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Powerful, capable Arctic guardians

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The Northern-class icebreakers are a series of nuclear-powered icebreakers designed to undertake escort duties through Arctic waters, as well as conducting scientific research and patrol.

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Controls:

AG-1+VTOL: Operate A-Frame crane.
- VTOL+TRIM to aim.
AG-2: Activate RIM-178 Arrowhead launcher.
- VTOL+AIM to aim launchers.
AG-3+TRIM: Extend crane winch.
AG-4: Activate crane magnet.
THROTTLE and YAW for movement.

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Development

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Development of the Northern-class icebreaker began during a period of economic recovery, as the Principality of Saltwater struggled to regain its international presence after the recent Second Iberian War, which saw the Saltwater Defence Force fighting to defend the nation's borders from Faroese insurgents.

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The requirements called for a large, nuclear-powered vessel capable of breaking its way through the thickest pack ice, escorting commercial vessels and conducting scientific research operations. As a cost-saving measure, the icebreakers reused the reactor design first used in the Shidabad-class battlecruisers.

Each ship cost $1.1 billion from the beginning of construction to completion, taking an average of twenty-four months for each ship. SMC Marine was the primary contractor for each vessel.

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Design:

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The Northern-class features a large, stocky superstructure, with over 350 square metres of laboratory space, capable of supporting up to 120 scientific personnel and other specialists, in addition to the 80 man crew. Other scientific equipment includes an "A-frame" crane at the stern, supporting submersibles and unmanned underwater vessels. The icebreaker is fitted with two helipads, the aft one capable of supporting helicopters up to the size of a CH-47F Chinook, with hanger space for two medium-lift helicopters.

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As a military vessel, the Northern-class is equipped with four 30mm RCWS for undertaking patrol duties and other combat operations. Designed to operate independently, the icebreaker is also equipped with a single RIM-178 Arrowhead point-defence missile launcher for use against incoming anti-ship missiles and aircraft. These weapons systems are controlled by the SkySniper multipurpose radar systems.

In its primary role as an escort icebreaker, the Northern-class can continuously move at 3 knots through three metres of ice, thanks to its 78,000 horsepower power output, with an indefinite range. The vessel can carry up to four work boats, in addition to two dedicated lifeboats and a single submersible, as well as two helicopters and a number of UAVs, which can be launched from the forward flight deck.

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Armament:

• x1 RIM-178 Arrowhead CIWS, eighteen missiles;

• x4 30mm remote weapons stations.

Electronic systems:

• SkySniper multipurpose radar;

• Various navigational and fire control radar;

• Electronic countermeasures;

• Satcom, Datalink, radio, GPS and other antennas;

• Fixed and sidescan sonar;

• Torpedo decoys.

Specifications:

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Name: Northern-class icebreaker
Role( s ): Arctic escort, scientific research, patrol
Number built: 4
Crew: 80 + 120 additional berths
Maximum speed: 19 Knots ( 21 mph )
Builder: SMC Marine
Propulsion: x2 nuclear fission reactors
Operational ratius: Unlimited
Endurance: Up to six months
Price per unit: 1.1 billion USD per unit
Project cost: 5.6 billion USD

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