Designed by Horizon fleet Systems and built by San Silba Shipyards, the Zenith class frigate is the most capable frigate in the Erandian Royal Navy. Described as a "Mini-destroyer", the ship has a displacement surpassing even some destroyers. The ship's primary role is to conduct advanced Anti-submarine Missions while supporting Air-defence and General-purpose operations.

The program began in 2001, under what was then known as "Future ASW". The first ship was laid down in 208, and was launched in 2012. The first ship was commissioned as ERN Zenith in 2014.

Characteristics

The ship is designed with modularity and flexibility in mind to enhance versatility across the full range of operations, including maritime security, counter piracy, counter terrorist and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The adaptable design will facilitate through-life support, ensuring upgrades can easily be undertaken as technology develops. The Zenith has a displacement of 6,800 tonnes, a length of 147.3 m, a beam of 22.8 m and a top speed in excess of 31 knots. The Zenith will have a core crew of 148 with room for a total of 225.

The Zenith is designed for up to 60 days' endurance and a range of approximately 7,000 nautical miles. Located at the stern are facilities allowing for the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles or a towed array sonar. A large Integrated Mission Bay and hangar is located amidship, enabling a variety of missions and associated equipment. Aircraft similar in size to the VC-2 Tynan can be flown off the large flight deck, and the hangar can accommodate up to two H-14 Cormorant helicopters. The hangar also has space to accommodate unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Zenith will have an acoustically quiet hull for anti-submarine warfare and fitted with an Palleta Defence S-M3A bow sonar and a powerful S-M4 towed array Sonar. The propulsion system of the ship will have a gas turbine direct drive and four high speed diesel generators driving two electric motors in a combined diesel-electric or gas (CODLOG) configuration.

Sensor systems & Decoys

Radars:
MK81 AESA Air-search Radar
MK82 Ground-search Radar
MK83 General-purporse Radar
MK84 Navigation Radar
NR-19 Radar & Optronic Fire control System
VAMPIRE IRST System

Command & Control
IMS 112 Combat System with ATHENA Fire Control Loop
Cooperative engagement Intergration (CEREI 28)

Sonars
S-MK4 Towed-array Sonar
S-MK3B Bow-mounted Sonar

Electronic Warfare & Decoy Systems
MC-4P CALLAVARI Missile Countermeasure System
TC-8P GISLANDIER Torpedo Passive Countermeasure System
Neptune 41 ECM Electronic Jammer

Armament

Guns
2 MAC 76mm Rapid-fire Compact
2 M3A2 CIWS
1 20mm RWCS-M3
2 7.77mm Machine Guns
Fitted For but not with:
2 25mm Miniguns
2 7.77mm Machine Guns

Missiles
2 SEADOME systems
2 Quad Box launchers for AsCM-4B Missiles
64 E-SVLS

Other
6 T-12 324mm Torpedo Tubes
CUTR-3B ASW Rocket Launcher

General Info

Name: Zenith Class FFG
Operators: Erandian Royal Navy, Yukikitsunekuni Navy
Cost: 1.02 Billion ER
Built: 31
In service: 30
Type: Frigate
Displacement: 6,800 Tons
Length: 147.3m
Beam: 22.8m
Propulsion: CODLOG
Speed: 31 Knots
Range: 13000 km
Complement: 225
Crew: 148
Sensors & Processing Systems:
MK81 AESA Air-search Radar
MK82 Ground-search Radar
MK83 General-purporse Radar
MK84 Navigation Radar
NR-19 Radar & Optronic Fire control System
VAMPIRE IRST System
IMS 112 Combat System with ATHENA Fire Control Loop
Cooperative engagement Intergration (CEREI 28)
S-MK4 Towed-array Sonar
S-MK3B Bow-mounted Sonar

Electronic Warfare & Decoys:
MC-4P CALLAVARI Missile Countermeasure System
TC-8P GISLANDIER Torpedo Passive Countermeasure System
Neptune 41 ECM Electronic Jammer

Armament:
2 MAC 76mm Rapid-fire Compact
2 M3A2 CIWS
1 20mm RWCS-M3
2 7.77mm Machine Guns
2 SEADOME systems
2 Quad Box launchers for AsCM-4B Missiles
64 E-SVLS
6 TT-9 324mm Torpedo Tubes
CUTR-3B ASW Rocket Launcher

Aircraft Carried: 1 H-14 Cormorant Helicopter, 3 RD-5 Maestro UAV, 2 RD-6 Jester
Aviation Facilities: 2 Hangars, 1 Captapult, 1 Landing Crane

Gallery

Missilespam

At 1500 parts, this is my highest part count build (so far). I have been warmly welcomed by the cult of the railing and I am very excited to see what other ships I can remaster/Build. I already have nearly half the fleet in for a redesign, and this looks like its only the beginning. I look forward to making more ships like this. Shoot your criticisms in the comments, and feel free to upvote!

A bit of a teaser

Credits: Bmilan & Quackie for the photos

Ship is in 1:3 Scale