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Originally Posted by Nighthawks
Let’s hope they do the new Frigate right.
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I just read the latest Congressional Research Service report on the FFG 62 today and the price is creeping up. US$1 billion or so for the first ten ships on a fixed-price contract, but the USN wants at least 20. So after the first ten are contracted, stand by for heavy rolls as the builder jacks the price waaay up, I fear.
Another issue discussed in the report is the number of missile launch tubes on the FFGs. DDGs have 96 and are running almost US$2.5 billion apiece. FFGs were designed with just 32. They could put 48 tubes in but the hull would have to be lengthened -- big bucks just for detailed engineering cost.
I'm hopeful that the FFG 62 class will be a good ship. No gold plating -- just a good ship.