In the UK, parts of the hull of the promising Type 26 frigate were successfully docked. In the future, such ships will become one of the main combat units of the Royal Navy, and will also serve in the navies of partner countries.
The program for the construction of new frigates for the British Navy has passed one of the key stages. As it became known, [...] parts of the hull of the Glasgow ship were docked at the BAE Systems shipyard. The aft block was rolled out of the construction shop, attached to the front part of the frigate shown earlier.
The aft unit contains a versatile bay and hangar that can handle helicopters, boats, and combat cargo. There are also warehouses where you can store various equipment.
HMS Glasgow
Image source: BAE Systems
HMS Glasgow is the first representative of the new generation of Type 26 frigates. It is a multi-purpose ship for anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defense, as well as general-purpose operations.
The program began in 1998, and became known as the Future Surface Combatant. In 2010, the program was renamed Global Combat Ship. Construction of the first ship of the series started in 2017.
HMS Glasgow
Image source: BAE Systems
The displacement (full) of the ship is about 8000 tons. The ship is 150 meters long and 20 meters wide. The crew of the Type 26 is 118 people. As previously noted by the bmpd blog, the ship's power plant was performed according to the CODLOG scheme (combined diesel-gas turbine-electric). It is not fully electric, as it uses two Rolls-Royce MT30 full-stroke gas turbines in combination with four MTU diesel generators and two cruising electric motors.
Type 26 frigate
Image source: BAE Systems
The ship carries a wide range of weapons. High impact capabilities are provided by the unified vertical launch system Mk 41. The artillery armament is represented, among other things, by the 127-mm Mk 45 launcher. The ship will be able to carry several rotorcraft on board.
In addition to the British Navy, the Type 26 will be used by Canadians and Australians. Eight new ships will be built for the Royal Navy.
The previous month was a landmark for the British Navy in its own way. The sailors received the fifth Astute-class submarine-now it is the most modern type of submarine of the British Navy. In total, they plan to build seven such boats.
And the beginning of the year was marked by the achievement of an important stage in the program of new aircraft carriers of the Queen Elizabeth type — the main hope of the United Kingdom Navy.
