Stretching the future surface combatant: Examining the affordability benefits of a twin-variant ship

Abstract

A ship concept design is presented that utilises a single common hullform across two distinct variants to meet the perceived needs of the Royal Navy's Future Surface Combatant, while satisfying the wide separation in target cost between the variants. This concept emerged from commonalities between the requirements of the Force Anti-Submarine Warfare Combatant (C1) and Stabilisation Combatant (C2) vessels. Both share some requisite capabilities, leading to specific areas where common systems can be adopted. However, other capabilities lead to major differences in the technical solutions that must be employed. While a single base hullform has significant cost advantages, to successfully fulfil both roles while maintaining commonality a number of design innovations are necessary. This paper also estimates the cost savings that could be achieved to adopt the design features proposed. These savings and the flexibility inherent to the design make the vessel well suited to the export market. A final discussion highlights the beneficial role of the twin variant concept in providing part of the affordable future fleet. © 2011 2011 Taylor and Francis Group LLC.