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Canadian Ontario class air defense / anti-submarine Frigate:

Originally it was planned to replace the Iroquois class of air defense destroyers around the year Twenty-Ten. This was extended until the year Twenty-Twenty but the class was eventually decommissioned without replacement. The Halifax class frigates were the only surface combat ships operated by the Canadian Navy until the Canadian navy purchased the first batch of British Daring class destroyers. The three British destroyers were considered a partial solution but the Canadian wished to have six more air defense vessels and requested additional vessel. Eventually, funding was approved and development on a new air defense vessel was begun.

The Canadian navy had considered a stretched version of the Halifax class patrol frigate with improved radar and the capacity for long range missiles previously but was never built. This design was used as the basis for the design for the Ontario class to save development costs. Initially, the design was called a destroyer by the designers in the Canadian Navy but the designation was change to frigate for political reasons similar to the Dutch Zeven Provinciën class frigate which is more of a destroyers by its size and capabilities. The vessel's design was developed just before the development of new high strength alloys and composites. A batch of three vessels was initially ordered but were not laid down when the new materials were developed and caused all designs to become obsolete. The design was reexamined and slightly modified in order to use the new alloys and composites. After delays of about two years, the first batch was laid down using the new materials. At the same time, the Halifax class frigates and Daring class destroyed were modified using the new super strong composites and alloys to improve their ability to survive in combat. These upgrades delayed the ordering of the second batch of vessels but construction was started on the second batch around Twenty-Forty. These six ships were an important component of the Canadian navy and were upgraded several times. The class was later supplemented by additional classes especially after the coming of the second cold war. There were no plans to decommission these vessels and were still in good shape due to the advanced composite construction. The status of the entire class after the coming of the rifts is unknown but it is possible one or more of the vessels survived the coming of the Rifts and could be made operational.

The most important changes compared to the Halifax class frigate is the addition of a forty-eight cell Mk 41 vertical launch missile system mounted forward of the superstructure. In addition to the missile launcher, the air defense frigate carries the Signaal APAR phased array radar system for missile guidance backed up with by the longer ranged Signaal Smart-L. The Canadian navy helped with the funding of the development of the APAR radar system. The smaller Mk 48 Sea Sparrow launchers carried on the Halifax class are deleted in the Ontario class but the high capacity Mk 41 vertical launch system is considered compensation for this. Tubes for eight harpoon missiles were retained although they are modified to be able to carry a variety of different long range missiles. These are mounted on the sides of the vessel forward of the main hanger. Forward of the vertical launch system, the frigate carries the 57 mm Bofors Mk.2 Dual Purpose gun. The same gun is carried on the Halifax class frigate and is considered to be very effective against incoming missiles and is lightweight. For close range missile defense, two Vulcan CIWS mounts were originally carried with one above the main hanger and another above the bridge. The RAM or Sea RAM missile launching systems were considered but the Vulcan CIWS were mounted. The weapon mounts were old American mounts from decommission vessel or from vessels which had the Vulcan mounts replaced by RAM mounts and as a result were able to be purchased relatively cheaply. These were later upgrade to American Mk 44 "Sea Sabre" Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems. These were considered far more effective with short range missiles to initially engage incoming missiles with the heavy rail gun to engage any leaking missiles. One either side of the hanger of the frigate are two torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare. The forward missile launcher can also carry anti-submarine rocket launched torpedoes. For sonar systems, the Ontario carries the Westinghouse SQS 510 hull mounted sonar and the CDC SQS-501 CANTASS towed array.

To incorporate the forward Mk 41 vertical launch system, the frigates are lengthened by about ten meters. The beam is identical to the older Halifax class and as such has a greater length to beam ratio for higher speed. Originally, the designers planned on mounting a diesel engine for economical cruising and twin gas turbines for high speed operation. It was decided that the diesel engine would be deleted due to the gas turbine engines being almost as efficient as the diesel engine. The propulsion system was upgraded with an electrical transmission system to bring power to the twin propellers. The gas turbine engines produced about twice the horsepower of the gas turbine engines carried on the Halifax class. Top speed were around thirty-two knots when the gas turbine engines were brought to full power on sea trials. When the ships were upgraded, the engines were replaced by fusion turbines and top speed was further increased to around thirty-four knots. In addition to the hull and the variable pitch propellers being protected by a bubble masking system, the hull is protected by anechoic tiles in order to reduce radiated noise levels. One weakness that the Ontario class is that the vessel is not a stealth design like most American vessels being built at the same time.

Initially, the crew was planned to be around two-hundred but this was reduced by about one quarter by the addition of automation. The ship has space for an additional fifty personnel but is not fitted with flag facilities. Even so, the Ontario class occasional acted as flagships when they were first commissioned. Later, larger ships which were more capable of operating as flagships were commissioned and the Ontario class were not needed in the flagship role. Also later in service, twenty-four flight capable power armors were carried with the extra berthing being taken up by the power armor troopers. The American PA-04A "Silver Eagle" SAMAS was the most common power armors carried. The frigate only has a single position hanger which was slightly enlarged compared to the Halifax class frigate.

Model Type: FFG-284 class Frigate
Class: Ocean, Air Defense / Anti-Submarine Frigate
Crew: 158 total; 15 officers, 17 chief petty officers, 126 enlisted.

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:
24PA-04A "Silver Eagle" SAMAS
1Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft

M.D.C. by Location:
Bridge:500
Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 Cannon Mount (Forward):250
Mk 41 48 Cell Strategic Vertical Missile Launchers (1, Forward):330
Mk 141 Missile Canisters (8 total, amidships):100 each
Mk 44 Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (2, Superstructure):200 each
Torpedo Launchers (2, sides):35 each
[1] APAR Radar Systems (4, Superstructure):100 each
[1] Signaal Smart-L Air/Surf. Search Radar:300
Hanger (Aft):400
VTOL Pad (Aft):250
[2] Main Body:1,250

Notes:
[1] Destroying both APAR and the Smart-L Air Search System radar system will eliminate the ship's long range air search ability but weapon systems have backup fire control systems. Both air search systems are separate so both systems are not likely to be disabled from a single hit, and the four APAR panels can compensate for the loss of one or two panels.
[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: 39.1 mph (34 knots/ 63 kph)
Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 10 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries 6 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Draft: 20.0 feet (6.15 meters) including sonar dome.
Width: 53.8 feet (16.4 meters)
Length: 470.0 feet (143.2 meters)
Displacement: 5,650 tons light and 6,450 tons fully loaded
Cargo: 100 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships 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 combination gas turbine and diesel propulsion, converted to two nuclear reactors with an average life span of 10 years.
Black Market Price: Not for Sale but costs around 100 million credits to build. If found and sold on the black market, it would probably cost 120 to 250 million credits.

Weapon Systems:

  1. One (1) Bofors 57 mm Mk 2 Cannon: A very rapid firing weapon, with a rate of fire of over 200 rounds per minute, but relatively short ranged. The cannon is mounted on the front of the vessel. This weapon is an original weapon system and was carried on many Naval vessels until well into the twenty first century. The guns can be used against other ships, ground targets, aircraft, and even missiles. Has a +2 to hit on 10 round bursts when using high explosive or plasma on aircraft or missiles.
    Maximum Effective Range: 5.2 miles (4.5 nautical miles/8.3 km) for standard projectiles
    Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 5D6 with 6 ft (1.8 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10 MDC with 30 ft (9.1 m) blast radius for ten round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D4x10 MDC with 2 ft (0.6 m) blast radius per single shot and 4D6x10 MDC with 10 ft (3 m) blast radius for ten round burst. Plasma: 1D6x10 MDC with 8 ft (2.4 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D6x10 MDC with 40 ft (12.2 m) blast radius for ten round burst.
    Rate of Fire: Equal to Gunners Hand to Hand (Ten round bursts count as one attack).
    Payload: 600 rounds. Ship normally carries usually carries 200 High Explosive, 200 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 200 Plasma.
  2. Two (2) Mk 44 "Sea Sabre" Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: One system is mounted above the bridge and the hanger of the frigate and replaces the Phalanx CIWS mounts. Theseanti-missile defense system combines both a rapid fire rail gun and a short range missile launcher. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking systems. The short range missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee. The rail gun is capable of destroying any missile or inflicting serious damage on aircraft. The rail gun can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee (Has +3 to strike missile and +2 to strike aircraft). The rail gun is very similar to those carried on the Sea King Cruiser and it is likely that the Sea Kings rail guns came from a prototype of this system. The system also can be used against other ships and ground targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead.
    Maximum Effective Range: Rail Guns: 11,000 feet (2 miles / 3.2 km). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table). Mega Damage: Rail Guns: 3D4x10 MD per burst of 40 rounds (Can only fire bursts). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: Rail Guns: 6 attacks per melee. Short Range Missiles: 2 attacks per melee, can fire one at a time or in volleys of two or four.
    Payload: Rail Guns: 8000 rounds (200 burst). Short Range Missiles: 16 short range missiles.
  3. MK-41 Strategic Length 48 Cell Vertical Launch Missile System (1): A very reliable Vertical Launcher System, dating back from the previous century, made in the USA, and exported to numerous countries. This is the longer strategic version of the missile launcher and can carry the longer cruise missile. From the beginning, the launchers have been found to be very flexible and adaptable. The launcher was originally design for the Tomahawk and Standard SM-2 Missile. On Rifts Earth, the launchers have been adapted to hold one cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles per cell. Cruise missiles are usually used against hardened fixed targets, long range missiles are normally used against aircraft and other large targets, and medium range missiles are normally used against closer targets such as incoming missiles.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per cruise, long range, 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, or 16 for the launcher per melee and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.
    Payload: 48 missiles cells in forward VLS launcher (possible total of 96 long range missiles). One cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Ship carries no reloads. The ship will often carried 32 cells loaded with long range missiles and sixteen cells loaded with medium range missiles, for a total of 128 missiles.
  4. Long Range Missile Canister Launchers (8): These launchers are special canisters amidships on the ship's superstructure. These canisters were copied from Old United States Harpoon canister launchers. While the launchers are reusable, they are still inexpensive and are easily jettisoned if damages. While any long range missile type can be carried, usually special surface skimming missiles will be carried in launchers and are used against surface targets only.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per long range missile type (Surface skimming missiles have 25% less range than normal long range missile, Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of fire: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, or eight (All launcher operates together)
    Payload: One missile each launcher for a grand total of eight long range missiles (Has no missiles in storage for reloads).
  5. Two (2) Torpedo Launchers: There is one launcher on each side of the ship. Each torpedo launcher has two 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 40 reloads for torpedoes. Treat warheads as 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 per side, Reloading takes 1 full melee
    Payload: 2 torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of 4 torpedoes (Has 40 torpedoes for reloads)
  6. Plessey SHIELD decoys (4): Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. In addition to chaff these launchers also fired flares to decoy IR guided missiles. Rifts Earth decoys 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: 8 each for a total of 32. 96 reloads are carried, reloading takes two melees.
  7. SLQ-25A Nixie Towed torpedo decoy (1): 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:

Bonuses:

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