UXV Combatant
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multirole ship |
| Displacement | approx. 8,000 long tons (8,128 t) |
| Length | 500 ft (152.4 m) |
| Beam | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Propulsion | Un-confirmed |
| Speed | 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) |
| Complement | 60 |
| Sensors and processing systems | Radio Frequency Identification sensors, infrared, radar |
| Armament | list error: <br /> list (help) • 20 × MK 57 VLS modules, comprising a total of 80 missiles • Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) • Tactical Tomahawk Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) • 1 × 155 mm Advanced Gun System (920 × 155 mm) • 2 × Mk 110 57 mm gun (CIWS) • 4 × CIWS missile launchers |
| Aircraft carried | Various, ranging from anti-submarine helicopters, to unmanned drones |
| Aviation facilities | Small hangars below launch decks |
The UXV Combatant is a concept warship being designed by BVT Surface Fleet (now BAE Systems Surface Ships).[1] It is expected to displace approximately 8,000 tonnes and carry a complement of UCAV aircraft. If approved it is expected to enter service some time after 2020. It shares some common design features with the Type 45 destroyer.
Design
It is expected the UXV Combatant will feature two decks for launching unmanned aircraft, V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing) aircraft, and helicopters; arrayed in a "V" shape. Each deck would be approximately 164 feet (50 m) in length.[citation needed] To launch drones/ V/STOL craft, the UXV could be expected to use electromagnetic catapults, and ramps (ramps are currently used on many aircraft carriers around the world). The UXV is also reported to be capable of launching unmanned submarines from a port on its underside and, in addition, will be able to deploy amphibious troops, just as many destroyers today. To provide covering fire for amphibious operations, each UXV will possibly be equipped with a 155 mm cannon. The cannon, will be able to fire bursts of 20 rounds, in rapid succession. The UXV will be expected to have the capability of striking longer range targets with vertical missile-launch platforms.
Projected Missions
The UXV Combatant if approved should be able to fill a wide variety of mission roles with the equipment that, by the time it is ready to launch could become standard. One expected role will be reconnaissance, through the use of unmanned drones. Another, as a V/STOL carrier, meaning that it will be able to launch aircraft very close to the proposed targets. The UXV should be able to deploy assault troops, or cover them, with Vertical Launch Missile Systems, and 155 mm guns. Another role for the UXV is maritime patrol and submarine-hunting, which can be achieved by outfitting the UXV with anti-submarine helicopters, and working in conjunction with land-based anti-submarine forces. As with many current warships, the UXV will be able to fill the role of long-range strike platform with its Vertical Launch Missile Systems, which is expected to be placed just forward of its superstructure.