Design for warship of tomorrow revealed 20.08.12
22PICTURE & VIDEO: Ministry of Defence
Designs for the Royal Navy's next generation of super warship have been revealed by the Ministry of Defence.
It has released the first images of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Its design reflects its multi-mission role which will see it used in combat and counter piracy operations as well as to support humanitarian and disaster relief work around the world.
Work by the MOD and BAE Systems on the ship's basic capabilities and design have been underway since 2010. It is due to come into service after 2020.
As long as 15 double decker buses, it will have a displacement of around 5,400 tonnes and be one of the most advanced vessels in the Royal Navy's fleet.
It is expected to feature:
- vertical missile silos capable of housing a range of different weapons
- a medium calibre gun;
- a hangar to accommodate a Merlin or Wildcat Helicopter and a Flexible Mission Space for Unmanned Air, Surface and Underwater Vehicles, or additional boats
- the most advanced sensors available to the fleet.
The new ship is one of several projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, which will see UK shipbuilding provide world class equipment for the Royal Navy.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said: "The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will be the backbone of the Royal Navy for decades to come. It is designed to be adaptable and easily upgraded, reacting to threats as they change.
"I am delighted the programme has been endorsed by the investment approvals committee. The build of these vessels will secure thousands of skilled jobs across the UK, helping to sustain an industrial surface warship capability."
Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord, said: "The T26 GCS will be a multi-mission warship designed for joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of warfare, including complex combat operations, maritime security operations such as counter piracy, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief work around the world.
"It will be capable of operating independently for significant periods or as part of a task group and will play a major role in the defence of this country for many years."