// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Constellation Class
The Constellation class is a new generation of multi-mission guided-missile frigates being built for the United States Navy. These warships are designed to be highly capable yet more affordable and numerous than larger destroyers.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Constellation class (FFG-62) is a U.S. Navy multi-mission guided-missile frigate, originating from the FFG(X) program, designed for air, anti-submarine, surface, and electronic warfare. Based on the FREMM frigate design and built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine, this class provides a survivable and lethal surface combatant for distributed maritime operations.
BACKGROUND
The Constellation class of multi-mission guided-missile frigates of the United States Navy is based on the Italian Navy's version of the European multipurpose frigate or FREMM. Constellation follows the modular but troubled littoral combat ships of the Freedom and Independence classes. The U.S. Navy announced the FFG(X) frigate project in the United States Department of Defense's Request For Information (RFI) in July 2017.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- FFG-62 class
- FFG(X)
- Future Frigate
- guided-missile frigate
- Connie
USAGE NOTE
This term is often used in discussions about U.S. naval fleet size, capabilities, and budget priorities for future surface combatants.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Constellation Class.
The primary shipyard and prime contractor responsible for the design and construction of the Constellation-class frigates for the U.S. Navy.
Provider of the ship's COMBATSS-21 Combat Management System, derived from the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the frigate's sensors, weapons, and control systems. Also involved in the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 SEWIP electronic warfare suite.
Developer and manufacturer of the AN/SPY-6(V)3 Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), the primary air and surface search radar for the Constellation class.
The U.S. Navy organization responsible for engineering, building, buying, and maintaining the fleet's ships, submarines, and combat systems, including the management and oversight of the Constellation-class (FFG-62) program.
Supplies key weapon systems for the frigate, including the Mk 110 57mm gun and the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), which is capable of firing a variety of missiles.
Manufactures the MT30 gas turbine, which is a core component of the frigate's Combined Diesel Electric and Gas (CODLAG) propulsion system, providing high-speed power.
Provides advanced communication and network systems for the Constellation class, ensuring secure and resilient command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities.
A naval architecture and marine engineering firm providing design, engineering, and program management support for the Constellation-class frigate program.