FRIGATES
F125 Baden-Württemberg class
_F125 is the project name for the Type 125 Baden-Württemberg class of frigates, currently in development for the German Navy by ARGE F125, a joint-venture of Thyssen-Krupp and Lürssen. F125 is officially classified as frigates but in size and role they could be classified as destroyers, since, with a displacement of more than 7,200 tons, they will be the biggest class of frigates worldwide.
In contrast to the Bremen class, which were built with Cold War-era scenarios in mind, the F125 will have much enhanced land-attack capabilities. This will better suit the frigates in possible future peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. For such reasons, the F125 will also mount non-lethal weapons.
Major design goals are reduced radar, infrared and acoustic signatures (stealth technology), something that was introduced to the German Navy with the Brandenburg class frigate and was further developed with the Sachsen class frigate and Braunschweig class corvette.
In contrast to the Bremen class, which were built with Cold War-era scenarios in mind, the F125 will have much enhanced land-attack capabilities. This will better suit the frigates in possible future peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. For such reasons, the F125 will also mount non-lethal weapons.
Major design goals are reduced radar, infrared and acoustic signatures (stealth technology), something that was introduced to the German Navy with the Brandenburg class frigate and was further developed with the Sachsen class frigate and Braunschweig class corvette.
F124 Sachsen class
_The F124-class frigates, also called Sachsen-class, have been designed to meet the requirements for Anti-Air Warfare well into the 21st century. They feature stealth design and accommodate the advanced multifunction radar APAR as well as the SAMRT-L long range radar. These ships will face emerging airborne threats such as supersonic anti-ship missiles and stealth aircraft.
The Sachsen-class frigates can launch Standard SM-2 Block IIIA, Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles (ESSM) against airborne threats and Harpoon missiles against surface ships. The 155mm MONARC artillery system could be installed on the F124-class frigates but it must be determined yet. MONARC would provide onshore attack capability to the new German frigates. 2 RAM systems and two 20mm guns have been provided for self-defense purposes as close-in weapons.
The F124-class frigates can also assume Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) employing two NH90 helicopters. These helicopters are accommodated in a hangar at the stern of the ship. The F124-class ships will be able to fire torpedoes. The propulsion system combines a gas turbine (23,500 KW) with two diesel engines (7,400 KW each) (CODAG).
The Sachsen-class frigates can launch Standard SM-2 Block IIIA, Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles (ESSM) against airborne threats and Harpoon missiles against surface ships. The 155mm MONARC artillery system could be installed on the F124-class frigates but it must be determined yet. MONARC would provide onshore attack capability to the new German frigates. 2 RAM systems and two 20mm guns have been provided for self-defense purposes as close-in weapons.
The F124-class frigates can also assume Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) employing two NH90 helicopters. These helicopters are accommodated in a hangar at the stern of the ship. The F124-class ships will be able to fire torpedoes. The propulsion system combines a gas turbine (23,500 KW) with two diesel engines (7,400 KW each) (CODAG).
MEKO A-200 class
_The MEKO A ships are the next generation of surface combatants evolved from the MEKO-family and offered by Germany for the export market. They will accommodate advanced propulsion systems, sensors and weaponry while providing improved survivability using low-observable technologies and design. Retrofit and upgrade processes will be easily carried out thanks to a modular open architecture and cutting-edge construction techniques.
The MEKO A-200 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) class corvettes feature a towed array sonar and a variable depth sonar. Their VLS accommodates surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine rockets. Up to two light ASW helicopters can be operated from this ship. Eight Anti-ship missiles, 2 RAM close-in weapon systems, and a 127mm naval gun complete the weapon system. The MEKO A-200 ASW corvette includes a 3D phased array radar and a 2D long range search radar. The first international customer was South Africa, a nation that bought four ships based upon this MEKO concept.
The MEKO A-200 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) class corvettes feature a towed array sonar and a variable depth sonar. Their VLS accommodates surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine rockets. Up to two light ASW helicopters can be operated from this ship. Eight Anti-ship missiles, 2 RAM close-in weapon systems, and a 127mm naval gun complete the weapon system. The MEKO A-200 ASW corvette includes a 3D phased array radar and a 2D long range search radar. The first international customer was South Africa, a nation that bought four ships based upon this MEKO concept.
MEKO D class
_The MEKO D frigate can accomplish the following goals: Participation in national and international operations in the context of NATO and United Nations. Operations as an individual ship or within a task force. Finally, full capability to perform AAW, ASW, ASuW, special operations and land attack missions.
This vessel can be outfitted with active phased array radar with six surfaces, tracking radar units, electro-optical trackers, navigation radar units, hull sonar, and towed sonar. The weapon options include one 127mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, vertical launch canisters (VLS) for a wide range of missiles, decoy units, remotely controlled guns, and a medium-weight multi-purpose helicopter.
The hull design is widest at the stern like the Greek character Delta to achieve reduced resistance. This kind of hull is being designated Delta hull after the Greek letter. In addition, the Delta shaped hull provides greater area and volume than conventional hulls making possible to accommodate a wider aft deck, a boat ramp for special operations forces, a larger helicopter, and additional sensor or weapons.
The propulsion consists of an innovative CODLAG which combines gas propulsion with a partially electric propulsion plant. This approach reduces fuel consumption and emissions among other assets.
The MEKO D frigate also introduces the 'two-island' concept. Basically consists of two redundant islands that can take over all critical duties (propulsion, weapon system, etc) if the other island fails or has been destroyed. The overall MEKO D workload has been dramatically automated meaning that only a crew of 78-men (+15) can rule the ship.
This vessel can be outfitted with active phased array radar with six surfaces, tracking radar units, electro-optical trackers, navigation radar units, hull sonar, and towed sonar. The weapon options include one 127mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, vertical launch canisters (VLS) for a wide range of missiles, decoy units, remotely controlled guns, and a medium-weight multi-purpose helicopter.
The hull design is widest at the stern like the Greek character Delta to achieve reduced resistance. This kind of hull is being designated Delta hull after the Greek letter. In addition, the Delta shaped hull provides greater area and volume than conventional hulls making possible to accommodate a wider aft deck, a boat ramp for special operations forces, a larger helicopter, and additional sensor or weapons.
The propulsion consists of an innovative CODLAG which combines gas propulsion with a partially electric propulsion plant. This approach reduces fuel consumption and emissions among other assets.
The MEKO D frigate also introduces the 'two-island' concept. Basically consists of two redundant islands that can take over all critical duties (propulsion, weapon system, etc) if the other island fails or has been destroyed. The overall MEKO D workload has been dramatically automated meaning that only a crew of 78-men (+15) can rule the ship.