Length: 143 m.
Beam: 18.4 m.
Draft: 6.5 m.
Displacement: 6,659 t.
Propulsion: 2 WA-IE GT8000 Gas Turbines (17.1 mw).
- 4 Pump-jet intakes.
- 2 Pump-jet exhausts.
Range: 18,100 km.
Complement: 132 + 70 air/marine crew (accommodates 310 passengers if configured correctly).
- 1 medium or 2 light helicopter(s).
- 2 RHIB launch points at the rear and another two launch points on each side, equaling 4 RHIB or similar craft total.
- 2 Launch rooms beside weapons cubbies for 12 ROVs (6 per side)
- Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking (MEER Command & Control).
- JSR-F-32B-S AESA (multirole search radar, 3D X-Band).
- ASR-22B AESA (air search radar, 3d L-Band).
- JSMF-HMSS-42B-F (hull mounted sonar system).
- JSS-TSA23 (towed array sonar).
- JTSS-52 Nodes (tactical sonar nodes).
- IFF ES/A/N/F Mk. 2/B (friend-or-foe/transponder system).
- NET-C/F System (CESM/COMINT).
- JSEW-4D Electronic Warfare Suite.
- JSTD-6 MIST (Torpedo decoy system).
- TC-ASIST (helicopter capture/assist claw).
- 1 Mk-140 140 mm Lightweight Deck Gun (or other LANZ Module).
- 1 Mk. 41 Vertical Launch System (48 Cells).
- 24 tubes for torpedoes or ASM's or drones (12 tubes per side located in 4 cubbies).
- 6 Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled 40 mm Automatic Cannons/CIWS' (2 per side).
- 2 Mk. 60 Naval Turrets/CIWS, 60 mm Automatic Cannons & RMS (21-15 missiles).
- 18 Rotating Vertical Countermeasure System (RVCS, 20 barrels).
- DMR-249A Steel construction.
- 1" thick KEVLAR plates over superstructure and additional 1" in vital areas.
Background
The Mörderwal FFG (Killer Whale) is a class of advanced multirole guided missile frigates in service with the Imperial Navy of TECT. INS Siemon, the class leader, was christened in honor of Admiral Albert Siemon. Admiral Siemon was a highly decorated officer who served as the Imperial Navy's Coast Guard commanding officer from 1972 to 1981; Admiral Siemon passed away in 2015 from lung cancer, leading to the Imperial Navy immortalizing his achievements through its newest Coast Guard oriented vessel. INS Siemon set sail for the first time with the Imperial Navy in 2019 on its first patrol mission through the Royals Western Sea. Named after the infamous orca pod, the Mörderwal or Killer Whale (or Orca for short) is an apex predator belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Although orca have varied diets depending on their respective communities, orca diets typically consist of fish, marine mammals, and even larger whale species. Orca have inhabited the waters surrounding the TECT Mainland for potentially millions of years, appearing in both large and small groups in all cardinal directions. Killer Whale became famous in ancient TECT culture for initially being believed to be an aquatic Bösepenst. They have since been regarded as interesting research subjects, aggressive hunters of the sea, and entertainment icons at large aquariums around the Empire. Orca have also appeared on numerous Imperial naval flags for centuries, including the Imperial Navy's modern flag for the past sixty years.
Beginning under the initial "Barrakuda Project" in 1995, Mörderwal was one of many early concept designs introduced to the Imperial Navy's Joint Chiefs of Staff as part of Emperor Charles II's move towards revitalizing the Empire's shipbuilding industry/naval works industries. The "Barrakuda Project's" aim was to serve as a development program for future frigates with at least one class being developed immediately for the Imperial Navy to replace outdated relics still in service. Barrakuda Project was shutdown in May of 1997 after concerns of overspending on development reached Armed Forces Ministry leadership. Although never developed into a working prototype, Wolf Armaments held onto its concept designs for potential future uses. More than a decade later, Wolf Armaments' submission, a multipurpose frigate, was overhauled and its resources instead converted into developing the Barrakuda FS class in 2010 under a re-activated, re-purposed Barrakuda Project.
By the time of the fulfillment the Imperial Navy's outstanding order of Barrakuda FS' in 2019, the revitalized Barrakuda Project had resulted in an unforeseen quagmire. With the project's passing success also came an unexpected number of limitations with the Barrakuda class that Imperial Navy leaders hadn't foreseen occurring. Outlined in its 2019 budget request (which occurred naturally in 2018), the Imperial Navy's Joint Chiefs detailed limitations and even flaws with the Barrakuda FS while at the same time making two budgetary requests; the first request being Congress' termination of its planned future expansion of the Barrakuda fleet by 2030, and the second being an immediate "replacement/return to the now defunct former 'Barrakuda Project' to procure a new frigate class." "Although Barrakuda FS has its tactical and strategic value, it is clear after years of experience in the water that the Barrakuda Project's original goals better suited the modern Imperial Navy rather than the revamped project which resulted in mixed successes and some strategic failures. It is the Board's honest opinion that not fulfilling the original project's goals at the time of its inception was a strategically dire mistake - one that may have set us back potentially decades. The Barrakuda FS, strategically speaking, is not suited for the long range, long duration patrols that designers intended for, nor is it adequate in most escort situations when compared next to better equipped frigate classes. In terms of range and compliment, expeditionary operations are simply not possible without great effort taken. Firepower, range, compliment (personnel and stored resources), and C&C capabilities are limited to an extent that the Barrakuda FS excels primarily in formations while taking considerable risks during independent operations. Although ideal - or even adequate - for most escort duties, this is an issue as coastal patrol duties often require independent operation for long periods due to TECT's vast ocean front and limited manpower/tonnage. In conclusion, and returning to the budgetary topic at hand, the Barrakuda Project produced a warship that cannot adequately perform all duties independently or with limited assistance. Although not technically a waste of resources, Barrakuda FS was a 'cart before the horse' design. These flaws are believed to originate from the project's revival, when drastic cuts and alterations occurred to meet newly formed qualifications for a corvette instead of a frigate. It is the unanimous opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Imperial Navy that our naval forces require a frigate class if we are to maintain our hard fought gains at sea. Without one, we forfeit our gains in the years to come and continue to wastefully drain unnecessary tonnage and manpower doing so."
Talks of revisiting the "Barrakuda Project" occurred as early as 2017 as signs of the Barrakuda FS' overall performance caused concern for Imperial Navy Chiefs of Staff. By 2018 the Joint Chiefs had decided in majority to seek a new "Barrakuda Project" from the Imperial Navy, Ministry of The Armed Forces, and if need be, the Emperor himself. Secretary Ottokar Reuter of the Imperial Navy approved of the budget outline and the need for a frigate in the Imperial Navy; even Admiral Kaleb Fishman, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Imperial Navy who originally supported a corvette over a frigate, had a change of heart and vehemently supported the acquisition of frigate class post-haste. "Mistakes from the past can only be rectified by actions taken now." Or so the Admiral admitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2018. Prince Charles Canning, the late Emperor's eldest son and Minister of the Armed Forces, would approve the outline for a new frigate program after direct talks with the Emperor concerning the situation. The Emperor gave his approval upon officially receiving the request, reportedly noting his mistake in allowing the original "Barrakuda Project" to become tainted with "bureaucratic creep." With all parties in full support, the development of the new "Barrakuda Project" had begun.
Under the new name of "Mörderwal," the "Mörderwal Project" (formerly known as "Barrakuda Project") reconvened under the supervision of the Imperial Navy's Development Commission and Wolf Armaments' Naval Design Committee. Wolf Armaments had been given the project almost immediately given that it had developed the Barrakuda FS and Ministry officials wanted this project completed with haste and limited issues. As a company with a near monopoly status in government armament contracts and a long proven track record of successes, Wolf Armaments was approached to develop a frigate class that could meet or excel the Development Commission's qualifications. Fortunately for the Commission, not only did Wolf Armaments' Naval Design Committee retain its original frigate prototype materials and technology for the initial "Barrakuda Project," the Committee had been making design improvements with each technological advance in the hope they could release it as an export product if the Imperial Navy proved to have no interest in developing a frigate in the near future. In the end, Wolf Armaments held out hope that one day the Empire would be open to giving the design another chance in the spotlight. Which is why by late 2018, a working prototype was ready to set sail on trials. After several improvements and corrections, the Mörderwal Class entered Imperial service in late 2019 in record time.
Design
Mörderwal is the ultimate fulfillment of the original "Barrakuda Project" with the updated prerequisites found in its successor, the "Mörderwal Project." The Barrakuda Project originally called for a multirole class of frigates that the Empire could utilize for every role imaginable. Air defense, anti-submarine warfare, coastal defense, escort duties, the list of possible roles was only limited by the user's imagination. Near the end of the project, however, the Imperial Navy forced Wolf Armaments' Naval Design Committee to change course and redraft the entire design into a corvette with more coastal situated escort/coast guard roles. As a result the Barrakuda Project failed to provide the Empire a warship it originally intended to have. The Mörderwal Project was the Imperial Navy's attempt to correct its mistake and produce a true class of frigate the Empire desperately needed. As per the original program's desires, the new Mörderwal Class would be multirole in nature but its design unrestrained by potential bureaucratic muddying that the Barrakuda Class succumbed to. Mörderwal as a concept was designed for long range operations - endurance was to be Mörderwal's greatest asset. While Barrakuda was rather limited in its operational range, Mörderwal would enjoy an extended operational range that would allow it to travel with the same endurance that larger warships such as destroyers and cruisers possessed. Furthermore, Mörderwal would posses not only more powerful armaments, it would have more of them when compared to the Barrakuda. More mission modules also enhances Mörderwal's vast capabilities with simple modifications allowing the vessel to specialize in whatever role the user requires. Mörderwal's motto is simple and to the point: "Specialize in specializing. Whatever is required is what is delivered."
Probably the most iconic feature of the Mörderwal would be its superstructure. Combining the Bridge, Combat & Control Center, and main radar mast, the Mörderwal's superstructure also contains many of the other mission critical work stations found on the Mörderwal. Immediately to its rear is a lower deck space bridging the main superstructure with the Hanger Section of the ship. The lower space is a section of the ship dedicated to crew habitation, such as crew quarters, kitchen/mess hall, and a small exercise facility. Next to it, the Hanger Section, is dominated by the helicopter hanger, two RHIB launch points, Mörderwal's engine facilities, and other work areas. Mörderwal is the first Wolf Armaments warship to have its internal design primarily dictated by LANZ Modules. LANZ Modules are Wolf Armaments multipurpose mounting positions and hull sections that allow users to build or use whatever facility/equipment they choose. For example, on all Wolf Armaments vessels, frontal Vertical Launch Systems and deck guns are LANZ Modules users can swap with other equipment as they please. On other vessels, LANZ Modules inside the vessel typically refer to multipurpose facilities that can be used/altered at the whim of users. Thus, Mörderwal having several compartments entirely dedicated to LANZ Modules means that users can add or swap around configurations they require for their vessel.
Built with DMR-249A, Mörderwal was designed with stealth and upkeep in mind. DMR-249A, a steel alloy that's lightweight but much stronger than previously common aluminum hull materials, is an excellent choice for ship hulls because of its high durability and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, DMR-249A is also very potent at reducing a vessel's radar cross section given the correct orientation, using its structure to not only reduce reflections but also absorb radar energy. As observers may notice, Mörderwal's face is slanted and its exterior smooth. This is common feature on most Wolf Armaments warships in order to reduce radar cross section without sacrificing ship or design integrity; in fact, the Imperial Navy also sheathes its exterior equipment in RCS reducing materials to help maintain this stealth advantage. Mörderwal relies on KEVLAR plates approximately three centimeters in thickness for its armor, placing them along the superstructure and vital areas of the ship's hull. These plates, while older, are still the cheapest and most cost effective armor used by most modern navies for a multitude of reasons. Bellow the waterline is a dual pump-jet propulsion system that's configured with the ship's plumbing and infrared reduction system; two intakes are paired with each 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. Adjacent to the pump-jets is the JSTD-6 MIST towed array sonar system while the JSMF-HMSS-42B-F hull mounted sonar lies at the front of the vessel; two JTSS-52 Nodes on each end of the ship also provide sonar detection directly underneath the vessel. Additionally, the outer hull is fully built with RS reduction tiles and is ice treated to improve survivability in arctic conditions.
Command, Control, Communications, and Sensors
Command, Control, and Communications play a vital role in most warships (if not all), but with Mörderwal CC&C plays a central role. As a supplement (replacement even) for the Barrakuda FS, Mörderwal was designed to fulfill the leading role in naval formations as an escort. Not only does it act as an escort, Mörderwal's role within many formations as a frigate is lead escort or even the leading ship itself. Within the TECT Imperial Navy, Mörderwal plays the role of escort, lead escort, and leader of formations if it's not operating on its own; Mörderwal is the largest direct combat vessel within the Imperial Navy Coast Guard, thus it would naturally lead formations not accompanied by the force's largest surface vessel, the Garnele CVLN class. As such, the Mörderwal as a combatant must be highly competent along with being highly proficient at taking command of formations as its leader. At the end of the day, however, Mörderwal was also designed to fill the roles needed within any naval force thanks to its highly modular design.
To achieve the correct balance between command and control, Mörderwal utilizes intricate systems such as the MEER Command & Control System. Named after the Commoner Angel of the Sea, MEER is the naval version of the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking System used by land and air forces of the TECT Armed Forces. Wolf Armaments produced a more advanced model of the MEER C&C since its earlier generation warships, developing another variant specifically for ships like the Delphin CGN - this model is called the 'MEER Command & Control: Eisen Wand Upgrade' or 'MEER-EWU'. Delphin is actually perfect as a model in this scenario. As the Imperial Navy's largest standard direct combat warship, Delphin acts as the formation's lead escort and provides much of the protection Mörderwal would in smaller formations. 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. Mörderwal, 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 Mörderwal'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 Mörderwal 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 escort duties, Mörderwal's priority is defeating primarily 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 its use even on land installations. This special feature allows MEER-EWU equipped vessels like the Mörderwal 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 surface-to-air missiles and future weapon systems. Focusing also on underwater threats, Mörderwal 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 Mörderwal 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 the radar mast); 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. Mörderwal'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.
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-C/F System and the JSEW-4D 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-C/F System. NET-C/F, named after fishing nets, is the most modern model of the NET System, which is a communications electronic surveillance measuring (ESM) device that serves as part of the Mörderwal's electronic warfare suite. ESM systems essentially listen and/or probe for all forms of communications, intercepting said transmissions for intelligence gathering. NET-C/F is made up of devices that link to the ship's many 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-C/F system has powerful passive audio monitoring that is capable of tracking such data far beyond the ship's radar range; NET-C/F 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 Mörderwal, the vessel posses the latest electronic warfare suite developed by Wolf Armaments for warships. JSEW-4D Electronic Warfare Suite an upgraded model for modern warships like the Mörderwal and older warships with modernized equipment. 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.
As previously mentioned, Mörderwal was designed with advanced air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and command & control for group/fleet operations in mind. To accomplish this, the Mörderwal uses advanced sensor and guidance systems on-board coupled with advanced management and communication equipment. Mörderwal is capable of better commanding groups or leading operations compared to earlier designed Commoner ships, especially the Barrakuda. At the forefront of the Mörderwal's sensor equipment is the JSR-F-32B-S AESA, an active electronically scanned array radar system, ASR-22B AESA, another active electronically scanned array system, and the JSS-TSA23 and JSMF-HMSS-42B-F, which are both towed array and hull mounted sonar systems. These four sensor tools give the Mörderwal a sharp perception over all things on the sea, above it, or bellow it.
The JSR-F-23B-S 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 are housed in two area of the ship for maximum radar coverage; the first area being the lower section of the radar tower and the second area being several different points of the superstructure. 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 modern warships; 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 three hundred and sixty degree angle at a maximum range of around three hundred and sixty kilometers.
ASR-22B AESA, Mörderwal's long range air-search radar, acts as the Mörderwal's most powerful aerial scanning sensor platform. An upgraded and miniaturized platform compared to the 'A' model used on larger warships, ASR-22B is an L-Band 3D active phased array radar system comprising of a single rotating dish constructed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules (TRMs) acting as transmitters and receivers (transceivers). Placed at the very top of the radar mast underneath a RCS reducing cone, the ASR-22B's position ensures the best possible coverage allowed on the Mörderwal. ASR-22B's primary role on the Mörderwal is performing the ship's long range, air searching functions. While all the aforementioned benefits of AESA radars apply to the ASR-22B that apply to the JSR-F-23B, ASR-22B's higher power and TRM count afford it better range, accuracy, and earlier detection/tracking of aerial targets. The most beneficial aspect to ASR-22B is that it allows the Mörderwal the ability to detect and track high fliers that non-L-band radars struggle to do, giving the Mörderwal an edge against ballistic missiles and long range strike aircraft. ASR-22B can detect and track targets up to five hundred kilometers away with full three hundred and sixty degree coverage.
JSMF-HMSS-42B-F is a hull-mounted, multi-function sonar system mounted on the bow of the vessel. It is an upgrade model from the previous 42B line designed for smaller warships and acts as 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 Mörderwal's towed sonar array, is a towed array multi-function sonar. It is a system of hydrophones towed behind the ship on a cable; Mörderwal has two systems mounted in rear-facing cubbies inside the rear RHIB launch point. 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. Mörderwal 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 addition, Mörderwal has two JTSS-52 Nodes, which are tactical sonar nodes that give sonar coverage directly bellow the vessel; these nodes have a dual purpose of eliminating frogmen who attempt to swim close or under the ship, the sonar waves being so strong that people swimming too close will be killed. In the same station is the vessel's torpedo decoy launcher, which will be discussed later on.
Armaments & Countermeasures
Mörderwal, a guided missile frigate, is designed primarily for escort roles and coastal patrol duties. As such, the Mörderwal must be adequately armed with not only up-to-date weapon systems, but the best available countermeasures and protection systems to date. To achieve these ideals in as efficient a manner as possible, Mörderwal comes outfitted with several LANZ module locations optimized for an almost endless combination of outfittings. Options include deck guns, vertical launch systems, rocket systems, close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and specialty modules such as UAV facilities and new aged laser systems to name some options. Mörderwal's modularity is its true strength, allowing users to fashion the Mörderwal Class into whatever role they require; air defense, anti-submarine warfare, anti-shipping, and limitless options for combinations allow users to create the frigate their navy needs.
Starting off with gun based and other short ranged systems, Mörderwal's standard package comes with a Mk-140 one hundred and forty millimeter lightweight deck gun. Capable of a one-hundred and seventy degree traverse and a negative fifteen-to-sixty-five degree elevation, Mk-140's engagement zone is wide enough to engage long range surface and air targets out to approximately fifty kilometers with modern ammunition - rocket assisted ammunition can double this range. Mk-140 can utilize numerous ammunition types including multipurpose or specialized sets of ammunition. The turret rests atop an auto-loading system which uses a turntable where crew manually load each round on the auto-loading system, allowing quick loading and accurate round delivery without over complicating features; this automatic loading system can hold twenty rounds ready-to-fire out of the five hundred rounds stored on-board. In the Mörderwal's modular design, the gun system (as with most systems and LANZ Modules) can be replaced with other modern gun systems from around the world with only size limitations deciding the Mörderwal's list of options. In addition to the Mörderwal's main deck gun, Mörderwal has six other heavy caliber gun system locations and two primary Close-In Weapon System locations. Standard among all Wolf Armaments warships (and on Mörderwal base configuration), Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled Forty Millimeter Automatic Cannons make up each of the six gun locations previously mentioned. Used for air defense and against surface targets, Mk. 103's are dual barreled naval versions of Wolf Armaments' commonly utilized forty millimeter automatic cannon that can be found on ground vehicles, aircraft, and especially warships. They are housed in an RCS reducing turret and come mounted with powerful optics and a dual-mode radar mounted atop the turret. Mk. 103's can be operated manually via remote control by crew inside or function automatically as part of MEER. Mk. 103/C's have a one-hundred and five degree traverse angle and a negative fifteen-to-eighty-five degree elevation and can engage targets up to thirteen kilometers away. The last two large gun systems on-board are the ship's two Mk. 60 Naval Turrets/CIWS. Mk. 60 is a newer automatic cannon system developed by Wolf Armaments which began fielding variants for armored vehicles, air defense platforms, and in this case, naval turret variants. Utilizing sixty millimeter ammunition, the Mk. 60 packs boosted firepower and a significant punch with several ammunition types including armor penetrating rounds, high explosive fragmentation rounds, and special air defense rounds that utilize ball bearings. Due to its size, Mk. 60 is only operable in LANZ module locations or other locations suitable for miniature/small naval turrets. Furthermore, as a replacement to TECT's previously utilized Type 870 CIWS, the Mk. 60 can (and in this case does) come with a missile launching unit on its right side that can utilize short range or compact medium range missile systems. Mk. 60 also comes in an RCS reducing turret with a mounted dual-mode radar system, similar to the Mk. 103. Mk. 60 can engage targets up to fifteen kilometers away while missiles it can utilize (such as Slingshot) can engage targets with higher accuracy between eight and twenty kilometers out depending on the missile system used. Each Mk. 60 has a one-hundred and five degree traverse angle and a negative fifteen-to-eighty-five degree elevation similar to the Mk. 103. To accurately engage threats with these weapon systems, the ship's combat radar systems (including those mounted on individual systems) track incoming threats and provide data and targeting solutions to all weapon systems aboard the ship. Through MEER, all weapon and protection systems work together to protect the ship from incoming threats the ship detects, identifies, and engages; using all available assets, MEER uses each opportunity to engage targets before they enter range, while within range, and prioritizes targets that have managed to reach dangerous distances. As a final line of defense against enemy vessels/aircraft who get too close to the Mörderwal, there are approximately twenty weapon emplacement locations around the vessel; these weapon stations can mount smaller caliber machine guns such as the LSW MareV2, large heavy machine guns like the SMJ and SMJ Gatling Series, or even deadlier systems such as automatic grenade launchers and automatic cannons.
Moving onto missiles and other guided weapon systems, the Mörderwal comes standard with a single Mk. 41 Vertical Launch System located between the most forward LANZ Module and the ship's superstructure; Mörderwal's modularity allows customers to replace Mörderwal's deck gun for another section of VLS if they so desire. As a guided missile frigate, Mörderwal's selection of missile systems for its vertical launch cells is vast and is only limited by capacity and cell size. Since Mk. 41s come with multiple cell variants, there are very few missiles that are incompatible with Mk. 41 cells. Thus, as an escort, a typical loadout for the Mörderwal would typically include numerous air defense missile systems (such as each available model of Lanze), anti-ship missile systems small and large (like Wolf Armaments' SSM-7 series), and anti-submarine missiles/rockets used against submarines and torpedoes. For offensive inclined users, Mk. 41 cells (or other VLS system of the same system size) can utilize offensive systems such as specific land attack missiles, ballistic missiles, and even some long range artillery rocket systems. Additionally, Mörderwal's four cubby locations offer users extensive options for specialized mission sets. Each cubby room can be utilized by users for multiple missions. A list of options include, but are not limited to, side-launchers for anti-ship missiles or torpedoes (with up to twenty-four tubes available), underwater drone storage and launch point, and interior space used for any purpose crews may need (such as extra barracks or storage).
To counter a multitude of other threats that the Mörderwal may encounter, there are eighteen Rotating Vertical Countermeasure Systems (RVCS) aboard the standard configuration; 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 millimeter tubes while the body itself 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 multirole countermeasure system, RVCS' are connected to C&C just like the ship's combat systems; this integration allows the Mörderwal added protection at automatic speeds in more than just gun and missile support. This means the Mörderwal can deploy anti-missile munitions that trick incoming missiles, anti-torpedo and submarine munitions that kill underwater targets, and even surface-to-air missiles if need be. 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, which will either entice missiles away or fool them), and a number of many anti-submarine, aircraft, and missile rockets/projectiles. To counter the threat of torpedoes, Mörderwal comes 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.
As an escort, but also a coastal protection vessel, the Mörderwal comes equipped with a rear ramp capable of launching and recovering for long range rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) which are stored adjacent to the ramp; additionally, there are two RHIB launch points with a single boat per station on each side of the vessel, making the total watercraft carried aboard four. These fast watercraft are used by marine teams to act as security or to intersect other vessels - an important capability a coast guard vessel requires. For aviation the Mörderwal has a landing pad and hanger large enough to either hold a medium or two small sized helicopters; for example, either one Kondor Multirole Helicopters or two Wildekatze Multirole Helicopters. To assist in quick recovery or launch, Mörderwal's landing pad is 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 hydraulic-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 ensures the helicopter safely lands and is quickly recovered, or deployed without any crew needed on the landing pad.
Propulsion & Power
Mörderwal uses a propulsion system unique to most seafaring vessels known to man, but not to warships in general. For propulsion the Mörderwal uses two WA-IE GT8000 Gas Turbines which produce over seventeen megawatts of power together. The GT8000 Series is a design akin to the Haifisch's GT4800, which is also built by Imperial Engineering for Wolf Armaments. Primary differences between both series include reduction in size, which is handier for smaller warships, reduction of output in exchange for improved efficiency and part durability, and more simplified design layout. Although based on the Haifisch's own pump-jet design, Mörderwal utilizes newer models that streamline water-flow directionally with more efficiency and considerably more power in comparison to older models of Wolf Armaments pump-jets. This pump-jet system has four intakes located at the fore of the vessel, which allows for better access and flow of water; there are two 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 two of the four intakes, so technically it's a dual centrifugal passageway design. Each pump-jet has two large triple-bladed 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, allowing ships to make specific adjustments on the fly without effecting the other pump-jet circuit. 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 Mörderwal a top speed of over forty-six kilometers an hour. Four water pumps (two 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 Mörderwal less visible to most infrared detectors. Water intake is used for other purposes where water is needed, filtered or unfiltered.
Variants
Mörderwal Cutter: The Mörderwal Cutter is a coast guard variant of the Mörderwal FFG. While not drastically different, the Mörderwal Cutter features a new color scheme to signify its identity. These colors include a white hull featuring red and blue stripes. Emblems of customer navies can be painted on prior to delivery.
Export
Mörderwal 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 Mörderwal was designed in part to become a profitable, and easier to acquire, export design for less than wealthy navies; exporting the Mörderwal 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 Mörderwal is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page for $1.1 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, Mörderwal 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 ($550 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 June 1st, 2022, the Mörderwal 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.