Falcata-class destroyer
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Falcata class |
| Builders: | Shockwave Industrial |
| Operators: |
 Caphiria |
| Cost: |
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| Planned: | 24 |
| Active: | 9 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Guided-missile destroyer |
| Length: | 600 ft (180 m) |
| Beam: | 75 ft (23 m) |
| Draft: | 27.6 ft (8.4 m) |
| Propulsion: |
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| Speed: | 45 kn (83 km/h; 52 mph) |
| Armament: |
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| Aircraft carried: |
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| Aviation facilities: | Flight deck and enclosed hangar for up to two medium-lift helicopters |
The Falcata-class destroyer, also known as the Falcata DDG, is a class of destroyers in Caphiria's Imperial Naval Fleet. The class was originally designed as a multi-mission stealth ship and has evolved its primary role into naval gunfire support and secondary roles of surface warfare and anti-aircraft warfare. The ships are known for their distinctive appearance: Falcata-class ships have a wave-piercing tumblehome hull form whose sides slope inward above the waterline, dramatically reducing RCS by returning much less energy than a conventional flare hull form. The class has an integrated electric propulsion (IEP) system that can send electricity from its turbo-generators to the electric drive motors or weapons, automated fire-fighting systems, and automated piping rupture isolation. The class is designed to require a smaller crew and to be less expensive to operate than comparable warships.
The flagship vessel is CNS Ardecello and is named after Admiral Viacolo Ardecello, carrying the hull number CCLXXXV (285). Each Falcata-class destroyer is equipped with an array of state-of-the-art weaponry, including advanced naval guns, missile systems, and anti-submarine warfare equipment. The ships' integrated combat systems allow for seamless coordination of these various weapons, ensuring rapid and effective responses to a wide range of threats. Operational deployment of the Falcata-class destroyers includes roles such as naval gunfire support during amphibious operations, providing surface warfare capabilities against enemy ships, and acting as a key component in the Trinity Defense System.
History
The Falcata-class was born from the Sicoris program, a research and development initiative launched in 1994 by the Imperial Naval Fleet under the Military Development Grants Program (PSB). The goal of the Sicoris program was to design the next generation of land attack ships for the Caphirian navy, focusing on enhancing stealth capabilities, firepower, and operational flexibility. Part of this was due to Caphiria's navy being outdated compared to the rest of the military, and part was due to Levantine Creep. Out of 20,000 submissions from competing firms, only five designers were awarded the $25 million Exploratory PSB grant to develop their concepts further. Among the five finalists, designer Pario Adarcona's "tumblehome" design stood out due to its revolutionary approach to minimizing radar cross-section (RCS) and optimizing seakeeping performance. Adarcona's design, which featured a wave-piercing tumblehome hull form and a displacement of around 19,000 tons, was approved after rigorous testing and evaluation. The Navy issued a contract for the construction of the prototype, CNS Ardecello, named after the esteemed Admiral Viacolo Ardecello. Throughout the late 1990s, the prototype underwent extensive sea trials, testing its stealth capabilities, propulsion systems, and integrated combat systems. These trials confirmed the Falcata-class's superior performance in stealth and multi-mission versatility, leading to the approval of the class for full-scale production in 2001.
The initial production run included six ships, each tailored for specific roles within the fleet and equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art systems to enhance their stealth capabilities and multi-mission versatility. These ships were:
- CNS Ardecello (DDG-0285): Serving as the flagship and primary model for the class, Ardecello was designed for a balanced role, integrating advanced naval guns, missile systems, and anti-submarine warfare equipment. The ship featured the latest in radar-absorbing materials and electronic countermeasures to maintain a low radar cross-section (RCS). The integrated combat system on Ardecello, including the Aegis Combat System (ACS), provided robust anti-aircraft and missile defense capabilities, making it a versatile asset in both offensive and defensive operations.
- CNS Fulchello (DDG-0286): Focused primarily on surface warfare, Fulmen was equipped with enhanced missile systems for long-range strikes and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for defense against incoming threats. The ship's advanced targeting and tracking systems allowed for precise engagement of enemy vessels. Fulmen's role was to serve as a key component in fleet engagements, leveraging its stealth capabilities to strike enemy ships with minimal detection.
- CNS Sillacuro (DDG-0287): Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), Silentium featured advanced sonar systems, torpedo launchers, and anti-submarine rockets. The ship's hull design minimized acoustic signatures, making it exceptionally quiet and difficult for enemy submarines to detect. Silentium's mission was to protect Caphirian carrier groups and other high-value assets from underwater threats
- CNS Indeștemo (DDG-0288): Specialized in naval gunfire support (NGFS), Incursus was equipped with larger caliber naval guns and advanced artillery systems capable of providing precise and sustained fire support for amphibious operations. The ship's systems were optimized for targeting and engaging coastal defenses and enemy positions during shore bombardment missions
- CNS Coriclatio (DDG-0289): Serving in an electronic warfare (EW) role, Umbra was outfitted with sophisticated electronic warfare systems capable of jamming enemy communications, radar, and missile guidance systems. The ship's stealth design was complemented by its ability to operate undetected while disrupting enemy operations, making it a critical asset in gaining information superiority
- CNS Opiosindeo (DDG-0290): Focused on air defense, Aegis featured an array of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and advanced radar systems. The ship's primary role was to provide air cover for fleet operations, detecting and neutralizing enemy aircraft and missiles. Aegis's systems were designed to integrate seamlessly with the fleet's air defense network, enhancing overall fleet protection.
Each of the original six ships was constructed at the Navas Imperiales Shipyard, renowned for its advanced shipbuilding capabilities. The construction process leveraged cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure the highest levels of stealth and performance. The initial cost for each ship was approximately $10 billion, reflecting the significant investment in advanced technology and capabilities.
The launch of the Falcata-class destroyers marked a significant milestone in Caphiria's naval modernization efforts. The first ship, CNS Ardecello, was commissioned in 2003, followed by Fulchello, Sillacuro, Indeștemo, Coriclatio, and Opiosindeo over the next four years. Each ship underwent extensive trials and crew training to fully integrate the advanced systems and operational doctrines specific to their roles.
Ships in class
| Name | Hull no. | Commissioned | Homeport | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardecello | 0285 | 2003 | In commission; special | |
| Fulchello | 0286 | 2004 | Active | |
| Sillacuro | 0287 | Active | ||
| Indeștemo | 0288 | 2006 | Active | |
| Coriclatio | 0289 | Active | ||
| Opiosindeo | 0290 | 2007 | Active | |
| 2013 | Active | |||
| 2013 | Active | |||
| 2016 | Active |