Oliver Hazard Perry Class Upgrades

The Australians have shown what the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates could have been. While the US version has now even lost the Mk.13 launcher, drastically reducing the types combat effectiveness, the Australians have gone in the opposite direction and have added a second layer air defence weapon launched from a new VLS system, upgraded missiles (Harpoon 2 and Standard SM-2) and numerous sensor and system upgrades.

This is my opinion is what the OLP frigates should look like. Link:

www.reference.com...(FFG03)

The OHP class is old and has to eventually be replaced. I’m curious though, does the US even have a future class of ships to replace the Perry class?

[edit on 4-3-2006 by WestPoint23]

Here is a good primer on the direction the USN is taking

www.globalsecurity.org...

Originally posted by WestPoint23
The OHP class is old and has to eventfully be replaced. I’m curious though, does the US even have a future class of ships to replace the Perry class?

I'm only aware of the FSC (Future Surface Combatant) which seems to be discussed as a replacement for the OLP, Aegis Cruisers, and the Arleigh Burkes.

Pity, I'm a big fan of low cost, high capability frigates. I'm sure that an OLP replacement that kept cost and weight to a minimum and stayed with the single shaft design but added a VLS system would have been a great little ship.

Well I know they're focusing on the DD(X) CG(X) and LCS but I’m not too sure about the replacement, if any, for the Perry and Spruance class.

IIRC the DD(X) will be taking over the role of those 2 figs