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Bangladesh' Next Frigate choice : Which LCS competitor for the next decade

MILGEM is a very realistic option with that budget

The MILGEM class of corvettes (called frigates in the Turkish Navy) are honestly a bit small - the hulls are being enlarged for fitting VLS systems now. These will be called the TF-100 class. More accurately TF-100 class Type 2 which is a later version.

Any future frigate for Bangladesh needs to have VLS. The 054A class does have it as standard.

Here's the blurb about enlarged MILGEM TF-100 Type 2 where they saw the deficiency of not having VLS and corrected it. As a result the new TF-100 class Type 2 is about 1500 tons heavier than the original MILGEM corvette (see image comparison and weapons difference below). But the MILGEM comes only with NATO/US Weapons fit and therefore with lots of strings...but if the weapons can be Chinese equivalents then we have no issue.

TuHeybeliada.PNG


TuTF100-T2.PNG


"Eight of the twelve MİLGEM project warships are classified as the Ada class corvette, while four of them will be equipped with additional weapon systems and will be classified as the TF-100 class frigate.

The TF-100 class[19] will feature a slightly larger hull and will be equipped with the Mk. 41 VLS, capable of firing RIM-66 Standard, RIM-162 ESSM and VL ASROC missiles, along with other systems for improved multi-role combat capabilities. The experience and technological know-how gained with the MİLGEM project will play an important role in determining the design characteristics and the development process of the TF-2000 class frigates, as well as the selection of the systems and equipment which will be used on these significantly larger and more capable warships."
 
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The VLS equivalent (of sorts) of the RIM-162 ESSM (sea sparrow) in the Chinese inventory would be the HQ-16.

Here's a 32 cell set of the HQ-16 VLS SAM launchers on a Type 054A JiangKai II Frigate Xuzhou (aforeships).

1024px-HQ-16_VLS_SAM_Launchers.jpg


ffg-vls.jpg


Type 054 Jiangkai II Frigate specifications:

COST: ~ US$230-$250 MILLION
Displacement: 4000 TON
Primary Role: AREA AIR DEFENSE


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2009-PLAN-Type054A-03.jpg
23c76-plannavychinatype054abchq-16abcverticallaunchsystem28vls29harbinz-9cjiangkai-iic802atype730ciwsyj-83anti-shipcruisemissilecodadshanghai-basedhudong-zhonghuashipyard.jpg


Length: 134m
Beam: 16m
Draft: 6m
Displacement (Full): 4,000 ton
Propulsion: – MAN Diesel SA 16 PA6V-280 STC diesel engines, 2 shafts – 4,720kW (6,330hp) each.– 18,880kW (25,320hp) total

Speed: 30+ knots
Range:6,500 nautical miles(18 knots)est.
Crew: 250 est.
Helicopter(s): 1 KA-27 or Harbin Z-9EC

ASW Sensors:

– Fregat-MAE-5 (Top Plate) 3D radar, 120km aircraft, 50km sea-skimming
– MR90 (Front Dome) F-band radars for air defence missiles
– Mineral-ME (Band Stand) radar, ASM missile control & OTH targeting
– Type 347G I-band radars, two for Type 730 CIWS & 1 or 76mm gun
– TR47C fire-control radar integrated in Type 730 CIWS
– MR36 (Type 346) surface search radar
– Type MGK-335 fixed sonar, Bull Horn active & Whale Tongue passive

Armament:

– 1 x 32 VLS 9M38/HQ-16 MR AAM
– 8 x YJ-83 (C803) SSM
– 1 x 76mm DP Gun
– 2 x Type 730 30mm CIWS, 5800 rpm, 3000 m
– 6 x 533mm torpedoes
– 2 x Type 87 240mm, 6 tube anti-sub
rocket launchers. 36 rockets 1,200m

The Type 054A is equipped with 32 vertically launched HQ-16 surface to air missiles for local area defense and 8 C-803 anti-ship cruise missiles.

The Type 054A was designed primarily for air defence role, featuring a medium-range air defence missile system with a
32-cell vertical launch system (VLS) on the bow deck. The frigate is also capable of anti-surface strike with its YJ-83 anti- ship missiles.

The sensors of the Type 054A Jiangkai-II class are mainly Russian designs, produced either by licensed co-production or reverse-engineering of the systems obtained along with the Project 956 Sovremenny class missile destroyers.

The air search radar is a Fregat-MAE-5 (NATO reporting name: Top Plate) 3D air search radar mounted at the top of the
front mast, offering two channels in E-band. The radar can track up to 40 targets simultaneously, and has a maximum range of 120km to aircraft and 50km to sea-skimming missile. Four MR90 (NATO reporting name: Front Dome) F-band radars (two on top of the bridge, two on the roof of the helicopter hanger) provide guidance for the air defence missiles.

Originally designed to provide fire-control for the 9M317/SA-N-7 Shtil SAM, each radar can provide two channels to guide two missiles simultaneously. A large round radome installed on top of the bridge houses the Mineral-ME (NATO
reporting name: Band Stand) radar that provides anti-ship missile control and over-the-horizon radar acquisition and
target designation of surface ships.

The ship has three indigenous Type 347G I-band radars, two of which are integrated with the Type 730 CIWS to
provide fire-control and a standalone radar is installed on top of the bridge behind the large round radome provides fire-control for the 76mm main gun. There is also a large round radome mounted at the top of the rear mast, possibly housing a MR36 (Type 346?) surface search radar.
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Compare this to the 1000 tons lighter C28A Heavy Corvette built in Shanghai (Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard). Which is very comparable to (although a bit heavier than) the Bangabandhu Class. Has Eight Cell FM-90 launcher but no VLS just like BangaBandhu.

C28A Class Corvette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ALGERIAN_Naval_Vessel.jpg
 
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This ship has weaponry of a Frigate
yea but too costly for her class better to get more powerful Type 54Bwith little extra money

Which neighbor you are talking about the one with which you share your 98 % of border ?
 
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I can't see any torpedoes

On the lower left of the 1st image there is an open door (normally closed) which has a yellow torpedo launcher (Which says 'lanzatorpedos triple'). That is the open door for the launcher.

The description and the specs for the C28A (which I linked) also has torpedo launchers listed (2 × Triple 324mm torpedo launchers). These are the Yu-7 Chinese torpedoes (copies of the Mk. 46 US torpedo) - both having a dia of 324mm.

If you do not have it hidden, this is what the triple pack-launcher looks like. It normally points forward and then rotates sideways (diagonally) to launch.

1280px-MK46_torpedo_launch.jpg
 
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One important non-Western (kind of) corvette choice is the SIGMA 10514 Frigate being ordered (and built) by Indonesia at PTPAL. The PLAN Type 056 used these as 'inspiration'. The original design is by DAMEN Schelde of the Netherlands. Although called Corvettes because of their size, these are armed at Frigate level. So one can call them mini Frigates.

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SIGMA-class corvette construction

The keel for the first corvette in class, KRI Diponegoro (365), was laid down in March 2005. The vessel was launched in September 2006 and commissioned in July 2007.

The second corvette, KRI Hasanuddin (366), was also laid in March 2005 and launched in September 2006, but commissioned in 24 November 2007.

KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (367), the third corvette, was laid in May 2006 and launched in November 2007. It was commissioned in October 2008.

Laid in May 2006, the fourth and last corvette, KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368), was launched in June 2008 and commissioned in March 2009.

Weapon systems fitted to the Indonesian corvettes

The SIGMA-class corvettes are equipped with MBDA Mistral Exocet surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and Tetral surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).

The Oto Melara 76mm super rapid gun fitted at forward can fire at a rate of 120 rounds a minute. Two 20mm G12 Denel Vector guns mounted aboard the vessel provide defence against aerial threats.

The corvettes are also equipped with two standard deck-mounted B515 trainable triple-barrel launchers, which are an upgraded version of the former ILAS-3 torpedo launcher.

Sensors / radars aboard the corvettes

Thales was awarded multiple contracts valued at approximately €60m for the delivery of above water and under water defence systems as well as communication systems for the first two corvettes, in 2004.

Kingklip medium frequency hull-mounted sonar gives the corvettes submarine detection capability. The LIROD Mk2 radar aboard the corvette serves as a fire control radar and optronic director, while MW08 3D multibeam radar operating in the G-band (C-band) provides surveillance and target designation.

The TACTICOS combat management system (CMS) from Thales serves as a command-and-control system which integrates onboard sensors.

"The corvettes are also equipped with two standard deck-mounted B515 trainable triple-barrel launchers."

Helicopter handling capabilities

The aft helicopter deck of the SIGMA-class can handle helicopters with a maximum weight of 5t. Provided with lashing points and refuelling system, the heli-deck enables day and night operations.

SIGMA-Class countermeasures

In addition to two Terma SKWS (soft kill weapon system) decoy launchers, the corvettes are fitted with Thales DR3000 ESM system and Racal Scorpion 2L ECM system that offer electronic countermeasures.

Propulsion and power

The SIGMA-class corvettes are powered by two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines driving two controllable pitch propellers via two shafts. Each engine delivers a maximum power output of 8,910kW, while the propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 28kt and a range of 3,000nm at 18kt speed. The corvettes also integrate passive roll stabilization system.

Type: Corvette or Frigate

Displacement: 1,692 tons
Length: 90.71 meters (297.62 feet)
Beam: 13.02 meters (42.72 feet)
Draft: 3.60 meters (11.81 feet)

Propulsion: 2 x SEMT Pielstick 20PA6B STC rated at 8910 kW each driving a lightweight Geislinger coupling combination BE 72/20/125N + BF 110/50/2H (steel - composite coupling combination)
4 x Caterpillar 3406C TA generator rated at 350 kW each
1 x Caterpillar 3304B emergency generator rated at 105 kW
2 x shaft with Rolls Royce Kamewa 5 bladed CP propeller

2 x Renk ASL94 single step reduction gear[1] with passive roll stabilization
Speed: Maximum: 28 knots (52 km/h)
Cruising: 18 knots (33 km/h)

Economy: 14 knots (26 km/h)
Range: At cruising speed of 18 knots (33 km/h): 3,600 Nm (6,700 km)
At economy speed of 14 knots (26 km/h): 4,800 Nm (8,900 km)
Complement: 20, up to 80

Sensors and processing systems: Combat System: Thales GroupTACTICOS[2] with 4 x Multifunction Operator Console Mk 3 2H
Search radar: MW08 3D multibeam surveillance radar
IFF: Thales TSB 2525 Mk XA (integrated with MW08)
Navigation radar: Sperry Marine BridgeMasterE ARPA radar
Fire control radar: LIROD Mk 2 tracking radar
Data Link: LINK Y Mk 2 datalink system
Sonar: Thales UMS 4132 Kingklip medium frequency active/passive ASW hull mounted sonar

Internal Communications
: Thales Communication's Fibre OpticalCOmmunications Network (FOCON) or EID's ICCS where on-board users have access to internal and/or external communication channels and integrated remote control of communications equipment
Satellite Comms: Nera F series
Navigation System: Raytheon Anschutz integrated navigation

Integrated Platform Management System: Imtech UniMACs 3000 Integrated Bridge System[3]

Electronic warfare and decoys:
ESM: Thales DR3000
ECM: Racal Scorpion 2L

Decoy: TERMA SKWS, DLT-12T 130mm decoy launchers, port, starboard

Armament: Guns: 1 x Oto Melara 76 mm (A position)
2 x 20 mm Denel GI-2 (Licensed copy ofGIAT M693/F2) (B position)
Anti-air missile: 2 x quad (8) MBDAMistral TETRAL, forward & aft
Anti-surface missile: 4 x MBDA Exocet MM40 Block II

Torpedoes: 2 x triple B515 launchers for EuroTorp 3A 244S Mode II/MU 90
Aviation facilities: landing pad, optional hangar
 
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Sword C90 Stealth Corvette by Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie (CMN)

Csword90_450.jpg


Largest warship developed so far by CMN, the Sword C 90 is also one of the most innovative frigate designs at the moment (mid 2015). This is a study in future stealth technologies and keeping up with the bleeding edge. The design is very appropos in that it utilizes every conceivable stealth feature in its design.

Boasting extensive studies on stealth, this corvette 95 meters long and 15.7 meters wide adopts a very elaborate hull design, allowing to offer excellent sea-keeping and high performance in speed and autonomy. It incorporates a bow thruster, eliminating needs for usage of tugs.

20141023211744_c8.jpg


The Sword C 90 stands out as the first French military ship with a proposed radar with planar faces. With four antennas, masts integrated front and rear (the latter incorporating the engine exhaust), this new generation of radar provides continuous monitoring at 360 degrees of sea and air environment, while improving stealth platform . No radar model is specified by the manufacturer but in the view of the images, we guess that the building was supposed to be able to integrate the TRS-4D Cassidian (Airbus Defense & Space), the first copies went out of factory to be signed on for new German frigates type F125.

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The electronic means such as weapons are managed by a combat system, with a Central Operations may include a dozen multi-functional consoles. Highly automated, the electronic suite also has a platform management system contributing to the reduction of the crew, which is only 65 sailors.

Multi-missions and built for high intensity combat

The main tasks of the Sword C 90 are the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), the deterrent operations surface target engagement, air and underwater and support for Special Forces operations ashore. The ship is inter-operable and can integrate a naval force to fight anti-surface or anti-submarine missions.

Designed for high intensity warfare, the new flagship of CMN can also intervene on the high seas in coastal areas. Fast and with a high degree of autonomy, it has an endurance of 7000 miles at 12 knots (or 5,000 miles at 14 knots) with a top sprinting speed of 28 knots. The corvette, although compact, has very powerful armament enabling it to deal with any threat, including submerged threats. The ASM means are particularly developed, with a hull sonar but also the opportunity to mount a towed sonar, the corvette can, depending on customer choice, integrate equipment from different electronics as Thales and Atlas Elektronik.

20141023211725_c3.jpg


Very powerful weapons

The armament includes eight anti-ship missiles, such as Exocet MM40 Block3, a surface-to-air vertical launch system (16 cells for VL Mica type missiles), two surface-to-air systems at very short range type Simbad RC, two guns remotely operated from 20 to 30mm, and six torpedo tubes in two triple launchers. Then there are decoy launchers, the recommended system being SYLENA Mk2 Lacroix, which offers both an anti-missile protection or infrared radar guidance but also protection against electro-acoustic torpedoes.

Relating to aeronautical facilities, the platform can accommodate a 10 ton helicopter, and has a lift to a small hangar capable of housing two aerial drones.

Dedicated to control of exclusive economic zones and perfectly adapted to littoral action, the Sword C 90 can be used for intelligence missions with a full range of electronic warfare (R-ESM, C-ESM) supplementing its surveillance equipment, be it the main radar or electro-optical system which also serves as fire control radar.


20141023211719_c2.jpg


Special forces

CMN has also designed its new corvette for the projection of special forces, helicopters, speed boats or underwater vehicles. The crew quarters can accommodate 20 commandos in addition to the crew, and the two niches, located on each side can accommodate two large 11-meter RHIB (and or surface drones). These locations can also be used for the implementation of surface drones and even underwater drones. The modular design of the platform also allows recovery premises to include a hangar able to accommodate a 10 tonne helicopter.

20141023211753_c11.jpg


Sword C90 finally comprises, in the stern area, a modular space which accommodates two 20-foot containers. This configuration allows to adapt the capacity of the rear structure according to missions. This modular space can, for example, welcome the towed sonar to strengthen anti-submarine corvette capabilities.

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A smaller littoral vessel corvette concept (80m length) for the Republic of Singapore Navy. Quite modern if I may say so.

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Continuing on with the Singapore Navy, here is an example of their latest 'Formidable class' stealth frigate cruising with the USN guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101), center, and USS Stockdale (DDG 106). The clean profile and stealth features are readily visible. These are DCNS (French) designs built by ST Marine in Singapore.

1280px-US_Navy_110120-N-6320L-868.jpg
1024px-Singapore_Navy_guided-missile_frigate_RSS_Steadfast.jpg


Type: Frigate

Displacement: 3,200 tonnes (3,150 long tons; 3,530 short tons)
Length: 114.8 m (376 ft 8 in)
Beam: 16.3 m (53 ft 6 in)
Draught: 6.0 m (19 ft 8 in)

Installed power: 4 × ISM V1708 diesel generators, each producing 860 kilowatts (1,150 shp)[1]
Total output: 3,440 kW (4,610 shp)
Propulsion: Combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) arrangement
4 × MTU 20V 8000 M90, each rated at 9,100 kW (12,200 shp)[2]
Total output: 36,400 kW (48,800 shp)
Speed: Maximum: 27 knots (50.0 km/h; 31.1 mph)
Cruising: 18 kn (33.3 km/h; 20.7 mph)
Range: 4,200 nautical miles (7,780 km)
Complement: 71, excluding air crew detachment of approx. 19

Sensors and processing systems:

Search radar: Thales Herakles multi-function Passive electronically scanned array radar
Fire-control radar: Thales STING EO Mk2
Navigation radar: Terma Electronic Scanter 2001
Sonar: EDO Model 980 active low frequency towed sonar (ALOFTS)

Electronic warfare and decoys:

ESM: RAFAEL C-PEARL-M
Decoys: Sagem Défense Sécurité New Generation Dagaie System, 2 × forward & 1 × aft.
Armament: Anti-ship: 8 × RGM-84C Harpoon SSM (there is allocated space for 24 Harpoon missiles)
Anti-air: 4 × Sylver A50 8-cell VLS for MBDA Aster 15/30[3]
Anti-submarine: 2 × B515 triple tubes with reloads for EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes
Guns: Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun (mounted in stealth cupola), 4 × CIS 50MG 12.7 mm (0.50 in) HMG, 2 × 25mm Mk38 Mod2 Typhoon Weapon Station Stabilised Gun
Non-lethal: Long-Range Acoustic Device 500 Xtreme (LRAD500X)
Aircraft carried: 1 × S-70B Seahawk multi-mission capable naval helicopter
Aviation facilities: Flight deck and enclosed hangar for up to two medium-lift helicopters
 
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