UXV Combatant
Encyclopedia
The UXV Combatant is a concept warship designed by BVT Surface Fleet
BVT Surface Fleet
BAE Systems Surface Ships is a wholly owned subsidiary company of BAE Systems, specialising in naval surface shipbuilding, systems integration and through-life support...
(now BAE Systems Surface Ships), which was displayed at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEi)
DSEi
Defence Security and Equipment International is a defence and security equipment exhibition held every two years in London Docklands, which draws thousands of visitors, both trade and military...
in 2007. If built it would be expected to displace approximately 8,000 tonnes and "launch, operate and recover large numbers of small unmanned vehicles for extended periods, the UXV plays the role of mother ship - a permanent base and control centre for the futuristic unmanned land, sea and air vehicles before, during and on completion of their missions". If approved, it would be expected to enter service with the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
some time after 2020. It shares some common design features with the Type 45 destroyer
Type 45 destroyer
The United Kingdom's Type 45 destroyer is an air defence destroyer programme of the Royal Navy which will replace its Type 42 destroyers. The first ship in the class, HMS Daring, was launched on 1 February 2006 and commissioned on 23 July 2009. The ships are now built by BAE Systems Surface Ships...
, which will be beneficial both to the ease of production and cost.
Design
It is expected the UXV Combatant will feature two decks for launching unmanned aircraft, V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing) aircraft, and helicopters; arrayed in a "V" shape. Each deck would be approximately 164 feet (50 m) in length. To launch drones/ V/STOL craft, the UXV could be expected to use electromagnetic catapults, and ramps (ramps are currently used on many aircraft carriers around the world). The UXV is also reported to be capable of launching unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) from a port on its underside and, in addition, will be able to deploy amphibious troops, just as many destroyers today. To provide covering fire for amphibious operations, each UXV will possibly be equipped with a 155 mm cannon (planned as an upgrade from the current 4.5 inch Mark 8 mod 1 gun). The cannon will be able to fire bursts of 20 rounds, in rapid succession. The UXV will be expected to have the capability of striking longer range targets with vertical missile-launch platforms.Projected Missions
The UXV Combatant if approved should be able to fill a wide variety of mission roles; which unmanned vehicles it would carry would depend on its mission.One expected role will be reconnaissance, through the use of unmanned drones. Another, as a V/STOL carrier, meaning that it will be able to launch aircraft very close to the proposed targets. The UXV Combatant should be able to deploy assault troops, or cover them, with Vertical Launch Missile Systems, and 155 mm guns. For anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the UXV Combatant might carry unmanned underwater vehicles, high-tech sonars, and manned ASW helicopters. As with many current warships, the UXV Combatant will be able to fill the role of long-range strike platform with its Vertical Launch Missile Systems, which is expected to be placed just forward of its superstructure. Consequently, it will be able to fulfil a wide variety of roles of the Royal Navy from long-range reconnaissance to small-scale assault. Its small complement, just over 60 and versatility compared to other equatable vessels, means it will provide numerous vessels that can more discreetly operate over a larger area, ideal for asymmetric warfare
Asymmetric warfare
Asymmetric warfare is war between belligerents whose relative military power differs significantly, or whose strategy or tactics differ significantly....
, special forces deployment and small deterrence or reconnaissance missions. With the addition of these weapon systems which are common on frigates and destroyers the UXV Combatant should be able to act by itself, and as an escort, as well as a drone launching carrier.