Length: 120 m.
Beam: 12.6 m.
Draft: 3.9 m.
Displacement: 1,056 t.
Propulsion: 2 WA-IE GT6100 Gas Turbines (8.6 mw).
- 2 Pump-jet intakes.
- 2 Pump-jet exhausts.
Range: 8,000 km.
Complement: 105 (40 passengers).
- 2 light helicopters or 1 medium helicopter.
- Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking (MEER Command & Control).
- JSR-F-32A AESA (radar, 3D X-Band).
- JSMF-HMLSS-44A (hull mounted sonar system).
- JSS-TSA23 (towed array sonar).
- IFF ES/A/N/F Mk. 2/B (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 Mk. 80T Dual-Barreled 80mm Naval Turret (or other LANZ Module).
- 48 Mk. 42 cells.
- 12 tubes for torpedoes or ASM's (6 tubes per side located in cubbies).
- 2 Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled 40mm Automatic Cannons/CIWS' (1 per side).
- 1 Remote Missile Station (21-15 missiles).
- 1 Type 870 CIWS, 30mm gatling cannon & RMS (21-15 missiles).
- 2 Rotating Vertical Countermeasure System (RVCS, 20 barrels).
- 2 RHIB launch points, 2 RHIB total. Additional launch rooms beside weapons cubbies for 12 ROVs (6 per side).
- DMR-249A Steel construction.
- 1" thick KEVLAR plates over superstructure and additional 1" in vital areas.
Background
The Barrakuda FS (Barracuda) is a class of advanced multirole corvettes in service with the Imperial Navy of TECT. The first ship, the class leader, was christened the Imperial Naval Ship (INS) Eberhard in honor of Eberhard Wernher, a decorated Imperial Navy officer that served in the 1800's; INS Eberhard first set sail with the Imperial Navy on November 16th, 2011. Named after the infamous ray-finned fish, barracuda are large saltwater fish known for their fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. Their swift speed and sharp jagged teeth make Barracuda a terrifying sight to both prey and observers alike. Species of barracuda are naturally found in tropical waters along both coastlines of mainland TECT, although these fish can be found in deeper waters, around islands (such as Insels State), and can sometimes tolerate colder waters found north and south of the tropic of cancer; in many Kunst des Meer communities, barracuda are delicacies often fried or grilled and traditionally eaten as 'barracuda salads' (a salad with cooked barracuda as protein, similar to cooked chicken) with a spicy glaze as a topper (sauces and glazes of varying type aren't uncommon either).
Beginning as a concept for a class of frigates, the Imperial Navy created a special commission to design a new class of frigates labeled the "Barrakuda Project." This project, with the help of domestic shipbuilders like Colonial Shipyards, produced a concept for a line of futuristic frigates that would serve the Empire for untold generations. In 1995, this concept was officially delivered to the Armed Forces Ministry with the hopes of fulfilling the Imperial Navy's ailing frigate problem; up to this point, the Imperial Navy's frigates were considerably outdated and many entering extensive periods of disrepair - a number of ships were beyond repairable. The Barrakuda would be leaner, more cost effective, and would come better equipped for future operations. Commission officials would soon see their project terminated by Ministry officials before developing a prototype because of concerns raised about the project's development - these were namely concerns over development costs, versatility, and viability in future conflicts. This trend was seen in other warship development projects ongoing in the Imperial Navy's Research & Development Department too; the Ministry at the time simply lacked the will to spend untold billions on developing a new generation of warships. So on May 22nd, 1997, Armed Forces Minister Heinrich Alscher told the Imperial Navy to terminate the Barrakuda Project, citing overall "concerns to its development and cost effectiveness." That same year, the Imperial Navy and Armed Forces decided to enact emergency measures until a solution could be found; such measures included an extensive repair and upgrade program for aging warships until a new class of frigate was accepted. In 2000 and 2009 respectfully, the Imperial Navy resorted to buying foreign warships, acquiring a considerable fleet of both Nereid Class and Harvard Class vessels from Triumvirate Enterprises. As the years went on, however, the stagnated shipbuilding industry was about to sail into a new golden age.
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 Armaments' 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 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 ship 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. Initially, Wolf Armaments set out to design replacements for already ailing classes and required warship types. Destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and a variable amount of other smaller ships were becoming obsolete or were not designed with TECT preferences in mind. The already outdated battleships and stale variety of warships were beginning to threaten Commoner naval supremacy.
In 2009, the Imperial Navy happily reopened the Barrakuda Project under a new Emperor's Armed Forces Ministry and partnered the project with Wolf Armaments, the Imperial Navy's Commission working alongside Wolf Armaments' newly formed Naval Design Committee. Even as it bought new warships, the Imperial Navy was beginning an age of revitalization and modernization, introducing the Haifisch in 2008, the Garnele CVLN in 2009, and Delphin CGN the following year. The next major project to follow would be the Barrakuda in 2010. Both the Commission and Committee agreed that a frigate sized warship had become redundant with the introduction of corvettes into the Imperial Navy over the last two decades. Corvettes proved to be cheaper to build and maintain, more maneuverable in shallow waters, and well armed like any class of frigate. With these points in mind, the Barrakuda Project was converted into designing a corvette rather than a frigate. This in turn required that the original design (the vessel already on paper) to be drastically redesigned; the size (length, beam, draft, and displacement) had to be greatly reduced, special mission based equipment needed to be altered or moved, and armament layout had to be rethought out entirely. By early 2011, Wolf Armaments produced a prototype vessel (the INS Eberhard) that began a series of extensive trials; tests offshore in shallow waters and extensive trials at sea covered survivability, combat proficiency, and basic seafaring operations. In November, the Barrakuda was approved for service in the Imperial Navy with Wolf Armaments delivering INS Eberhard on the sixteenth the same month. The Imperial Navy has since ordered a large fleet of Barrakuda to completely succeed existing frigates and corvettes already in service with the Imperial Navy; the outstanding order is expected to be filled by early 2019.
Design
The Barrakuda was designed to fill the Imperial Navy's vacancy for a multirole class of frigate that specializes in combat support operations; although originally intended to be a frigate, Barrakuda was eventually redesigned as a corvette. The Empire's lack of native ingenuity forced the Imperial Navy to acquire foreign ships or continue using the outdated fleet of frigates it had been using for decades. New frigates had already been in service for years before Wolf Armaments and the Imperial Navy focused on implementing a new native design. Investments into corvettes by the Imperial Navy while purchasing modern frigates brought new insight into the capabilities modern corvettes posses. In the end, the Imperial Navy decided to redesign the Barrakuda into a corvette class of warship. The Barrakuda was to be a versatile combat support asset and a capable combatant in its own eminence; it would come with special mission set equipment for support operations and would be accoutered with modern weapons to project its power. Among its special mission sets is minesweeping, a role that's been tasked to support elements until more recently. Barrakuda are specially designed for finding and eliminating underwater threats like mines and subs, coming fully equipped with anti-submarine weapons and underwater drones. Above sea, the Barrakuda is just as capable with its powerful radar and armament of anti-air/ship weaponry. Paired with other ships in any grouping, Barrakuda act as the outer net in any formation, providing exterior security and escorting groups through turbulent waters.
Barrakuda's superstructure is the most visibly iconic feature of the ship, serving as the ship's primary work area. The exterior and hull build focuses on reducing the ship's radar cross-section and decreasing operational maintenance costs without sacrificing ship integrity; stealth was a major focal point in the Barrakuda's design, absorbing of radar energy would prevent reflection and lead to lower detectability - this is especially true for the face of the ship which can absorb the most energy before reflection chances become more possible. Barrakuda 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 - its ability to absorb higher quantities of radar energy enhances the vessel's stealth features as well. Armor for the Barrakuda comes in KEVLAR plates that protect the superstructure and vital areas. Although not as large as the frigates she replaces, the Barrakuda is still longer than the Nereid Class, which it succeeds; the Barrakuda is, however, lighter and possesses a smaller silhouette than all proceeded classes combined. Bellow the waterline is a dual pump-jet propulsion that's configured with the ship's plumbing and infrared reduction system; one intake is paired with a jet, but diverting piping can divert water to needed areas where it can be filtered (or not filtered), stored, and used by crew to later be expelled back into the pump-jet system.
The exterior of the hull and superstructure feature vital ship equipment, including sensors and weapon systems. Most prominent of these exterior features is the tower directly behind the Bridge, which from this point shall be referred to as the 'mast'. The mast has sixteen surfaces that face all directions, angle downwards, central, and upwards; mounted on these surfaces are the JSR-F-32A 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. Other visible equipment include weapon systems (like the deck gun, CIWS', and VLS), folding doors along both sides of the ship (used for drone, torpedo, and missile deployment), and the helicopter deck at the rear of the ship. Barrakuda's aircraft hanger is large enough to hold two helicopters give-or-take (two multipurpose helicopters is the maximum allowable storage capacity listed, or one heavy helicopter) and a number of personnel; this fully encompassed hanger bay has two elevators, multiple traffic points, and storage space for equipment. The flight deck has enough room for two helicopters at a time, same as the hanger - the TC-ASIST system is installed for quick docking and deploying of on-board helicopters. Housed in the superstructure are the Bridge, Command and Control Center, helicopter hanger, and other vital crew work stations; outside the superstructure (within the hull itself) including living quarters, the ship's cafeteria, crew work stations like the engine room, and multipurpose storage rooms. Other crew facilities include but not limited to, a workout room, meeting rooms, a hygiene facility (toilets and showers), an armory for weapons and supplies, and a small medical bay. Two multipurpose storage rooms (which are fairly large and built for multipurpose use) as mentioned can be converted to specific mission set use, of which include additional living quarters for marines, a detention facility for captured criminals, additional work stations if required, or storage for extra supplies.
Command, Control, Communications
As an invaluable combat support vessel, the Barrakuda plays a vital role in any navy's warship lineup. Barrakuda's role in a fleet is providing various combat support services; patrolling waters, providing escort, underwater defense, and air defense are some of the many jobs Barrakuda take on in a fleet. With its special equipment, Barrakuda excel in performing underwater mine sweeping and anti-submarine warfare - Barrakuda also conduct combat operations against surface, air, and ground targets too. In any naval formation the Barrakuda typically escorts other vessels in close formation, or takes the furthest position from the center of the formation - this is otherwise known as exterior security. As the first line of defense in any formation, vessels acting as exterior security for a naval formation provide underwater and above-water detection, engaging hostiles if need be too - although exterior security's primary role in any naval formation is advanced reconnaissance/early warning for the bulk of the naval formation. Command, Control, and Communication are vital components to a vessel providing exterior security; it must assimilate perfectly into any command structure it's part of, have full control of the ship's systems and sensors, and retain communication with other vessels in the naval formation. Barrakuda, in an effort to reach perfect harmony with these three requirements, bridges all three requirements to the best of its ability. But outside a traditional naval formation, Barrakuda also exemplify independent operability in performing special missions (mine sweeping for example) and conducting a multitude of other important multipurpose jobs in a fleet.
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 a 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.
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); 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 twelve of them, and can be installed on hardpoints where former consoles stood or in new hardpoint positions. 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 seats the captain and other high ranking officers 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. Barrakuda's special equipment including the drone operation center 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 mast 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 Barrakuda FS 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 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. 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 Barrakuda'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 mast, 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 mast 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 Barrakuda'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 Barrakuda, the vessel posses the latest electronic warfare suite developed by Wolf Armaments for warships - the JSEW-4C Electronic Warfare Suite, an upgraded model for later developed warships like the Barrakuda and the Delphin CGN. 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, Barrakuda was designed for the advancement of combat support for group/fleet operations - to accomplish this, the Barrakuda uses advanced sensor and guidance systems on-board. Compared to earlier developed vessels, the Barrakuda is more advanced because it uses newer equipment models based on previous equipment aboard vessels like the Haifisch. At the forefront of the Barrakuda's sensor equipment is the JSR-F-32A AESA, an active electronically scanned array radar system, and the JSS-TSA23 and JSMF-HMLSS-44A, which are both towed array and hull mounted sonar systems. These three sensor tools give the Barrakuda a sharp perception over all things on the sea, above it, or bellow it.
The JSR-F-32A 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-32A is a miniaturized model of the Delphin CGN's JSR-F-23B 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); 32A is essentially a miniaturized and retooled radar system designed for smaller warships using a similar mast as the Delphin but without MEER-EWU upgrades - this would include the Barrakuda, a vessel using such a mast. These panels, and the system entirely, are housed in the sensor mast 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 Barrakuda; 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-32A an astounding ability to detect and track targets in a 360 degree angle at a maximum range of around four hundred kilometers.
JSMF-HMLSS-44A is a hull-mounted, multi-function sonar system mounted on the bottom front of the vessel. It is a miniaturized model originally found on the Delphin CGN but designed for smaller warships like the Barrakuda; it is 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 Barrakuda'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. Barrakuda 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
As a corvette, a warship excelling at combat support, the Barrakuda's inherent design stresses the need for proficient armaments, countermeasures, and multifunctionality. Although stealth and basic equipment were a must, a warship is nothing without a set of armaments that counter its intended enemy. Since Barrakuda's adversaries would use submarines, warships of all sizes, mines, aircraft, and small boats, Barrakuda comes armed with a variety of weapon and support systems to counter these threats. A vertical launch missile (VLS) bay for surface-to-air misiles; countermeasure pods armed with a variety of munitions and countermeasure devices; launch units for torpedoes, missiles, and naval mines; and gun systems from the ship's Mk. 80T dual-barreled naval gun system to close-in weapon systems and machine gun emplacements. The true power of the Barrakuda, however, is its modularity, allowing the ship to fit into any role needed for the modern battlefield.
Starting from the front of the ship, the Barrakuda utilizes the Mk. 80T Dual-Barreled Eighty Millimeter Naval Turret and one Mk. 42 Vertical Launch System Bay (forty-eight cells total); additionally, the ship's single Type 870 CIWS (thirty millimeter gatling with remote missile system attached, 21 missiles) is positioned here - CIWS will be discussed later on. The Mk. 80T is a lightweight, dual-barreled, naval turret capable of a one hundred and eighty degree traverse and a negative fifteen-to-eighty-five degree elevation. Said turret's guns have a maximum range of forty-four kilometers (twenty kilometers with older ammunition) and can fire a number of projectiles designed to engage sea, land, and air targets; it is loaded via a dual turntable system (one turntable for each gun barrel) underneath the turret where crew manually load each round on the autoloading system - this automatic loading system can hold thirty rounds ready to fire out of the five hundred rounds stored on-board. Designers of the Mk. 80T desired a new gun system for the Barrakuda instead of using traditional single barreled naval guns; a turreted gun system with firepower akin to the AK-130 but with improved accuracy and ammunition similar to the OTO Melara 76mm. With its dual-barrel design, the Mk.80T doubled its firepower while the ship's/turret's targeting/guidance technology improved accuracy beyond previously held expectations. In the modular fashion, the turret system can be replaced with a gun system that favors a navy's specific choice. The Mk. 42 VLS is a Mk. 41 VLS variant designed for smaller warships using shorter missile and rocket systems - it otherwise resembles the Mk. 41 in appearance and dimensions. Mk. 42 cells can use a variety of NATO and Eastern Bloc missile/rocket systems that fit the permitted height restrictions (diameter limits are the same as the Mk. 41 VLS), which is just over five meters (5.3 meters to be exact); the preferred Commoner missile systems used are the Lanze Missile and Slingshot SAM (which can be quad-packed into a cell), among other short ranged weapon systems like anti-submarine rockets. It is important to note that Mk. 42 VLS are "Self-Defense" oriented, meaning they're designed for defensive weapons rather than long range attack weapons - think SAMs, not cruise missiles.
Other applicable LANZ Modules available include a laser based weapon system (THELS), a UAV landing port for a lightweight helicopter UAV, and a special rocket/missile cradle system. The Tactical-High-Energy-Laser System (THELS) is a deuterium-fluoride powered chemical laser that works at a wavelength of 3.8 microns. It has an internal storage of about forty-five engagement cycles, although neighboring modules can be converted into additional storage space for the weapon system. As a defense weapon primarily, THELS has an operational range of about eight kilometers, limiting its role as a defensive weapon system rather than offensive. Although uncharacteristic for the Barrakuda, its main weapon system can be exchanged for an offensive cradle system that utilizes rocket/missile artillery munitions to conduct bombardment missions close to shore; the mentioned system, the Multiple Rocket Cradle System, utilizes a similar but larger cradle system seen on the Heiliger Blitz that works with an assisted automated reloading system similar to other self-loading missile launching systems on warships. Naval rocket artillery is seen as cheaper replacements (and less required storage since VLS isn't required) to missiles with the same or with similar affect - such rocket systems were used on warships before the invention of guided munitions or modern missile designs. A single cradle system is able to hold forty two hundred and twenty millimeter M118 'Pfeil' rockets or sixty one hundred and twenty millimeter versions of the 'Pfeil', or three TRS 'Fromme Faust' long range rockets - four anti-ship missiles is typically the limit for the cradle. The autoloading magazine stores up to one hundred and forty rockets, though three-to-six larger rockets are typically stored as well depending on the ship and its storage capacity, leaving little room for other rockets like anti-submarine rockets; on a typical warship using the MR Cradle System, the magazine will hold eighty two hundred and twenty millimeter rockets and up to three large artillery rockets. Barrakuda's magazine only holds room for eighty rockets, or four large rockets. The idea behind the MR Cradle System was born from a naval artillery program that took place in the early 1990's that theorized rockets could be used as a replacement to missiles for more efficient and wider destructive capabilities then missiles; the program especially focused on naval bombardments and smart artillery support using better guided rockets in support of marine troops. The program lead to the creation of the cradle, an assisted automatic loading system, and the designing of other small rockets that could be used as countermeasures. This cradle system also allows for the use of anti-ship missiles, ground attack missiles, and air-to-air missiles. This secondary artillery option has given the Barrakuda a unique ability to bombard enemy targets offshore either in support of ground forces or to bombard enemy positions as well as act as a larger missile based CIWS.
Barrakuda's other standard weapon systems include four Close-In Weapon Systems, or CIWS' for short. In total there are two Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled Forty Millimeter Automatic Cannons (both mounted to rear of the superstructure), one Type 870 Thirty Millimeter Rotary Gatling Cannon (mounted forward of the superstructure, included with Remote Missile System which can carry fifteen to twenty-one missiles depending on the missile design being used), and there are numerous mounting stations for heavy machine guns if the need arises. The Type 870 has a full three-sixty degree turn radius and can engage threats in the air or on the sea, their coverage is limited, however, to avoid at the ship and its features (programming deters CIWS' from aiming at or risking harm to the ship, its components, or friendly vehicles); it utilizes a missile launcher mounted to its right-hand side, which can hold up to twenty-one short-range SAM's or fifteen Slingshot medium range missiles - this gives the system additional firepower and range in engagements. Active tracking radar systems are mounted atop the Type 870, allowing it to track targets well before they come within gun range without the assistance of the ship's radar. The majority of the gun systems, however, are Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled Automatic Cannons; these dual barreled gun systems originate from the Bär infantry fighting vehicle, which uses forty millimeter ammunition. Mk. 103's are housed in a stealthy RCS reduction casing with mounted active tracking radar and optic cameras/sensors, giving manual operators better control over any given system and the same tracking benefits the Type 870 enjoy (Type 870 can use similar optics and come in RCS reduction casing if so desired). All gun systems can be operated manually via control consoles inside the Bridge when they are not automatically operated as part of MEER - MEER provides lightning speed reaction to incoming threats, increasing engagement times due to its fast detection, reaction, and threat analysis/engagement protocols.
To the rear of the vessel are two sets of special purpose bays (one set on each side of the ship) that utilize weapon systems or drones. The first set, as seen by the smaller folding doors, hold Unmanned Underwater Drones (UUD). Each bay holds six drones (twelve total) that are deployed using a special deploy & retrieve crane; UUDs are remotely operated and designed to hunt and destroy underwater threats such as underwater mines. The larger doors hold a six-tubed launcher (twelve total) that's either for torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, depth charges, decoys, or underwater mines. Depending on the ship's purpose, a Barrakuda can come equipped to combat enemy warships, hostile submarine threats, or conduct mine laying operations. Additionally, two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) are located on both the starboard and port side of the vessel (one per side); these fast water craft are used by marine teams to act as security or to intersect naval craft - they are deployed from and recovered by using a crane system located in a set of cubbies near the front of the structure close to the waterline - these cubbies will typically be covered by a retractable door that's insulated, covered in RCS reduction material, and fastened to the hull using a locking mechanism when not in use. Part of the ship's armaments, Barrakuda'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, Barrakuda 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.
To counter a multitude of other threats that the Barrakuda may encounter, there are two Rotating Vertical Countermeasure Systems (RVCS); these countermeasure devices are sheathed in an RCS reduction cone that contains twenty barrels for either rocket, missile, 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, allowing RVCS' to be safely placed on almost any deck surface easily. These launchers sit on an electrical operated motor system that can spin the device continuously 360 degrees. This is key so that the intended launcher aims in the right direction towards its designated target. As a highly multirole countermeasure system, RVCS' are connected to the Bridge just like the ship's gun and missile based weapon systems; this integration gives the Barrakuda added protection at automatic speeds in more then just gun and missile support - it means the Barrakuda 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 120mm 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, which will either entice missiles away or fool them), and a number of many anti-submarine, aircraft, and missiles/rockets/projectiles munitions. To counter the threat of torpedoes, Barrakuda 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 commonplace ship noises, MIST decoys attempt to defeat a torpedo's sonar seeker by emitting simulated ship noise, such as propeller and engine noise, which becomes more attractive to the torpedo than the ship itself. For additional measure, MIST decoys utilize passive sonar trackers that collect and bounce back false returns to sonar systems - this could present the decoy as a much bigger target to torpedoes and submarines or create false returns.
Propulsion & Power
Barrakuda uses a propulsion system unique to most seafaring vessels known to man, but not to warships in general. For propulsion the Barrakuda uses two WA-IE GT6100 Gas Turbines which produce over eight megawatts together. The GT6100 Series is a design akin to the Haifisch's GT4800, which is also built by Imperial Engineering for Wolf Armaments; primary differences include miniturization for smaller warships, lower output to keep up with the smaller hull design of the Barrakuda, and a more efficient engine layout. Although based on the Haifisch's own pump-jet design, Barrakuda utilizes a newer model that's much smaller and considerably more powerful in comparison to similar propulsion systems on warships of the same size. This pump-jet system has two intakes located at the fore of the vessel, which allows for better access and flow of water; there is one intake per side of the ship as each pump-jet is an individual system on its own. These intakes suck in water through a centrifugal passageway and is then blasted out of its designated exhaust located at the stern's bottom; each pump-jet has its own dedicated passageway which uses one of the two 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. Each pump-jet is designed to be controlled separately rather than together. 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 gives the Barrakuda a top speed of over ninety-six kilometers an hour. Two water pumps (one per side) are located on fore of the ship near the intakes. These pump-jets 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, steam exhaust (from the engine room and other exhaust producing areas) 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 Barrakuda almost invisible to most infrared detectors. Water intake is used for other purposes where water is needed, filtered or unfiltered.
Variants
Barrakuda National Security Corvette: The Barrakuda National Security Corvette (NSC) is a maritime law enforcement/coastal patrol variant of the Barrakuda corvette. Whereas the standard Barrakuda is optimized for naval warfare, the NSC is optimized for maritime law enforcement. Alterations include a rear launching ramp for two Long Range Interceptors, a modified helicopter pad and hanger for one light helicopter, and significant replacement of CIWS emplacements. Additional space for twenty passengers have also been arranged, increasing the total to sixty passengers (which could include marines or detained individuals). Markings identifying the vessel as maritime law enforcement include two color-bands and symbol for customer's maritime law enforcement organization. Lastly, armaments and most defensive equipment remain in place due to the vessel's defensive and war-fighting requirements.
Export
Barrakuda is, like other naval designs, a sensitive warship design to come out of Wolf Armaments - a warship designed 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 aboard has been seen as a possible threat to Commoner interests if left in the hands of potential enemies. However, the Barrakuda was designed in part to become a profitable, and easier to acquire, export design for less than wealthy navies; exporting the Barrakuda was a key factor in the vessel's design. Sales are limited to neutral nations with whom 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 Barrakuda is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page storefront page for $300 Million 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, Barrakuda 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 ($125 Million NSD) 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 late April 2017, the Barrakuda 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
The above export policy is mostly stating I wont sell this thing to potential enemies - I have a pretty lenient enforcement of this as is tbh. I and probably most who fall under this status know who that is - which is likely less then five percent of potential customers probably. What im saying is is that don't feel like you can't purchases this product, most of you should be able to - those who can't likely know they're not able to. Barrakuda was designed for two reasons (well... three actually. Someone requested a corvette design at one time and I had already thought about making one myself, so when I finally came to my next set of projects, this corvette was the immediate first thing I worked on): I needed a replacement for two ships in my navy (the previous ships being Belfras designs) and I wanted a ship that was essentially an export goldmine; by this I mean I intended the Barrakuda to be easier to buy/make, thereby making it sell better OOC and IC. So the limiting of sales for the Barrakuda should be exceptionally low. If however you think you may not be able to purchase this product or are unsure about your prospects of doing so, feel free to shoot me a TG any time and I will answer as soon as humanly possible.