Halifax-class frigate

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Class overview
Builders	Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon
Operators	Royal Canadian Navy
Preceded by	Annapolis-class destroyer
In commission	29 June 1992
Completed	12
Active	Halifax, Vancouver, Ville de Québec, Toronto, Regina, Calgary, Montréal, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Ottawa
General characteristics
Displacement	4,770 t (4,770.0 t)
Length	134.1 m (439.96 ft)
Beam	16.4 m (53.81 ft)
Draught	4.9 m (16.08 ft)
Propulsion	CODOG 2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shp 1 × SEMT Pielstick Diesel engine, generating 8,800 shp 1 × Royal de Schelde cross-connect gearbox 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers 4 x 850kW AEG Telefunken generators
Speed	29 kn (53.71 km/h)
Range	9,500 nmi (17,594.00 km)
Complement	225
Sensors and processing systems	Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band) Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 (C/D band) Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band) Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
Armament	8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM 1 x Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 gun 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1) 8 x M2 Browning machine guns 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
Aircraft carried	1 x CH-124 Sea King helicopter

The Halifax-class frigate (hull designation FFH) is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Canadian Forces since 1992.

The class is the name for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, which dates to the mid-1970s.

HMCS Halifax (FFH 330) was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels which combine traditional anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The Halifax-class are the work horses of Maritime Command (MARCOM) which deploys them extensively in task groups. All ships of the class are named after major Canadian cities, with at least one from each province (Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, have two each). They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "City-class" vessels.

In 2007 the Canadian government announced a planned refit of the Halifax class which will be known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) or alternately as the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX).

Description

Weapons Systems

The primary weapon deployed by Halifax-class vessels is the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acts in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. It is anticipated that Air Command's new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, which is slated to replace the Sea King, will be deployed onboard the frigates with only minimal alterations to the ships' structure required. The Halifax-class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.

A secondary anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar. For anti-aircraft self-defense the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers port and starboard of the funnel. A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on the roof of the helicopter hangar for "last ditch" defense against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow. MARCOM has ordered upgrade kits to convert to the Phalanx Block 1B. The Block 1B upgrade includes a Thales Optronics HDTI5-2F thermal imager, improved Ku-band radar and longer gun barrel with a dual firing rate of 3000 or 4500 rounds/min.

The main gun on the fo'c'sle is a 57 mm 70 Mark 2 gun from Bofors. The gun is capable of firing 2.4 kg shells at a rate of 220 rounds/min at a range of more than 17 km. The Bofors is a multi-purpose weapon usable against surface and air targets.

Countermeasures

The decoy system comprises four BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 km and infrared rockets to 169 m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Sensors

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar.

The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array supplied by General Dynamics - Canada (GD-C), formerly Computing Devices of Canada and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.

Propulsion

Halifax-class vessels are powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) system with two GE LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT-Pielstick 20PA6 V280 diesel engine. CAE provided the Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). The Halifax-class is the first to employ this degree of computer control for the machinery plant, and variants of the CAE system are also installed in other ship classes such as the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class.

Refit

The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the Halifax-class which will take place from 2010 - 2017. The refits will include the addition of a modernized Combat System. The Department of National Defence has not determined which shipyard(s) will perform this refit program to be entitled the Halifax Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project; shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids.

The refit program will entail a new combat system, including the Command and Control System, radar suite, Interrogator Friend or Foe mode S/5, multi-LINK, electronic support measure system, Harpoon missile system upgrade and countermeasures suite. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow missile system will be upgraded with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system (ESSM) and the Thales Sirius Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) will also be fitted.

Specifications

• CASR - Source of side-view

• Type: Guided Missile Frigate with Helicopter (FFH)
• Displacement: 4,770 tonnes (full load)
• Dimensions: 134.1 meters length x 16.4 meters width x 4.9 meters draft
• Armament:
  • Missiles: 8 x MK 141 Harpoon SSM; 16 x Sea Sparrow SAM/SSM
  • Torpedoes: 4 x MK 32 torpedo launchers
  • Guns:
    • 1 x Bofors SAK 57 mm (220 rounds/minute to 10nm)
    • 1 x Phalanx CIWS (Block 1)
    • 8 x .50cal Heavy Machine Guns
  • Decoys: 24 shield Chaff/infrared decoys (flares)
• Sensors:
  • Air/Surface Search: Ericsson Sea Giraffe HC 150 (G band)
  • Long Range Air Search: Raytheon AN/SPS-49 (C/D band)
  • Fire Control: Signaal SPG-503 STIR 1.8 (K/I band)
  • Active Sonar: AN/SQS-510 Hull-mounted variable depth (range to 27 nm)
  • Passive Sonar: AN/SQR-501 CANTASS Passive towed array
• Propulsion: Twin CODOG
  • 2 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing 47,500 shp
  • 1 Pielstick v20 cruise diesel producing 8,800 shp
• Speed: 29+ knots (54 km/h)
• Endurance:
  • 7,100 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (diesel)
  • 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) (turbine)
• Complement: 225 (including air detachment and firefighting unit).
• Range: 9,500 nautical miles (18,000 km)

Plans are underway to replace the Sea Sparrow missiles with the Evolved Sea Sparrow, upgrade the towed sonar arrays and fit newer propellers and anechoic tiles to reduce noise emission. HMCS Montreal has already been upgraded in the latter regard. Of note in the structural design of these ships is the distinctive funnel housing, designed to diffuse the vessels' heat signature.

Ships in class

There are twelve Halifax-class ships in Canadian service:

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site

External links

• Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today

Official ship websites:

• Halifax-class Frigates official site