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Golden Age Oliver Hazzard Perry class Guided Missile Frigate:

Along with finding Burke class Destroyers and other large vessels, Golden Age Weaponsmiths has found ten old guided missile frigates of the Perry class in their searching for vessels to refit. The Perry class frigates were constructed in the late twentieth century to replace world war two escorts that were getting old. Their anti-air assets were limited but carried excellent sonar systems. Originally, more than sixty of theses frigates were constructed by the United States and other nations but Golden Age was able to find only ten remaining with all being of the long hull design. Most of these seemed to have been museum vessels and were relatively well preserved.

All of the Perry class frigates were decommissioned and replaced long before the coming of the Rifts. They were several newer classes of frigates constructed before the coming of the Rifts. Two of these were the Tomlinson and Darcey classes of guided missile frigates. The Perry class vessels required more work than many of the other vessels recovered by the engineers but their small size made them attractive propositions to refit. After refit, these vessels are considered almost the equal of post Rifts vessels of their size. Golden Age has sold four of the vessels to the Coalition, two to Free Quebec, two to Columbia, and have retained two of the frigates for their own defenses. The four Coalition vessels have been commissioned as MF-1 Eagle (ex FFG-54), MF-2 Hawk (ex FFG-47), MF-3 Falcon (ex FFG-55), and MF-4 Osprey (ex FFG-58). These ships are often used in coastal operation but are also have been found to be useful as escorts for the carriers. Of course, compared to most guided missile destroyers, the old Perry class are of limited effectiveness. Still, the Coalition Navy is considering a low cost escort vessel based on this design although it is far more likely they will base any new designs on the James Bay class.

As previously stated, these vessels were modified more than previous converted classes. This was done so the vessels would have better anti-air ability and a higher missile capacity. Chief among these modification was the radar systems. The SPS-49 radar, while extremely long ranged, was not able to target air targets. Because of this, the old SPS-49 radar system was augmented by a small phased array system that was derived from the system carried on the Burke class destroyer. These are mounted fairly low on the sides of the superstructure. Golden Age was able to construct a smaller version of the SPY-1 system with the same abilities of the original system.

The other major modifications was various the weapon systems of the ship. The ship originally carried a Mk 13 single arm missile launcher originally designed to the Terrier missile and converted for the SM-1 missile. This was removed and a Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher was mounted in that . It was decided by Gold Age Weaponsmiths that they would mount a forty cell vertical launch missile system where the rail launcher was originally located. In most cases, most of the cells carry two medium range missiles which gives the ship the ability to carry 64 to 80 medium range missiles. At the same time, the Mk 49 launcher was move to the position of the Vulcan CIWS weapon mount and the CIWS mount was removed at the same time. The missile launcher was also refitted to carry standard short range missiles. The only main weapon system not greatly modified was the Mk 75 three inch gun mount. Wellington Industries has developed new ammunition for the gun which makes is still be highly effective. The ship also retained its side mounted torpedo launchers which are mainly used against submarines.

All other modifications were more standard. Like the other vessels that Golden Age Weaponsmiths has refitted, the ships had new ceramic and composite armor added so the ships can withstand more damage. Like the Burke class, this ships propulsion was originally gas turbine engines and the same solution was used. The two LM-2500 gas turbine engines were replaced by more powerful nuclear jet aircraft engines. The ship's shafts were reinforced to allow the ship to operate at a higher speed. The variable pitch propellers were retained and the ship has a bubble masking that makes these ships amazingly quiet for their size. The sonar and ESM systems were retained but were updated where possible and were fully reconditioned.

The frigates carry both a helicopter landing pad and a hanger. Two helicopters or other VTOL aircraft can be carried. The most common helicopters for ships serving in the Coalition States Navy are the are Sea Storm or Sea Wasp. The main purpose of the helicopters is for anti submarine operations and are equipped for that role but can be used to attack other surface ships or to support amphibious assaults.

Model Type: Modified FFG-7 Long Hull
Class: Guided Missile Frigate
Crew: 235 total; 16 officers, 21 chief petty officer, 198 enlisted.

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:
12SAMAS Power Armors
2Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft

M.D.C. by Location:
Bridge:400
[1] SPS-49 Search Radar Tower:400
[1] Phase Array Radar Panels (4, Superstructure):200 each
Forward Vertical Missile Launcher (40 Cell):300
GDC Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile Quad Launcher:150
Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Torpedo Launchers (2, sides):35 each
Mk 75 Three inch (76-mm) / 62-cal (Center):180
Chaff Launcher (2, Superstructure):10 each
Hanger (Aft):300
[2] Main Body:750

Notes:
[1] Destroying Phase Array radar panels will destroy the ships main fire control systems but guns and missiles have backup systems and panels can compensate for each other. Destroying the SPS-49 Radar system eliminates long range radar coverage.
[2] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the ship's structural integrity, causing it to sink. There are enough flotation devices and inflatable life rafts to accommodate everyone aboard.

Speed:
Surface: 41.5 mph (36 knots/ 66.7 kph)
Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 15 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries 4 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Draft: 21.9 feet (6.7 meters) including sonar
Width: 45.0 feet (13.7 meters)
Length: 455.25 feet (138.8 meters)
Displacement: 3,250 tons light and 4,200 tons fully loaded
Cargo: 80 tons (72.6 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ship's officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship's spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.
Power System: Originally conventional gas turbine propulsion, converted to two nuclear reactors with an average life span of 15 years.
Black Market Price: Golden Age has sold their converted frigates for 180 million credits to outside interests but it is believed that they charged the Coalition between 125 and 150 million credits each ship.

Weapon Systems:

  1. One (1) 3 inch (76-mm) 62-cal DP Mk 75 Naval Gun: The ship mounts a rapid fire three inch gun mount on the superstructure. It is behind the radar mount but in front of the position for the RAM short range missile launchers. The gun is very reliable and fires very rapidly (About 85 rounds per minute). The main weaknesses of the gun are its relatively short range and the fact it cannot use rocket assisted projectiles. The gun was carried on many ship classes around the world until well into the twenty first century. The guns can be used against other ships, ground targets, aircraft, and even missiles. These guns were among the smallest that could use a proximity fuse for their warheads.
    Maximum Effective Range: 4.9 miles (4.3 nautical miles/8.0 km) for standard projectiles
    Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 1D4x10 MDC with 10 ft (3 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D4x10 MDC with 20 ft (6.1 m) blast radius for three round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D6x10 MDC with 4 ft (1.2 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10 MDC with 8 ft blast radius for three round burst. Plasma: 2D4x10 MDC with 12 ft (3.7 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D4x10 MDC with 25 ft (7.6 m) blast radius for three round burst.
    Rate of Fire: Equal to Gunners Hand to Hand (Three round bursts count as one attack).
    Payload: 600 rounds. Ship normally carries usually carries 225 High Explosive, 225 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 150 Plasma.
  2. One (1) Vertical Launch Launcher (40 Cell): This launcher replaces the original single rail missile launcher that was fitted on the front of the vessel. The launcher has 40 cells with provisions for missiles in an 8 wide by 5 long cell configuration. The launcher may launch on multiple targets each. The system is similar to the vertical launch system employed on many ships in the late twentieth century to launch the SM-2 series and other missile but missile cells are smaller. Each cell can carry one long range missile or two medium range missiles. The reload for the cell must carry the same load as the main cell. Long range missiles are normally used against large targets and aircraft further out where the medium range missiles will normally be used to engage closer targets. About half of all long range missiles carried are fusion warheads and most missiles are normally smart missiles. The launcher can use a vast variety of missiles including surface skimming missiles and rocket propelled torpedoes (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes for details.)
    Maximum Effective Range: As per long or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
    Mega Damage: As per long or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, 8, or 20 per launcher per melee and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.
    Payload: 40 missile cells in launcher. The ship will often carry 32 cells in each launcher with two medium range missiles each (64 medium range missiles) and the other cells loaded with one long range missile each. Ships serving in the Coalition Navy usually carry four surface skimming missiles and two ASW missiles. Ship carries no reloads
  3. One (1) GDC Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile Quad Launcher: This is a Pre-Rifts RAM missile launching system and has been modified to use 21 Short Range Missiles. It is mounted on helicopter hanger where the Vulcan cannon was originally mounted. This missile mounts main purpose is for inner anti-missile point defense and was originally designed to deal with cruise missiles. Short Range Missiles are usually a mixture of 50% Armor Piercing and 50% Plasma. Launchers can lock onto multiple targets at the same. The systems missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
    Mega Damage: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) and can be used up to twice per melee.
    Payload: 21 missiles.
  4. Two (2) Triple 12.75 inch (324 mm) Torpedo Launchers: There is one launcher on each side of the ship. Each torpedo launcher has 3 torpedo tubes and tubes are 12.75 in (324 mm) wide. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted on surface targets as well. Ship carries 36 reloads for torpedoes. For the most part torpedo warheads are equal to medium range missile warheads.
    Maximum Effective Range: 20 miles (32 km)
    Mega Damage: By Medium torpedo warhead type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes.)
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, or 3 per side, Reloading takes 1 full melee
    Payload: Three torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of six torpedoes (Has 36 torpedoes for reloads)
  5. Two (2) Chaff Launcher (Non CS Only): Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. Both launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Reduce effects of launchers by 50% per launcher not used. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
    Range: Around Ship
    Mega Damage: None Payload: 24 each for a total of 48
  6. One (1) SLQ-25A Nixie Towed torpedo decoy (Non CS Only): A special decoy which is towed behind the ship. The Coalition has not seen a need for this system so has not equipped their ships with it. It generates a sound like the ships propellers in order to confuse incoming torpedoes. Only effective at speeds below 18 knots. Otherwise, the noise of the ship's systems and propellers is too powerful to mask. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference.
    Effects: The decoy has a 65% chance of fooling ordinary non military sonars and non smart guided torpedoes, the decoy has a 35% chance of fooling military level sonars (like those of the Coalition), and the decoy has a 10% chance of fooling advanced military sonars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and smart torpedoes.
    Decoys have a duration of 30 minutes (120 melee rounds)
    Payload: One, with four more as reloads. It takes three minutes (twelve melees) to reel out another decoy.

Special Systems:
The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

[Golden Age Weaponsmiths, Wellington Industries, and TRIAX are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]

Revised Perry Frigate image drawn and copyrighted by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa) & Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).
Mischa has no art home Page at present but many other items on my site.

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2003, & 2011, Kitsune. All rights reserved.

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