Capable of conducting global deployments, GCS can span a wide range of warfare operations from high intensity conflict to humanitarian assistance.
Building on the battle proven pedigree of UK Royal Navy warships, GCS will take full advantage of modular design and open systems architecture to facilitate technology transfer and through-life support. All variants will share a common acoustically quiet hull, with a plug and play design giving the ability to accommodate sub-systems to meet individual country needs.
The design features: vertical missile silos capable of housing a range of different weapons, a medium calibre gun and a hangar to accommodate a Merlin or Wildcat Helicopter. A key feature is the ship’s flexible mission space, which can accommodate up to four 12 metre sea boats, a range of manned and unmanned air, surface or underwater vehicles or up to 11 20ft containers or ‘capability modules’, and the most advanced sensors available to the fleet. This delivers improved Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance capability and ensures the ship is future-proofed against further technology developments.
Programme(s)
The UK programme to develop the Type 26 Global Combat Ship for the Royal Navy is underway.
A joint team of around 350 engineers from BAE Systems and UK Ministry of Defence is working to develop a detailed specification and support solution for the ship ready for manufacture.
The Type 26 will replace the capabilities of the UK’s Type 23 frigates, with the first set to enter service early in the next decade and the last remaining in service beyond the middle of the century.
As part of this process, the UK is committed to working with prospective international partners through a series of bilateral relationships to learn more about their requirements and ensure that they are met through GCS, with the potential to integrate systems specific to their individual requirements.
In September 2010, the UK formally invited Brazil to become the first such international partner. We are exploring further opportunities for cooperation with a select number of international partners.
Key Facts*
Displacement: approximately 5400 tonnes
Length: approximately 148 metres
Maximum beam: 19 metres
Top speed: 28 knots +
Range: 7,000 miles
Endurance: 60 days
Crew size: 118
Embarked troops: 72
*Technical specification based on the reference design dated May 2012