(See) FFG(X) / Constellation-Klasse - Fregattenprogramm der US Navy

[Schneemann]

U.S. Navy Comments on FFG 62 Frigate’s Lack of Tracker Illuminator System and Design Changes

An April 2024 Congressional Research Service Report stated that the U.S. Navy’s new USS Constellation-class frigates do not have a tracker illuminator system to guide semiactive radar-homing missiles to their targets. Naval News asked the U.S. Navy to comment on this issue and what is causing frigate program delays. [...]

In late April 2024, Naval News contacted the U.S. Navy’s Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for comment on the CRS report. During an additional follow-up call months later, the NAVSEA spokesperson said the media inquiry went to the U.S. Navy at the Pentagon for answers. In July 2024, NAVSEA responded with the following comment from the U.S. Navy regarding the FFG 62 frigate design’s lack of a tracker illuminator system.

“While the FFG 62 weapon system shares commonality with other AEGIS surface combatants, it is designed to meet a different set of missions and requirements. Installation of fire control illumination is not required to meet the Constellation Class frigate requirements.” (U.S. Navy spokesperson)

To better explain the tracker illuminators, Defense Industry Daily provides this brief: “The 3rd component, the AN/SPG-62 X-band radar `illuminators,’ which designate targets for final intercept by air defense missiles; DDG-51 destroyers have 3, and CG-47 cruisers have 4. During saturation attacks, the AEGIS combat system must time-share the illuminators, engaging them only for final intercept and then switching to another target.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/202...n-changes/

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