Length: 54 m.
Width: 8 m.
Displacement: 331 tons light & 330 tons fully loaded.
Propulsion: 4 IS&E MCM-20 Diesel Engines (1,780 kW at 1,500 rpm).
- 2 shafts and 2 Pump-jet intakes.
- 2 Controllable Pitch-Propulsors and 2 Pump-jet exhausts.
Range: Up to 5,000 km going 12 km/h.
Complement: Up to 30 Crew members + 8 Marines.
Electronics:
- Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking (MEER Command & Control).
- JSR-TCR AESA (multirole search radar, 3D X-Band).
- JSR-FCR-1C (fire-control radar for main deck weapon system).
- JSS-TSA23-B (towed array sonar).
- IFF ES/A/N/F (friend-or-foe/transponder system).
- NET-C/F System (CESM/COMINT).
- JSEW-4D Electronic Warfare Suite.
- SADS-1N (anti-drone jamming system).
- JSTD-6 MIST (Torpedo decoy system).
- Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled 40 mm Automatic Cannons/CIWS'.
- Remote Missile Stations (21-15 missiles per mount).
- Mk. 60 Naval Turrets/CIWS, 60 mm Automatic Cannons & RMS (21-15 missiles).
- 2" thick KEVLAR plates covering crew and equipment areas.
- 1" thick KEVLAR plating covering main hull structure.
Background
The Stachelrochen PC (Stingray) is a class of modern coastal patrol ships designed to operate within littoral zones and in other low-water environments such as those that're inland. Built by Wolf Armaments, the Stachelrochen Class is a modernized version of the Blauhai (Blue Shark) Class patrol ship, a clone of the Cyclone Class built by the now defunct Colonial Shipyards Inc. whom merged with Wolf Armaments in 2004. Stachelrochen was first commissioned in late 2020, her Class leader Christianed the INS Bachmeier in honor of Captain Johan Bachmeier, one of the few living Medal of Blue-Iron Cross receivers from the Imperial Navy's Coast Guard branch. A large family of species, Stachelrochen or stingray come in many varieties within the Empire and her territories. Although most are salt-water, some fresh-water species inhabit major rivers and bodies of water, making these fish common sights. Most Stachelrochen are known for inhabiting the lower layers of water columns but some are known to frequent higher columns at times. Stachelrochen are widely liked within the Empire by divers, aquarium goers, and are somewhat used commercially for their qualities as pets, food, and leather.
Struggling to comb over all of the Empire's shores, the Imperial Navy and its Coast Guard branch needed a vessel better suited for patrols and response calls closer to home. Although the Coast Guard had undergone extensive development projects in order to produce the Mörderwal and Barrakuda Classes, both were too expensive to field in numbers large enough to adequately cover the many coastal areas needed; the former was also too large and expensive while the latter lacked the agility or cost-effectiveness to warrant another round of hull purchases. Enter in the Blauhai Class, a patrol ship class widely used until they were retired in the mid 90's for being outdated and improperly constructed for future technologies. Although not worthy for deeper waters, the Blauhai wasn't needed for deep water duties. Furthermore, their return would free the larger ships of the Imperial Navy's Coast Guard, preferably for deep water duties or as flagships in smaller formations. Thus in close conjunction, the Imperial Navy and Wolf Armaments swiftly drafted a new vessel class based off the Blauhai Class - a new upgraded version so to speak. This new vessel would include a better long-lasting hull, efficient propulsion, modern weaponry, and come with significant upgrades its predecessor lacks.
Utilizing available hulls still awaiting scrapping, Wolf Armaments experimented on older Blauhai Classes in order to craft early prototypes that tested early theorized hull designs. After extensive tests using dummy weights and simple welding/part splicing, Wolf Armaments' Naval Committee was satisfied with the results of their experiments. At the start of 2020, during mid January, Wolf Armaments produced its first working prototype of a future coastal patrol vessel, designated "PC-2020." PC-2020 was armed with two major weapon positions for automatic cannons, armored for ample protection, extensive electronics for enhanced reconnaissance, and included an all new power-plant alongside new dual-propulsion system that boosted the craft's speed and range. Delivered to the Imperial Navy promptly, Imperial Navy Coast Guard operators began their own extensive testing of the craft, looking for faults and possibilities for improvement. After two months on duty, the INCG crew reported that the vessel was passable, but that modifications were still necessary. First, the crew areas would need to be fleshed out and see significant improvement in terms of quality and operational usefulness. Second, while armed with a small deck gun in the front and remote automatic cannon at the rear, both armaments did not satisfy all of INCG expectations; these expectations namely included more efficient escort related usefulness and longer combat range. Crew noted that the lack of missiles left the craft unable to conduct longer range engagements against larger warships. Third, anti-submarine capabilities were significantly lacking to the point that combating enemy submarines would nearly be impossible since the craft lacked any meaningful tools to both detect and engage such targets. Lastly, while highly capable of combating surface and above-surface threats, crew felt that in simulated engagements they were incapable of properly defending their craft let alone an escorted VIP with its current detection and combat engagement capabilities.
Given the extensive criticisms, Wolf Armaments' Naval Committee set forth to correct the mistakes and improve lacking areas outlined in the INCG report. Instead of using demonstration equipment and undergoing another round of preliminary testing, Wolf Armaments decided outfitting PC-2020/B with equipment it would optimally utilize on such a craft would be the best method moving forward. To solve the first complaint, Wolf Armaments streamlined the crew areas and outfitted them with modern infrastructure seen on current warships it produced - no corners were cut this time around. Second, instead of legacy automatic cannon systems for demonstration purposes, fully capable Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) were used in both mounts; the first mount, a newer sixty millimeter cannon system along with a dual-barreled forty millimeter system in the rear not only improved the ship's combat capabilities but also extended its effective standard engagement ranges. Sacrificing some rear deck space, Wolf Armaments left open space for missile launching stations the INCG preferred to use. Although developing the hull for more ASW capabilities was considered, adding a towed array and minimal ability to engage submarines technically solved the third complaint without having to conduct major retrofitting and hike production costs. While partially addressed when replacing the weapons, Wolf Armaments enhanced the vessel's electronic systems by replacing demonstration equipment with newer second-hand tested electronics recently added to newer models of warships delivered to the Imperial Navy. A new radar system for multi-purpose operation replaced the basic air search radar used prior, proper fire-control radar was added, complete battlespace network equipment was added, latest communication tools and equipment were now present, and Wolf Armaments' latest defense equipment (decoy and electronic warfare) replaced older ones.
After a second round of testing by the Imperial Navy Coast Guard in late March, an impressed crew quickly qualified the design within a month, reporting only minor alteration requests. Stachelrochen's first hull, INS Bachmeier, underwent trials for another month within the Imperial Navy before the design was officially approved by both the Imperial Navy's Acquisition Board and the Ministry of The Armed Forces' Acquisition Board. Not long after, the Ministry/Imperial Navy negotiated a substantial order for two hundred hulls by 2030 - at discounted rates of course.
Design
Approximately fifty-four meters long and eight meters wide, Stachelrochen is one of the smallest warships built by Wolf Armaments. Unable to transit through deeper waters safely, Stachelrochen is typically reserved to conducting security operations close to shore within the littoral zone, within shallow water regions such as bays or inland seas and isolated waterways like major rivers or large lakes. Wolf Armaments more than fulfilled the Imperial Navy Coast Guard's extensive list of requirements when creating the Stachelrochen. Although constructed with ABS Grade EQ47 steel and lined with considerably thick armor, Stachelrochen remains as agile as it is sturdy. Stachelrochen's material cost, crew size, and design have undersold the INCG's budgetary limits for each vessel by many thousands of Imperial Dollars yearly. When compared to older patrol vessels of all sizes, Stachelrochen stands above them all in sheer cost-effectiveness and operational capabilities. Regardless of domestic or foreign threats, Stachelrochen is more than capable of confronting all hostile threats using the wide array of armaments and tools at its disposal. "Project PC-2020" will go down in Imperial Navy history as one of the Service's most efficient and effective development programs to bring forth a warship class, encouraging future program directors to learn from PC-2020's example.
Beginning with the bow of the ship, the Stachelrochen's streamlined hull rests relatively high above the waterline contrary to its total displacement. At its bow is the first LANZ Module, which can be outfitted with numerous weapon systems such as small deck guns or naval variants of popular automatic cannon systems. Next is the Stachelrochen's superstructure. Housing the bridge and connected directly to the Command & Control Center, the superstructure is two and a half decks of space with the space above the third floor reserved for maintenance activities. Upon entering the roof (using internal ladders along with an exterior step-ladder), you are met with numerous electronic equipment including radar/surveillance systems and extensive communications instruments. Bellow the superstructure and running along the ship's mid-section is the lower structure. This area primarily includes the structure bordering the stern and the bottom level of the superstructure itself, connecting directly with the CIC on the first deck. This area is entirely made up of crew areas, including a shared bunk room, a mixed dining and recreational area with small kitchen attached, an armory/storage holding area, and the ship's engine facility bellow the second LANZ Module (which incidentally acts as an access point for said Module). There are two exterior decks in this section protected by armored structural barricades. Although a keen area to place systems not requiring hull penetration, the most popular use of these open areas is for mounting crewed weapon systems such as machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and even mortar systems. It is not impossible to add other major weapon systems in some areas but it is not recommended for several important reasons, namely being safety and structural integrity concerns. Lastly, the stern of the Stachelrochen features a flat section used by operators for whichever intended role they desire. Standard models of the Stachelrochen feature a ramp and recovery system for smaller inflatable patrol boats along with space for tube or other launcher style weapon systems. With some work, operators can create ship variants that utilize this area in different ways by installing new equipment/systems or adding all new ship module packages. Bellow the hull lies the ship's propulsion system, two propulsor shafts and a streamlined dual-pump-jet system; conversion into either system or the other is an easy modification to make during construction, but time consuming once a ship has been constructed.
Armaments & Countermeasures
Stachelrochen can equip not only a wide variety of weapon systems that excel at close-range combat but also long-range weapon systems capable of engaging distant threats. This wide assortment allows operators to choose between having their Stachelrochen perform policing roles, escort duties, patrol operations, missile boat missions, or multiple options all at once. There are three main sets of armaments the Stachelrochen utilize during its day-to-day operations: its frontal LANZ Module, its rear LANZ Module, and whatever weapons package is installed in the stern section. Traditionally the frontal LANZ Module is reserved for smaller deck gun styled weapon systems or other automatic cannon systems (manned or unmanned), such as the Bofors 57mm Gun System or Mark 38 25mm Gun System. Although capable of mounting similar remote weapon systems used in the front (such as the Mark 38 25mm Gun System), the rear LANZ Module has traditionally been reserved for Close-In Weapon Systems such as the Phalanx, AK-630, and Rheinmetall Oerlikon Millennium Gun; this has namely been the case in order to combat airborne threats utilizing one or more radar systems mounted on the Stachelrochen. As for the third and rear weapon station, tubed systems such as Anti-Ship Missile systems or torpedo launching systems are the natural options operators choose from. Additionally, the stern's ramp to deploy and recover rigid-inflatable craft can mount craft as large as the Pursuit Series which can be as large as nine or twelve meters long. In Imperial Navy Coast Guard service, the Stachelrochen traditionally operates the Mk. 60 60mm Naval Turret/CIWS (side-mounted surface-to-air missile system included) in the front LANZ Module while utilizing a Mk. 103/C Dual-Barreled 40mm Automatic Cannon/CIWS System or Remote Missile System in the rear LANZ Module. 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 and 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/guidance system used. The gun has a one-hundred and five degree traverse angle and a negative fifteen-to-eighty-five degree elevation similar to the Mk. 103. Although some escort oriented units operate both large and stand-off torpedo systems, others adding additional SAM launchers instead, the traditional outfit for Stachelrochen's stern armament in INCG use is either two side-facing ASM launchers (eight SSM-7 Mk. 1 missiles per four-tubed launcher) or two side-facing surface-to-surface missile launchers (up to sixteen Spieß LRMSM using two quad-pack box launchers as one system per side). In one variant used by the INCG, the rear ramp has been replaced with a small helicopter pad used to deploy small helicopter type drones. However the most common variant still utilized a ramp system outfitted with a Pursuit or Interceptor craft. As a final line of defense against enemy vessels/aircraft who get too close to the Stachelrochen, there are approximately twenty weapon emplacement locations for crew served weapons 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 mortar systems.
To counter a multitude of other threats that the Stachelrochen may encounter, there are at least seven optimal locations for 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 Stachelrochen added protection at automatic speeds in more than just gun and missile support. This means the Stachelrochen 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, Stachelrochen comes with a single JSTD-6 MIST decoy system. 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.
SADS-1N or Static Anti-Drone System is a recently developed anti-drone protection system developed by Wolf Armaments to protect large stationary targets such as buildings, wide areas like bases or airports, and even compact warships ('N' indicating the naval version). Using numerous countermeasure tactics along with several technologies, each SADS unit is unique because operators may choose to include all or specific packages offered by Wolf Armaments when installing each SADS unit. SADS is made up of three different areas of interest which combine evolving technologies and proven true tactics when combating modern drone warfare. These areas of interest are detection and tracking, electronic warfare, and countermeasure tactics/systems. In order to tackle drone threats, knowing where they are at all times and where they're coming from is essential. This is why SADS offers users two radar options (an X and L Band radar), two audio detection options (individual microphones or microphone arrays), two different optical masts (numerous cameras with tracking software and AI assistance), and numerous electronic warfare station modules capable of detecting and tracking radio signal data. Now that your ship identified incoming drones it detected and confirmed their existence you have two available avenues to choose from, countermeasures or electronic warfare (or both ideally). Electronic warfare modules offered for SADS have the ability to not only track and analyze signals but also disrupt, block, or hijack them. If the drone has a recognizable signal from commercial or captured drone systems for example, hijacking the signal of enemy drones is a simple feat for SADS' EW suite. Other options include spoofing signals/commands, spoofing GPS, signal jamming or disrupting, and cyber warfare attacks. Countermeasures have evolved greatly since commercial drones first took to the skies. Available to SADS users are numerous soft and hard-kill options that suit both commercial and military customers. Several options exist for customers including net launchers, aforementioned electronic warfare methods, High Power Microwave (HPM) devices (directed or zone targeting), and directed energy or cannon devices. While not all options together are perfect for all customers, the ability to create your own system is where SADS shines. For commercial sites looking to counter drone activity or airports looking to defend against drone harassment, to warships needing protection against large waves of enemy drone attackers.
Command, Control, Communications, and Sensors
Outfitted with extensive communication equipment, sensor suites, and command instruments, the Stachelrochen is better equipped for modern threats when compared to its predecessor the Blauhai. CC&C is vital for modern warships, Stachelrochen in particular must posses efficient CC&C as a patrol vessel and escort ship. As one of the smallest direct-action-taking vessels within the Imperial Navy, Stachelrochen must both excel independently without need of assistance from others for basic operation and slot perfectly within any formation while deployed. With major upgrades to the ship's Bridge and Combat Information Center, featuring modern infrastructure and proven technologies, Stachelrochen is far better prepared for the dangers of modern combat than its predecessor ever was. Armed with the latest in sensor equipment, not even its predecessor could hope to compete against it within the age of information. Command and Control also play a major part of the Stachelrochen's success. With a smaller crew number and enhanced infrastructure, communication and control is not only more streamlined but vastly more efficient when compared to older patrol oriented warships like the Blauhai.
To achieve the correct balance between command and control, Stachelrochen 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 Stachelrochen would in larger 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. Stachelrochen, 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 Stachelrochen'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 Stachelrochen is able to track more targets simultaneously then older 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, Stachelrochen'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 Stachelrochen 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, Stachelrochen 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 Stachelrochen 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; 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). Stachelrochen utilizes a second deck bellow the Bridge as a Combat Information Center, allowing for better combat system management without segregating the two rooms from each other. In the event these areas are damaged or destroyed in enemy action, systems can be rerouted to a secondary area within the vessel. These command centers are 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 Bridge and CIC utilize large open center designs, allowing free traffic between stations and staff for quicker foot-traffic; this space is essentially a large divided 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 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. Stachelrochen'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.
Located in the "electronics suite", the majority of the communications equipment (the IFF system, antennas, and radio tools for example) are located in or on the vessel's mast or the Bridge's roof (which is parallel to the mast). This area also houses 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 Stachelrochen'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 Stachelrochen, 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 Stachelrochen 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.
At the forefront of the Stachelrochen's sensor equipment is the JSR-TCR AESA, an active electronically scanned array radar system. JSR-FCR-1C (fire control radar), JSS-TSA23-B (towed array sonar), and SADS-1N (anti-drone system which includes radar) come together to give the Stachelrochen a sharp perception over all things on the sea, above it, or bellow it. The Joint Sea Reconnaissance - Tactical Control Radar 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-TCR is a newer, smaller model of the much larger 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). Two panels are housed in a rotating body concealed under an RCS cone for consistent radar coverage. 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; although not economic or tactically prudent at times, ships like the Stachelrochen that include both have the benefit of choosing which sensor systems to use. 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-TCR an astounding ability to detect and track targets in a three hundred and sixty degree angle at a maximum range of around two hundred kilometers.
JSS-TSA23, the Stachelrochen's towed sonar array, is a towed array multi-function sonar. It is a system of hydrophones towed behind the ship on a cable; Stachelrochen has one system mounted in a rear-facing automated launch-and-recovery station. 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. In the same station is the vessel's torpedo decoy launcher, which was discussed earlier.
Propulsion & Power
Stachelrochen uses a propulsion system unique to most seafaring vessels known to man, but not to warships in general. For propulsion the Stachelrochen uses four IS&E MCM-20 Diesel Engines which produce over eighteen kilowatts of power all-together. The MCM Series is a design built originally for diesel trains and smaller warships but has been used in the past as back-ups for larger warships pre-1960s. Imperial Engineering, an engine producing partner for Wolf Armaments, has long since developed engines and components for warships and aircraft. The Primary differences between the larger 10 Series and smaller 20 Series is reduction in size, which is handier for smaller warships, reduction of output in exchange for improved efficiency and part durability, and more simplified modern design layout. MCM-20 was largely designed for earlier Wolf Armament projects that either never passed qualifications or the engine itself was refused for other models instead. The outer two engines power two turbine shafts while the inner two engines power the Stachelrochen's dual water pump-jet system. The turbine shafts stretch to the stern where a six-bladed controllable pitch-propulsors provide the bulk of propulsion while at lower speeds. At higher speeds the propulsors support the pump-jets by adding thrust and assisting in turning maneuvers. Although complex in engineering, the dual-propulsion system allows the Stachelrochen to operate swiftly at almost any speed while also traversing at high-speeds using less fuel due to less energy burn caused by friction.
Although based on similar sized pump-jet systems developed by Wolf Armaments/IS&E, Stachelrochen's own pump-jet design utilizes a newer streamline water-flow network with more efficiency and considerably more power in comparison to older models of Wolf Armaments pump-jets. 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 even though they are paired. 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. Both pump-jets have 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 Stachelrochen a top speed of over sixty-five kilometers an hour. 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 directly into the pump-jet's centrifuge, making the Stachelrochen less visible to most infrared detectors.
Variants
Although several major options are listed for manufacturing aside from the basic description above, none qualify as an actual 'variant' of the Stachelrochen since these are equipment tailored models. The only serious variant manufactured by Wolf Armaments is the Stachelrochen Flight model. Stachelrochen-F is merely a flatbed version of the Stachelrochen's stern, removing the launch/recovery station for watercraft in exchange for more deck space towards the stern. Such space, as the name insinuates, is mostly used for light aircraft or drones in the Imperial Navy Coast Guard, however it can be used for other equipment mounts such as additional missile launchers if so desired.
Export
Stachelrochen 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 Stachelrochen was designed in part to become a profitable, and easier to acquire, export design for less than wealthy navies; exporting the Stachelrochen 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 Stachelrochen is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page for $20 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, Stachelrochen 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 ($10 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 July 12th, 2023, the Stachelrochen 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.