra Electronics Active/Passive Towed Array Sonar (TAS); Towed Torpedo Countermeasures (TTCM)-Sea-Sentor S21700.
21. Ultra Electronics Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) known as TLFAS-Towed Low Frequency Active Sonar; (This system is designed to identify and track stealthy submarines in harsh sea environments); Future XLUUV Drone capability (MMB).
22. Sonobouy Processing System (SPS) from General Dynamics with expendable Acoustic Countermeasures.
23. Combined Diesel Electric Gas Turbine Propulsion System (CODLOG) to include 1 X Rolls Royce RR/MT 30 Gas Turbine; 2 X Electronic Motors from General Electric; 4 X RR MTU Diesel Generators; Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) from L3 Harris.
24. CSC Reconfigurable Multi-Mission Bay (MMB) along with a Rolls Royce’ Mission Bay Handling System (MBHS)-reconfigurable mission and boat bays including a 9m rescue boat, two 9-12m multi-role boats, and modular mission support (standard 20ft sea containers, other vehicles).
25. “Future-Proofing”-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Systems-U.K. Dragon Fire DEW (Port/Stb’d waist areas); USN
AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System/Tactical High Power Operational Responder (THOR) DEW systems. These DEW systems however, do require more power than usual weapons systems and may necessitate higher power rated CSC Frigate Diesel Generators (DGs). Autonomous Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) for Special Ops missions (To be housed & launched in the Multi-Mission Bay (MMB). Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Capability. SM3/SM6 and Hypersonic Long Range Ballistic Cruise Missiles.
26. 1 x S-92 CH 148 Cyclone Sikorsky ASW Helicopter with the ability to carry 2 X Cyclones if required in the hanger/MMB; Skeldar V200 UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle helicopter drone system (possibly x 2) from Saab-known as CU-176 "Gargoyle" helicopter drone either in the hanger or in 20 ft containers in the Multi-Mission Bay (MMB).
27. Speed-approximately 27-30 kts. Statement Of Requirement (SOR); required capability for US Carrier Battle Group (CBG) Ops.
28. Crew Compliment-210 max (with separate female officer/sailor quarters).
Latest CSC Info-graphic from Lockheed Martin & BAE
MAJOR CSC EQUIPMENT AS PER THE CSC AEGIS COMBAT SYSTEM (CS) ARCHITECTURAL ARRANGEMENT
| Equipment Name | Procurement Path | Integration Path |
| Aegis Combat System | FMS | Aegis |
| 3D AESA SPY 7 (V 3) Radar | FMS | Aegis |
| Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) | FMS/DCS combined | Aegis |
Radar Electronic Support Measure (ESM)
SEWIP Block 2 | FMS | Aegis |
| Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) | FMS | Aegis |
| Mk-41 Vertical Launch System | FMS | Aegis |
| Missiles ESSSM Block 2; SM2; Tomahawk | FMS | Aegis |
| Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) | FMS | Aegis |
| Nulka Electronic Warfare Missile Decoy System | FMS | Aegis |
| Close-In Air Defence System (CIADS)-Sea Ceptor | DCS | Aegis |
| Surface-To-Surface Missile Naval Strike Missile (NSM) | DCS | Aegis |
| Link 11/16/22 | FMS | Aegis |
| Canadian Tactical Interface (CTI) | DCS | CTI |
| MDA Laser Warning and Countermeasures | DCS | CTI |
| SRD-506 Communication ESM System | DCS | CTI |
| Hull Mounted Sonar-Ultra S2150 | DCS | CTI |
| Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System-Ultra S2170 | DCS | CTI |
| Towed Low Frequency Active Sonar-Ultra LFAPS-C | DCS | CTI |
| Sonobouy Processing System-General Dynamics Canada | DCS | CTI |
| Torpedo Setting Panel Mk-331 for MK-54 Torpedo | FMS | CTI |
| Integrated Communications System-L3 Harris | DCS | N/A |
| OSI Maritime-Integrated Bridge System | DCS | N/A |
Main Gun System-Leonardo 5”-127mm Vulcano Gun
With NA-30S Mk-2 Fire Control System (FCS) | DCS | Under Development |
| Secondary Gun System-Leonardo-X 30mm Lionfish-30mm (x 2) | DCS | Under Development |
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FMS= Foreign Military Sales; DCS=Direct Commercial Sales; CTI=Canadian Tactical Interface
