[R&D] Strelitz-Class ASW Frigate

The German Navy's old Brandenburg-Class is reaching the very end of it's useful life, and as such the government feels the need to develop a new replacement. As such, ThyssenKrupp Marine has begun development of a new class of frigate to replace them, to be known as the Strelitz-Class.

The Strelitz-Class is to be Germany's most technologicallly advanced vessel to date, incorporating new innovative electrical weapons systems as seen across the globe, as well as technology used in the Type 424 vessels to silence these new frigates. These vessels are to be specialised in submarine hunting in shallow waters, such as the Baltic Sea.

The vessels will feature an adaptation of hydrogen fuel cells currently used in Germany's attack submarines, and as such will be limited to refuelling in German ports or ports where Germany can install facilities. This means that these vessels are functionally unable to transit large portions of the globe or engage in offensive missions across the ocean. However, these fuel cells, giving a combined power of 21,768kW, are more than capable of powering the vessels as required. The higher efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells (in theory approaching 84%, but in practise only levels of around 70% have been achieved by ThyssenKrupp) mean that greater electrical power can be achieved than on a fossil fuel powered vessel. This is vital for the systems installed on this vessel.

The Strelitz-Class will feature new magnetic anomaly sensors, designed to detect next-generation magnetohydrodynamic propulsion systems used in submarines, as well as advanced sonar and radar detection facilities. These submarine hunters will also be equipped with a number of small unmanned autonomous submersibles, who will descend below the thermocline to assist in submarine hunting. These vessels will feature a de-centralised "brain" allowing them to communicate and coordinate between themselves. They will also be equipped with decoy flares and "torpedos" (tiny propulsion devices which mimic the sounds and actions of torpoedos, for decoy purposes).

The existing satellite datalinks used on all German vessels will be enhanced and brought into-line with NATO compatibility requirements, using a derivative of the technology used on British Royal Navy vessels. This will allow constant communication with both German and NATO allied forces, allowing for greater cooperation and coordination.

Meanwhile, the Strelitz-Class will feature a full complement of anti-submarine missiles and a small number of anti-air missiles, similar to those being installed on the Brandenburg-Class. Anti-air weaponry will not be the priority of this vessel, as we expect them to operate as part of a task force. Therefore, only 2 modular missile launchers will be installed. Meanwhile, Rheinmetall laser CIWS systems will be installed to complement existing computerised rapid-fire systems. Additionally, a small 80kW laser will be installed with the sole purpose of attacking unmanned aerial vehicles which are too small for conventional attack.

The Strelitz-Class' hull is going to be based on the trimaran design, allowing for even greater efficiency and faster movement, which is vital for effective anti-submarine warfare in a small and enclosed area such as the Baltic Sea. Germany will be using so-called "stealth" technologies such as angled surfaces, multifaceted designs, and a low horizontal profile, all of which make the radar signature of the Strelitz-Class appear similar to a medium-size fishing boat rather than a large warship.

The Strelitz-Class does not carry aircraft like it's predecessor, however it will be equipped with 4 Schiebel Camcopter S-100 helicopter UAVs, which may be equipped with short-range multipurpose missiles or dedicated anti-submarine missiles.

Construction of the first vessel is expected to begin in Q1 of 2035, and construction of the fourth vessel will end in 2039 with all four vessels delivered by Q1 2040. Construction costs per vessel are expected to be €490 million, with an extra cost of €880 million for development.

Edit: Took off railgun, boats are too small for railguns.