Length: 260.12 m.
Width: 28 m.
Draft: 9.1 m.
Displacement: 35,426 t.
Propulsion: 4 WA-IE GT4800 Gas Turbines (20,102,537 kw).
- 4 Pump-jet intakes.
- 2 Pump-jet exhausts.
Speed: 35 knots (64.82 Kph).
Range: 20,000 km.
Complement: 452 (up to 600 if needed).
Electronics & Electronic Warfare:
- MEER Command & Control: Eisen Wand Upgrade.
- JSR-F-23B AESA (radar, 3D X-Band).
- JSMF-HMSS-42B (hull mounted sonar system).
- JSS-TSA23 (towed array sonar).
- IFF ES/A/N/F Mk. 2 (friend-or-foe/transponder system).
- NET-B System (CESM/COMINT).
- JSEW-4C Electronic Warfare Suite.
- JSTD-6 MIST (Torpedo decoy system).
- TC-ASIST (helicopter capture/assist claw).
1 HLS Humberto Launcher System or Mk-140 140 mm lightweight deck gun (12-20 rocket tubes depending on rocket, 60 rockets stored - 80 rounds stored total for gun).
4 Mk. 103/C Dual 40 mm Automatic Cannons/CIWS' stations.
2 Type 870 CIWS, 30mm gatling cannon & RMS (21-15 missiles).
2 Remote Missile Stations (21-15 missiles per mount).
8 Rotating Vertical Countermeasure System (RVCS, 20 barrels).
9 LANZ Modules
- 288 Mk. 41 cells (fore).
- 96 Mk. 41 (superstructure).
- Tactical-High-Energy-Laser System (THELS).
- UAV launch site.
- Mk. 45 lightweight deck gun.
- MR Cradle System.
Armor:
DMR-249A Steel construction.
1" thick KEVLAR plates over superstructures.
1” thick KEVLAR plates within hull.
Background
The Delphin (Dolphin) CGN is a class of advanced multi-role guided missile cruisers that first set sail on June 3rd 2010; the first ship, the class leader, was christened the Imperial Naval Ship (INS) Delphin. INS Delphin, the class' namesake, is named after Charles 'Delphin' Aleshite, a famous ship captain in the Imperial Navy who went down with his heavy cruiser in 1926 after it suffered catastrophic hull failure due to a chain of explosions that were caused by a malfunction in the forward turret's guns during live fire exercises, eventually igniting secondary explosions in ammunition storage areas. In order to ensure survivors escaped the now burning ship, Aleshite stayed behind to coordinate the order to abandon ship - his efforts included coordinating the rescue of wounded, retrieving life boats and preservers, and even assisting crew onto life boats. Aleshite, nicknamed 'Delphin' because of his love for the seas, was last seen alive on the heavy cruiser INS Alphonse when the ship exploded for the third time, tearing the ship apart and killing Captain Aleshite. For his ultimate sacrifice, Captain Aleshite was honored posthumously for saving hundreds of sailors, receiving the Imperial Navy's Imperial Cross and the Medal of Honor among other military honors. Learning from the mistakes that destroyed the INS Alphonse, naval ship manufacturers worked to correct future gun designs, ammunition storage techniques, and correct issues with powder charges related to the the Alphonse's sinking.
In an effort to domesticate naval production, Emperor Charles II demanded that Wolf Armaments begin focusing on developing shipyard operations; he specifically wanted to domestically produce native designed warships and cut reliance on foreign companies. The Emperor convinced Congress to ease business regulations and he also approved many buyouts to boost Wolf Armament's push into the shipyard industry; these actions greatly assisted Wolf Armaments by creating less restrictions on purchasing property, acquiring materials, and acquiring research grants. Wolf Armaments boosted its development by taking over small shipyard companies and other marine manufacturing facilities - which helped it acquire shipyards to use and learn from as well as new employees with years of experience in the field of marine construction. At the same time, Colonial Shipyards Inc. agreed to a merger into Wolf Armaments - the deal brought the Empire's largest warship manufacturing company, which produced the vast majority of domestically constructed military vessels that licenses had been purchased from overseas companies, into the much larger Arms manufacturing corporation. This huge industry merger immediately made Wolf Armaments the number one company in the shipyard industry for military vessels, allowing it to finally begin work on designing native military vessels, naval warfare technology, and begin competing with similar shipyard businesses around the world.
The Emperor greatly wanted to replace Triumvirate Enterprises, a longtime supplier in to the Empire in naval vessels and technologies, as his country's supplier of naval ships and technology; his idea being that producing domestic vessels would eliminate dependency on foreign suppliers/designs, enrich naval and technological innovation, and secure manufacturing jobs for Commoners which before relied on the country paying license fees to build foreign designs - the benefit of exports in the naval sector would boost the country's GDP along with the combating of the Empire's unemployment rate. The country's military budget would also be able to see savings due to the cheaper price tag of the ships and other expenses that had to be paid for construction and delivery. By 2004 Wolf Armaments was well established in shipping manufacturing with shipyards, research facilities, and manufacturing plants around the country; it had taken over domestic production of military shipping and had even formed a powerful design committee for inventing new native warships. The same year Wolf Armament's Naval Design Committee began work on multiple designs.Two designs were focused on more-so then any other - the Haifisch, which was set to replace three classes already serving in the Imperial Navy, and the Garnele CVLN, which would replace existing amphibious assault ships (aircraft dominant ones), some light carriers already in use, and would fulfill a need that had existed in the navy for decades. The third project coming after the Haifisch, the Delphin CGN, comes after the Haifisch was completed and in production; Delphin would replace two classes in the Imperial Navy that were either older or of foreign design.
Delphin is the result of the TECT Armed Forces and Imperial Navy's bid to create a line of multi-use missile cruisers for the future of naval warfare in terms of fleet protection, ship-to-ship combat, and air/underwater defense. Both services had high requirements and exceptional goals to accomplish in creating a new line of guided missile cruisers. The Imperial Navy needed a vessel capable of escorting groups of ships and for projecting its power through air defense and underwater warfare - the Armed Forces, however, wanted a vessel for naval long range air defense, command and control, and protecting large naval formations. The Delphin Project proceeded after the Haifisch DDG Project, using much of the technology in the Delphin while also developing Class sensitive technology special for the Delphin. Being developed promptly after the Haifisch, the Delphin Class first set sail in mid 2010 as a replacement to two classes being used by the TECT Imperial Navy. Determined to echo the Haifisch's extensive production record, Delphin, as part of the Emperor's naval production domestication project, entered mass production on a massive scale to promptly produce and replace existing ship models. Delphin CGN are destined to completely replace prior classes by late May 2016.
Design
The Delphin Class was designed for a number of roles and missions, specifically being for air defense, strategic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and command & control leadership roles in groups. Delphin's priority as a naval vessel is air defense against hostile aircraft and missiles, anti-submarine warfare, and the strategic role of command & control coordination in group formations; it is more suited to doing these tasks then say the Haifisch because of its specialized equipment set, improved command & control tools and capability, and its larger inventory of weapon systems of varying abilities - Delphin was designed from the start to be an air-defense and anti-submarine cruiser, using its improved ability to coordinate allied vessels to defeat a number of threats. Another major focus during the design process was to make the vessel resistant to radar by reducing the radar cross-section overall; Delphin is designed to absorb radar energy, which stops reflection which leads to detection - this is especially true for the face of the ship which can absorb the most energy before reflection chances become more possible. Delphin, like other Commoner warships, are constructed of DMR-249A, a steel alloy that's lightweight but much stronger then the previously common aluminum hull material that was seen in most warship hulls until recently; it is strong against hostile action and is very capable of absorbing radar energy, enhancing the vessel's stealth design. Armor for the Delphin comes in KEVLAR plates that are positioned around the majority of the ship; armor is especially thick on the superstructure and above the waterline - armor is less thick under the water line to reduce weight and because most sensitive areas to attacks that can be defended against are above the waterline. At two-hundred and sixty meters long, the Delphin is significantly longer then Haifisch and other similar warships - in comparison, the Delphin is several meters shy of having the same length as the Garnele CVLN, which is a light aircraft carrier. Delphin are several meters wider and larger overall compared to many similar warships in the same class. Comparatively, Delphin shares similar traits to the Sword Class CGN, which it replaced in the TECT arsenal; both ships are statistically similar, sharing similar size, weight, and even armaments.
The most prominent features of the Delphin are its large size, unique sensor mast, and its mission-set selection of armaments. Delphin's additional length reflects the ship's increased armament loadout that include seven LANZ Modules in the front of the vessel - three more then the Haifisch - and two LANZ Modules rear of the sensor tower. These modules come with a variety of choice armaments that a customer can easily replace or add onto - Delphin's particular set of armaments includes long and medium ranged anti-air missiles, anti-submarine rockets/missiles, and anti-ship missiles. Particularly unique to the Delphin is the Humberto Launcher System (HLS), which is an automatic-reloading multiple-rocket launching system located in the front of the vessel. Humberto acts as the ship's frontal weapon system as a standard design feature, though it can be swapped with a gun system. HLS uses a remote controlled cradle system that crews can actively control with consoles, firing in ballistic arcs at a number of enemy targets; the cradle can mount fixed tubes or be loaded magazines, allowing for a wide variety of munitions from almost any country - this means the cradle can fire projectiles up to six meters in length and almost any caliber range including two-hundred and twenty millimeter artillery rockets, anti-submarine rockets (which are often three-hundred millimeters or more in caliber), and a number of other rocket based projectiles. Delphin is made up of a superstructure that contains a command deck structure, a rear structure, and a helicopter flight deck that's included as part of the main superstructure. Adjacent to the command deck is the sensor tower (or otherwise called 'mast'); the mast holds most of the ship's on-board sensor and communications equipment including JSR-F-23B AESA radar and IFF ES/A/N/F Mk. 2 system. The tower has sixteen surfaces that face all directions, angle downwards, central, and upwards; mounted on these surfaces are the JSR-F-23B AESA radar's panels, which act as the ship's multi-use radar system. At the top of the tower are a number of communication and electronic warfare based equipment that are all connected to the main antenna rising from the center of the tower; the connection runs through the tower into the ship where it meets at several points in the ship. Inside the Delphin - starting from the front - is the primary structure ship operations, the Command Deck. The command deck features a larger work area then similar Commoner ships because of the main radar's placement (which used to be integrated into the frontal superstructure of many ships) and because the ship is designed to be adequately larger for its central role in command & control. Once inside the rear half of the superstructure you'll find the rear two LANZ Modules armed with medium ranged anti-air missiles - crew must navigate around the center of the structure along the sides or under the silo area where they'll eventually reach the aircraft hanger after passing multiple traffic points. The aircraft hanger is large enough to hold two helicopters give-or-take (two medium sized helicopters is the maximum allowable storage capacity listed) and a number of personnel; this fully encompassed hanger bay has two elevators, multiple traffic points, and storage space for equipment. Delphin's flight deck has enough room for two helicopters, same as the hanger - the TC-ASIST system is installed for quick docking and deploying of on-board helicopters. As you travel past the midsection of the ship bellow deck you will find crew areas such as bunk rooms, the ship's cafeteria, a lounge for relaxation during off time, and even a light workout room for sailors/marines to keep in shape; additionally, bellow deck you'll find the engine room, generator room, and storage areas for example. The ship's meeting rooms and mission-set rooms are mostly located in the front of the ship inside the command deck area.
Delphin's introduction into the TECT Imperial Navy replaces the Sword Class CGN, which it is most similar to, and the Alkonost Class CSGN that had previously been put in reserve roles. The introduction of Delphin was to incorporate a superior missile cruiser that focuses on air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and command & control. TECT's Imperial Navy, and likely customers, would need a vessel that's armed to the teeth with mission-set weapons and posses superior detection, tracking, and command equipment for its central role in any naval grouping. Delphin's role of taking command and adapting to overwhelming threats is what makes it an important asset in any fleet. Positioned in any squadron or fleet sized force, Delphin acts as group's first layer of air defense using better command & control equipment and superior surface-to-air-missiles. Delphin's many anti-submarine detection/tracking tools coupled with multiple weapon and delivery systems make it a feared hunter to any hostile underwater threat. Where the Delphin shines most is its ability to coordinate its group's defense and command systems to integrate them into a group mentality - better defending the group from hostile threats and better achieving the force's goals on deployments.
Command, Control, Communications
Delphin, acting in its position of command, focuses heavily on its ability to communicate, control, and manage groups of vessels. As a cruiser it is larger and better equipped for performing such leadership duties compared to other combat centered ships - its size doubles the amount of equipment and personnel while also allowing for mission specific assets such as weapon systems and command tools. The ability to absorb information and manage that data is important for not only an air/sea defense focused vessel like the Delphin but also for leading groups of ships as their flagship; commanding a fleet requires strong communication and command tools that not all ships are equipped with, making such a ship an important asset to groups of warships. Throughout its recent history until it was absorbed by Wolf Armaments, Colonial Shipyards experimented with electronic equipment it had developed for the Imperial Navy after using current foreign models as examples - this also includes weapons, combat systems, and other technology the company was developing before it was bought by Wolf Armaments in 2004. Many of these systems got needed boosts or were totally reinvented to serve today's Imperial Navy. At the center of all this innovation was the MEER Command & Control System, which is named after the Commoner Angel of the Sea and is the naval version of the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking System used by land and air forces of the TECT Armed Forces. Using both the Haifisch and Garnele as leapfrogs technologically, Wolf Armaments produced a more advanced model of the MEER C&C designed specifically for ships like the Delphin CGN - this model is called the 'MEER Command & Control: Eisen Wand Upgrade' or 'MEER-EWU'. MEER C&C focuses on complete connection and communication between crewman, equipment, and weapon systems around the warship, fleet, and the host navy's central command center. This unique system is paved with protection measures that ensure safety from EMP attacks, electronic warfare, and boosts security of the system's connection to other linked devices/vessels/vehicles; this includes a hull that resists such energy, shielded wiring and electronics, and protected back-up equipment if material is destroyed. Delphin, using the MEER-EWU, has boosted these base features including reaction times on remote controlled/automatic weapon systems, detection and countermeasure actions, and lightning speed data/information transfer/processing among many other fields; this overall increase in capability has risen both the Delphin's and vessels under its protection survivability, reaction times, and crew/equipment performances. MEER-EWU possess sophisticated upgrades to its design and interfaces/equipment that enhance the ship's command and control capability, tracking ability, and communications. With these upgrades Delphin is able to track more targets simultaneously then other MEER equipped vessels, better manage engagements and other combat operations, streamlined connections between it and vessels in the ship's group, enhance its own capabilities at detection of air targets and underwater targets as well as vessels it's supporting, and equipment that improves MEER's overall abilities for friendly vessels - forming what is essentially one cohesive group that thinks, sees, and acts together even better then before.
MEER links detection and countermeasure systems to each other, which allows Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) to track, path-find, and engage incoming threats much faster at an automatic rate; this connection also allows weapons to be assigned targets according to perceived danger in order of most dangerous to targets that can wait, lets weapons work together to protect the ship, and is capable of eliminating hostile targets above sea, on sea, or bellow the sea.This action process is completed using the ship's many sensors that gather information, track the situation, and engages actions to solve them; for example, an air threat is detected using the radar and is tracked while an air-to-air missile is launched - according to its own tracking capabilities, the missile can follow data being transmitted to it from the vessel or can pick up the threat on its own until impact, destroying the threat. Another example would be a surface ship threat via a mass attack by smaller boats; in this situation MEER targets all boats and ranks the threats and proceeds to eliminate them all in a speedy yet controlled manner - although the rankings can change according to new threats (missile or rocket launches) or if a boat presents a newer threat level and is boosted on the list. The connection with the weapons systems allows MEER to take out threats with high accuracy and lighting fast speeds more so then crew can in certain high stress situations. MEER-EWU, however, goes above its original design by enhancing these base capabilities further - including improving the ship's detection capability, controls over countermeasure procedures, performing engagements of varying targets at variable ranges, and improve group cohesiveness to eliminate threats together rather then alone. As a ship that heavily focuses on air defense, Delphin's priority is defeating airborne threats such as warplanes, missiles, rockets, and even high orbiting targets like intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellites; MEER-EWU possesses features that improve its rocket and missile defense so much so that it is used as the Imperial Navy's missile/rocket defense shield, hence its name, and the Delphin as the shield's standard platform. This special feature allows MEER-EWU equipped vessels like the Delphin to better engage air targets at standard ranges, destroy strategic threats like long range rockets and ballistic missiles, and even destroy satellites in orbit around the planet using long ranged air-to-air missiles and future weapon systems. Focusing also on underwater threats, Delphin equipped with MEER-EWU have improved management of multiple detection assets coupled with mission specific weapon systems. Better maintained connections with wide detection/mission assets leads to detecting and elimination of underwater threats similar to how a fisherman casts a large net to catch multiple fish; once a 'fish' is found Delphin has a number of systems that can engage these threats such as munitions based countermeasure, missiles/rockets deployed from vertical launch systems or the HLS, and aircraft stored on-board that can track and destroy such threats on their own as well. MEER-EWU is able to track and engage over three-hundred and sixty targets ranging from submarines, small water craft, missiles or rockets, and fighter jets.
Command and Control is not all about the control portion. The Command side of things is operated out of a designated crew space on the bridge (visibly near windows although not directly adjacent to them); this bridge space holds the many equipment management controls and spaces where human operators can manage or control their assigned external partner (radar or the deck gun for example). In the event this area is damaged or destroyed in enemy action, systems can be rerouted to a secondary area within the vessel. This command center is made up of multi-function consoles capable of displaying functions such as sensor references, electronic chart display and information systems as well as their designated purpose; should a console be damaged, a neighboring console can access the previous consoles functions and perform them to a limited degree until a new console can be fitted. Replacement consoles are stored on-board, up to twenty of them, and can be installed on hardpoints were former consoles stood or in new hardpoint positions. For its daily operations, a large table mounted to hardpoints like consoles is used. The command center is a large open center design, allowing free traffic between stations and staff for quicker traffic; this room is essentially a large room with modular paneling that separates sections for privacy or noise reduction - crews can rearrange the setup at any time to whatever sort of room layout they wish to have. The rear of the room, however, is leveled above the main floor by twelve steps; this area seat the captain and other high ranking officer(s) on-board where command can better analyze the bridge's situation. Labeled the STDS, or 'Smart Table Display Systems', commanders can use the single large multi-function display unit that displays a model of the ship, allies and other units near and at range, and track important ship and mission information - they can be interfaced with using both controls and the screen (the entire surface is a touch enabled); commanders utilize this device to better read their operational situation and posses an easier flow in their command chain. The bridge (or command center if you will) houses many management stations needed by vessels such as meteorological equipment, steering and control equipment, ring-laser based Marine Inertial Navigation System, GPS equipment, and data distribution units. Weapon systems are also linked here including the deck gun, missile systems, and various other weapon command stations. Delphin's special equipment including enhanced tracking stations and communication centers are present as well. Consoles are linked with a redundant Ethernet system that interconnects the multifunction consoles and sensors for internal use - this connection then leads to the radio over fiber system that leads to the sensor tower behind the bridge as well as to other areas on the vessel.
Communications are coupled with high capacity digital communication switchboards, which interconnects the voice and data communication channels providing a high level of international communications from room-to-room or an open conference line for ship-wide broadcasts; this ease of communication can be received via text, sound, video, or all the above, making international communications better if not improved. External communication takes the form of various radio, short-wave channels, and land-based networks. Standard packages include link 11, link 16, link 22, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), and JSAT tactical data links, allowing full interoperability throughout the fleet the vessel is with as well as any allied forces in the area. Internet and intranet ports are available in each of the crew members quarters and other relaxation areas and the command deck which operate separately to the closed-circuit consoles to ensure on-board systems are not compromised by an internet connection. Download speed on a Delphin CGN on most days is rated at 60 mbps, although this rate can drop in rougher seas or if the connection and/or internet dish is damaged. MEER (MEER-EWU included) uses Cloud computing concepts to pool the resources between friendly vessels when engaging the enemy, which allows multiple friendly vessels to operate as a single entity in the identification and destruction of inbound enemy threats - this further enhances the vessel's survivability by working with other warships to protect itself and allied ships. MEER-EWU, as already explained, is an upgraded model that includes ship-based upgrades and technological innovations used on the Delphin - MEER-EWU thereby improves the performance upon the original MEER model and improves vessels receiving support from a ship wielding MEER-EWU. This link also transmits tactical data between allied vessels so that tactical maps and data can be displayed, Area of Operation maps can be shared, and critical communication can be made; this is a strong point for flagships, which allow ship commanders to coordinate live using a 2D or 3D map surfaces like the STDS. The importance of Delphin's ability to communicate with allies and outside forces cannot be stressed more, which is why planning and communication staff areas are critical to the ship's daily functions.
Housed in the sensor tower, the majority of the communications equipment (the IFF system, antennas, and radio tools for example) is also accompanied by the NET-B System and the JSEW-4C Electronic Warfare Suite. The IFF system is a dual identification and interrogator device that is both a transponder and interrogator; this device works with an associated antenna and displays the vessel in multiple modes as its international identification credentials - this includes the ship's name, class type, nation of origin, and other source identification information. As an interrogator the IFF uses the vessel's radar to seek out transponder information on various modes that sea/aircraft use - usually, if the transponder is switched on, the ship will see transponder data associated with the radar return - if the transponder is switched off, however, only the radar return information will be received if at all. Hostile ships or aircraft may turn off their transponders so that they will go unnoticed and will not be able to be tracked easily by long range and medium ranged radars, which is usually outside the ranges of most warships or airborne radars - or the vessel in question is jamming the radar signal using an electronic warfare device, skirting the identification and possibly the radar return. Also resting in the sensor tower is the NET-B System. NET-B, named after fishing nets, is an upgraded model of the NET System, which is a communications electronic surveillance measuring (ESM) device that serves as part of the Delphin's electronic warfare suite. ESM systems essentially listen and/or probe for all forms of communications, intercepting said transmissions for intelligence gathering. NET-B is made up of devices that link to the ship's single antenna - its function is to gather COMINT (SIGINT) and CESM data, radar transferred signals, and other data interceptions which are recorded and analyzed by C&C crewmen. The NET-B system has powerful passive audio monitoring that is capable of tracking such data far beyond the ship's radar range; NET-B is capable of hoping frequencies easily as well as filtering said frequencies in order to analyze intercepted data in real time. In addition to the communications surveillance abilities of the Delphin, the vessel posses the latest electronic warfare suite developed by Wolf Armaments for warships - the JSEW-4C Electronic Warfare Suite, an upgraded model for the Delphin. This electronic warfare module is made up of multiple devices that warn the ship if it is being targeted and jams enemy borne systems. Included are radar tracking warnings, usually based from aircraft or ships, active radar homing from anti-ship missiles, and the ability to jam radar and radio signals in a moderately wide area.
The Automated Damage Control System (ADCS) is an automatic damage management system designed for use on most warships in the Imperial Navy. Seeing as future conflicts are unavoidable and damage to warships via enemy action may also be unavoidable, Wolf Armaments came up with an automated damage control system that responds to damage the ship may receive. The system is linked to the ship's cameras, thermal and chemical sensors, smoke detectors, and water sensors to maximize detection of damages. This system is coupled with air/water tight bulkhead doors, foam sprays, and CO2 scrubbers that close off and tackle fires, smoke or other dangerous chemicals, or flooding. Damage status can be viewed live from the bridge or other command station currently being used. ADCS can also be set to automatically distributed damage information and ship status to allied ships nearby and to the central command point the ship is based from, alerting allies that the ship may need immediate assistance or crew rescue. Although this alert is sent through chosen secured lines, it can also be set to distributed to civilian channels shared by both military and civilian shipping, allowing good willed civilian vessels or foreign military assets to come to the aid of the ship; this option, however, presents a risk making the ship a target to pirates, hostile nations, and anyone else wishing to destroy or pillage the ship in a state of weakness. Caution is advised before selecting that specific setting.
Sensors and Guidance (Other Electronics Included)
As previously mentioned, Delphin was designed for the advancement of air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and command & control for group/fleet operations - to accomplish this, the Delphin uses advanced sensor and guidance systems on-board; coupled with advanced management and communication equipment, the Delphin is capable of better commanding groups or leading operations compared to earlier designed Commoner ships. Compared to these previous vessels, the Delphin is more advanced because it uses newer equipment models based on previous equipment aboard the Haifisch and has superior command & control tools. At the forefront of the Delphin's sensor equipment is the JSR-F-23B AESA, an active electronically scanned array radar system, and the JSS-TSA23 and JSMF-HMSS-42B, which are both towed array and hull mounted sonar systems. These three sensor tools give the Delphin a sharp perception over all things on the sea, above it, or bellow it.
The JSR-F-23B AESA is the vessels primary means of detecting and targeting threats on the sea or above it, among other phenomenon within range of detection. The JSR-F-23b is an upgraded model of the previous X-Band 3D active phased array radar system (APAR), which is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver (transceiver) functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules (TRMs). These panels, and the system entirely, are housed in the sensor tower where they achieve better performance then previous hull-mounted variations. AESA radars aim their 'beam' by emitting separate radio waves from each module that interfere constructively at certain angles in front of the antenna. The multiprupose benefits of having AESA radar is the elimination of numerous other radar equipment needed for various tasks, such as weather tracking, environment evaluations, and weapon guidance. Unlike passive electronically scanned arrays (PESA), AESA radars are much more reliable, highly resistant to jamming, and have a very low chance of being intercepted by radar warning receivers or RWR's. AESA has a number of other basic advantages that reduce the needed equipment on-board a warship like the Delphin; this includes being able to transmit data similar to wifi, environment mapping and 3D tracking of the environment and incoming targets, tracking slow to fast moving targets on or above the surface, lightning fast data transferring and downloading, gun control and assistance, high speed update capability and the ability to predict incoming threats, radar link to missiles or other munitions, and robust tracking of littoral targets. The full multi-beam search ability gives the JSR-F-23B an astounding ability to detect and track targets in a 360 degree angle at a maximum range of around five-hundred kilometers.
JSMF-HMSS-42B is a hull-mounted, multi-function sonar system mounted on the bottom front of the vessel. It is an upgrade model from the previous one and the standard sonar tool used in detecting and tracking underwater noise, such as submarine actions or detecting torpedoes. JSMF uses an active mode and passive mode to either seek or listen for enemy activity. JSS-TSA23, the Delphin's towed sonar array, is a towed array multi-function sonar. It is a system of hydrophones towed behind the ship on a cable (just under the helicopter pad). Trailing the hydrophones behind the vessel, on a cable that can be kilometers long, towed arrays keep the array's sensors away from their own-ship's-noise sources, greatly improving its signal-to-noise ratio, and hence the effectiveness of detecting and tracking faint contacts, such as a quiet, low noise-emitting submarine threats. A towed array offers superior resolution and range compared with hull mounted sonar. It also covers the baffles, the blind spot of hull mounted sonar. Delphin utilize this type of sonar over its hull mounted version for superior tracking and detecting of submarine threats that may avoid the hull-mounted sonar; the absence of a propeller also makes the handling of such cables safer. In the same station is the vessel's torpedo decoy launcher, which will be discussed later on.
Armaments & Countermeasures
Delphin, as a guided missile cruiser intended to be anti-air and anti-submarine, had an extensive design period focused on its armaments and countermeasure systems. Although stealth and equipment improvements were a must, a warship is nothing without a set of basic armaments that counters its intended enemy. Hence, the Delphin is armed with an extensive array of vertical launch missile (VLS) bays, countermeasure pods armed with a variety of munitions, a multiple rocket/missile launcher with special designed munitions, and numerous guns ranging from ship artillery, larger caliber CIWS', and heavy machine gun firing points. The true power of the Delphin, however, is its ability to wield special munitions not used by other vessels in the Imperial Navy for its class size and its ability to control and lead in its defense/group's defense; this includes long range surface-to-air missiles that can engage targets three-hundred kilometers away, anti-submarine rockets ranging from thirty to a hundred kilometers, and anti-satellite missiles that can shoot down objects orbiting the planet. Delphin, like other Wolf Armaments ships, utilize modularity in their design, allowing users to better use their ships for the roles they envision.
Starting from the front, where the majority of the ship's armaments are located, are the primary VLS bays and the Humberto Launcher System. The Humberto Launcher System (HLS) is named after the little brother of the design team's Chief of Armaments - the reason being that the sibling, who is a ship builder himself at Wolf Armaments, was because the chief thought it fit the "big muscled slugger" in name and appearance. HLS is a naval multiple rocket/missile launching system that is remote controlled by crew inside the bridge; the system is essentially a cradle system that crews can actively control with consoles and reloads automatically. The cradle can mount fixed tubes or be loaded with magazines, allowing for a wide variety of munitions from almost any country to be used - this means the cradle can fire projectiles up to six meters in length and almost any caliber range including two-hundred and twenty millimeter artillery rockets, three-hundred millimeter anti-submarine rockets/missiles, and even one-hundred millimeter naval rockets. Twelve rockets of the three-hundred millimeter caliber are the maximum while twenty slots are available for rockets around one-hundred millimeters - rockets in the middle ground are about sixteen (two-hundred millimeters, for example). Of course this system can be replaced with the user's choice of naval gun, such as the Mk-140 140 mm lightweight deck gun or 54 caliber Mark 45 gun. Further along are the Mark 41vertical launch system (VLS) bays that can hold and fire a wide variety of missile systems from around the world; this includes countries using NATO weaponry, Soviet/Russian weaponry, and home designed systems that fit the cell's parameters. Delphin's special role require it to carry a wide variety of long range surface-to-air missiles including Lanze Missile systems like LRD, LRBD, and even LROD. Other missiles operated by VLS include SSM-7 'Mary Sue' ASM, SSM-7 Mk. 2 Heavy ASM 'Mary Blue', Tomahawk, and an unlimited amount of weapon systems.
In order to counter the more unconventional tactics used by modern day enemies, such as mass missile and speed boat attacks, Delphin utilizes multiple close-in weapon systems or CIWS that can engage hostile forces at quick speeds in close ranges. To start with, Delphins have six gun based CIWS', three missile based CIWS', eight munitions dispenser based countermeasure systems, and two torpedo countermeasure systems. In terms of guns the Delphin has four Mk. 103/C Dual forty millimeter Automatic Cannons and two Type 870 CIWS with RMS launchers. Mk. 103/C's have a one-hundred and five degree traverse angle and a negative fifteen-to-eighty-five degree elevation - it has an effective range of thirteen kilometers, has a fast rate of fire, and has two barrels for increased projectile placement; Mk. 103's can be seen used on the heavy infantry fighting vehicle variant of the Bär, though this naval version ('C') is designed for faster rates of fire and a second barrel. Mk. 103/C's are located on the front half the Delphin on platforms along each side - two per side. Type 870 CIWS is a thirty millimeter gatling system mounted to the rear of the vessel; the two systems (one on each side of the vessel) can traverse a full three-hundred and sixty degrees. This gun system also has a missile launcher mounted to its right-hand side known as the RMS or 'Remote Missile System', which can hold up to twenty-one short-range surface-to-air missiles or fifteen Slingshot medium range missiles. A single RMS system is placed at the forefront of the vessel past the HMS, acting as the Delphin's frontal coverage. In total there are about thirty placement points on the Delphin for machine guns to be mounted; options include medium machine guns like the LSW MareV2, large heavy machine guns like the SMJ and the SMJ Gatling Series, or lighter variant automatic cannons such as the M242 Bushmaster - these points can also be manned or remote operated.
To counter a multitude of other threats that the Delphin may encounter, there are eight Rotating Vertical Countermeasure Systems (RVCS); these countermeasure devices are sheathed in an RCS reduction cone that contains twenty barrels for either rockets, missiles, or mortar launched projectiles. These tubes can be replaced with preferable calibers, but the standard model uses one-hundred and twenty millimeters (which is a caliber many mortar and rockets can be found in); the body is also lightweight and does not penetrate the deck. These launchers sit on an electrical operated motor system that can spin the device continuously three-hundred and sixty degrees. This is key so that the intended launcher aims in the right direction towards its designated target. As a highly multi-role countermeasure system, RVCS' are connected to the C&C just like the ship's gun/missile based weapon systems; this integration allows the Delphin added protection at automatic speeds in more then just gun and missile support - it means the Delphin can deploy anti-missile munitions that trick incoming missiles, anti-torpedo and submarine munitions, and even air-to-air missiles. Included but not limited to are (in standard caliber): Hard Kill Torpedo Lure (HKTL), which lures passive noise guided torpedoes to a safe distance and self-destructs, destroying the torpedo with it; Anti-Radar Corner Reflector (ARCR), which deploys a free floating device that floats for a period of time reflecting radar returns similar to a real target - chaff ignoring missiles also fall pray to this countermeasure since it uses reflective surfaces similar to ships and bounce off returns similar to warships, enticing missiles away or fooling them altogether; and a number of many anti-submarine, aircraft, and missiles/rockets/projectiles. RVCS', on the Delphin, are mounted in two standard locations: in the front half of the ship in-between the two Mk. 103/C's and the rear most structure in front of the gatling CIWS' - both sites essentially covering both halfs of the ship. Up to ten or so areas on the ship can be fitted with RVCS', which will either replace existing systems or be mounted in easily accessed points. To counter the threat of torpedoes, Delphins come with a set of JSTD-6 MIST decoys (two). These towed decoys are towed behind the ship like the towed array but for a different reason. Emitting common place ship noises, MIST decoys attempt to defeat a torpedo's passive sonar by emitting simulated ship noise, such as propeller and engine noise, which is more attractive than the ship to the torpedo's sensors. To add onto the effectiveness, MIST decoys utilize passive sonar trackers to collect and bounce back false returns to sonar seekers - this could present the decoy as a much bigger target to torpedoes and submarines.
Part of the ship's armaments, Delphin's landing pad and hanger are large enough for two helicopters of medium or small size. These helicopters can be used for multiple roles including submarine hunting, exterior defense using gun stations and missiles, and reconnaissance just to name a few roles. To further assist in quick recovery or launch, Delphin decks are outfitted with the TC-ASIST (helicopter capture/assist claw) system. This claw device assists the aircraft to a safe landing position and once landed will automatically position the claws to latch onto the tire spurs - once secured, the claw system will drive the aircraft into the hanger where it will lock into position keeping the aircraft safely secured until deployment. This assistance device operates on smart tracking software that guides the aircraft while landing and operates mechanical claws that work based off a spring system; it senses the tires and independently locks into place for tight control. TC-ASIST is compatible with any helicopter that uses wheels and spurs, ensuring the helicopter a safe and speedy recovery and take-off without any crew needed on the flight deck.
Propulsion & Power
The Delphin uses a propulsion system unique to most vessels but not Wolf Armament ships - and not to warships in general. For propulsion the Delphin uses four WA-IE GT4800 Gas Turbines which produce 20,102,537 kilowatts of energy at a rate of 109,107 horsepower; this power is then transferred to the dual pump-jet system mounted to the rear of the vessel. This pump-jet system has four intakes located at the front of the vessel which sucks in water through a centrifugal passageway and is then blasted out of the two exhausts near the rear-end of the ship; each pump-jet has its own dedicated passageway which uses two of the four intakes, so technically it's a dual centrifugal passageway design. Each pump-jet has two large rudder like panels at the mouth the system that can direct the water flow; this design reduces chances of rudder damage and increases course stability. The pump-jet system is more maneuverable (the reversing bucket, an axial like device that can reverse water flow, also boosts maneuvering and allows the ship to reverse or brake) and is able to travel at a top speed of almost sixty-five kilometers an hour. Four water pumps (thwo per side) are located on the lower front end of the hull and can utilize the ship's water intake to expel water from said pumps; this is used to drastically turn the ship to one side if the need arises, or to moderately turn the ship with better results. In an effort to reduce the ship's infrared signature, engine exhaust is instead pumped to an exhaust area where it is cooled by spraying water as it enters into the exhaust duct and then expelled just above the ship's waterline, making the Delphin almost invisible to most infrared detectors.
Export
Delphin is a sensitive warship design for the future of naval warfare and will be capable of serving navies for centuries. The sensitive subject of modules, technology, and the set of advanced equipment on-board has been seen as a possible threat to Commoner interests if left in the hands of potential enemies. This is why domestic production licenses will be available in limited fashion as explained later on. Sales are also limited to neutral nations with who are presented not a threat to TECT or its interests. Allies, neutral countries, and friends of the Empire are more then welcomed to make purchases - known enemies or countries that present hostilities to the Empire will not have their orders accepted. With that said, the Delphin is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page for Three Billion NSD per vessel; a contract will be automatically written up detailing the customer's wished layout of the ship to be, which includes modifications, chosen weapon systems, equipment replacements, and other basic modification wished for prior to being constructed. If there is no stated request for modifications, Delphin vessels will be delivered with the standard equipment that is written about above. DPR contracts will be made on the basis that a customer nation will request the license to produce said ship in return for two things: the DPR fee (half of the ship's cost, $1.5 Billion for the Delphin) and the stated number of how many vessels wished to be produced. Plans will not be given to customer nations, only shared for as long as the country is producing the vessel and the quota reached. As of January 2016, the Delphin has officially been added to the approved list of products for sale internationally to governments only - non-nation customers may not apply for this product.
OOC
I wanted to go over a few things since this product is special in a few ways.
The above export policy is mostly stating I wont sell this thing to potential enemies. Which I and probably most who are under this status know who that is - which is likely less then five percent of potential customers probably. What im saying is that don't feel like you can't purchases this product, most of you should be able to. If you think you may not be able to or are unsure if you are able to feel free to shoot me a TG any time and I will answer as soon as humanly possible.