Norwegian Valkyrien class Guided Missile Frigate:

As their deep water forces, the Norwegian Navy had five Fridtjof Nansen class frigates going into the second half of the Twenty-First Century. Otherwise, most of their fleet was composed of much smaller Surface Effect Vessels. While they could operate in deep water, they were considered more coastal vessels. The Fridtjof Nansen class frigate had been rebuilt extensively but were still aging and were considered in need of replacement. They were original built from conventional materials not the new high strength composites and alloys.

A building program of sixteen of a smaller type and four of a larger Surface Effect Ship designs. These became known as the Ravn and Sleipner classes respectively. While extremely fast and powerful boats, the Sleipner class boats were also extremely expensive. Almost two heavier armed frigates could be built for the cost of a single large surface effect ships. As such, it was decided that the fleet would be supplemented by a number of more conventional vessels. It was decided to simplify development that the new frigates would be based on the Fridtjof Nansen design. A total of eight were authorized with the first four build in Spanish yards to speed production instead of in Norway. The last four vessels were built in Norwegian yards.

Like many Norwegian naval designs, they used systems from a number of different nations. This included the United States, which was not popular among many European nations at the time. In addition, these ships did not mount much in the way of cutting edge systems to reduce construction costs. Because they were more conventional design, these frigates could be build much more rapidly than the surface effect ship designs. These frigate, along with the new surface effect ships, served the Norwegian Navy for the next four decades.

It was not until they very end of the Twenty-First Century that the Norwegian Navy started planning additional ships. Unlike the surface effect ships, these frigates were often deployed on extended missions far from Norway. Along with additional surface effect ships, there were plans for additional frigates. These would have mounted new weapon systems including a rail gun instead of a conventional cannon, a more powerful radar system, and an improved missile battery. Only four had been authorized before the coming of the Rifts although there was discussion of further construction. The first of the class had been launched but not completed when the Rifts remade the world. What happened to the eight frigates of the Valkyrien class with the coming is unknown although it is quite possible that one or more of the Valkyrien class might have survived.

Even though based on the Fridtjof Nansen class, the Valkyrien class were heavily modified over the original design and are a fair amount larger. In many ways, it might be better to consider them a destroyer not a frigate due to size. These "frigates" displace almost seven thousand tons fully loaded. Being built from the keel from high strength composites and alloys, these vessels are extremely tough and are virtually immune to corrosion. In addition, the Valkyrien class design has considerable stealth built into it and the frigates are more stealthy than older Fridtjof Nansen class of frigates.

At the time of development, cost effective fusion engines had been developed. These had virtually replaced standard gas turbines. Two fusion reactors were mounted in the Valkyrien class. These engines give vessels a top speed of thirty-four knots compared to only around twenty-nine for the rebuilt Fridtjof Nansen class frigates even though a fair amount larger. The fusion reactors also give the vessels virtually unlimited range and only requires refueling about every twenty years. Because these vessels were designed around a fusion plant, the engineering systems are far better laid out. The engines are designed for quiet operations and are designed with a bubble masking system. A bow thruster is also carried on the frigate. If the main propulsion is damaged, the boat can use the bow thruster for speeds up to eight knots in emergencies.

These "frigates" are among the smallest vessels to even mount the SPY-3 phased array radar system originally developed for the American DD-21 Destroyer design. A lighter weight SPY-3M version had been developed privately with an eye towards exports. While developed in America, it was not adopted by the United States Navy where the new SPY-6 system was mounted on most new classes including the Francis Darcey class which a special lightweight version of the long range radar was developed for. Unlike the radar, the hull and towed array sonar systems are of French designs.

Originally, the older Fridtjof Nansen class mounted only eight vertical launch shells in a Mk 41 launcher. This was increased to sixteen cell when they were rebuilt. While it still mounts the Mk 41 missile launcher, the Valkyrien class instead mounts a thirty-two cell launcher with the ability to carry long range missiles in addition to just medium range missiles. Generally, several cells carry long range rocket boosted torpedoes for use against submerged targets. In addition, the ship mounts two Mk 55 medium range vertical launch systems. The compact nature of the fusion plant and the space freed up which were originally fuel tankage would have been carried enabled the mounting of the launch systems. A total of over one hundred medium range missiles are carried in the Mk 55 launchers. These launchers replace the missile canisters mounted on the superstructure. One of the few weapon systems which was developed in Norway is the Freya VIII short range missile system. A total of four are mounted on the frigate's superstructure and give good close range missile defenses. Over three hundred missiles are carried as reloads for these short range launchers.

The original OTO Melara 76 mm "Super Rapid" naval gun is retained on the Valkyrien class. This same weapon was also carried on the Ravn and Sleipner classes of surface effect ships. The weapon system is a bit lighter than what was carried on most ships of similar size which often mounted five inch guns. Some had even replaced their five inch guns with 155 mm mounts. The 76 mm weapon is capable of engaging surface targets as well as being used against aircraft at close range and even missiles. Torpedo tubes are mounted on either side of the vessel but the depth charge launchers are deleted in the Valkyrien class. For defense against both torpedoes and missiles, the frigate mounts a "Softkill II" defense system.

Mounting additional automation, these ships are designed for a smaller crew that the Fridtjof Nansen class. They require around twenty-five percent less crew than the older frigate. The ship has space for up to forty additional crew or personnel. This can include troops with space up to twenty power armors. As well, the ship has a small hanger which allows a single helicopter or other VTOL aircraft to be carried.

Model Type: Modified F210 Valkyrien class Frigate (Project 6310)
Class: Guided Missile Frigate
Crew: 96 total; 6 officers, 10 chief petty officer, 90 enlisted. (Can embark an addition 40 personnel)

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

	20	Flying Power Armors
	1	Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft

M.D.C. by Location:

	OTO-Melara 3 inch (76-mm)/62-cal Super Rapid (1, Bow):	200
	Mk 41 32 Cell Vertical Missile Launchers (1, Forward):	240
	Mk 55 Eight Cell Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers (2):	300 each
	"Freya VIII" Short Range Missile Launchers (4, Superstructure):	120 each
	Twin 12.75 inch (324 mm) Torpedo Tubes (4, Sides)	50 each
	[1] SPY-3M Phase Array Radar Panels (4, Superstructure):	200 each
	Soft Kill II" Chaff / Decoy Launcher (2, Superstructure):	10 each
	Hangar (aft):	250
	Bridge:	300
	Outer Hull (per 40 foot / 12.2 meter area):	75
	[2] Main Body:	1,600

Notes:
[1] Destroying the SPY-3M Phase Array radar panels will destroy the ship's fire control systems but guns have backup systems and panels can compensate for each other.
[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: 39.2 mph (34 knots/ 63.0 kph.) Has a retractable electrical thruster in the bow which can propel the boat up to 9.2 mph (8 knots / 14.8 kph)
Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries 8 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Draft: 25.59 feet (7.8 meters) including hull sonar
Width: 55.77 feet (17.0 meters)
Length: 474.08 feet (144.5 meters)
Displacement: 6,900 tons light and 6,800 tons fully loaded
Cargo: 300 tons (272.2 metric 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: Two Nuclear Reactors, average life span is 20 years
Black Market Price: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 325 million credits or more if intact and operational.

Weapon Systems:

1. One (1) OTO Melara 76mm/62 Super Rapid Naval Gun: The ship mounts a rapid fire three inch gun mount near the bow of vessel. The gun is very reliable and fires very rapidly (About 120 rounds per minute). The main weaknesses of the gun are its relatively short range and the fact it cannot use rocket assisted projectiles. The gun was carried on many ship classes around the world until well into the twenty first century. The guns can be used against other ships, ground targets, aircraft, and even missiles. These guns were among the smallest that could use a proximity fuse for their warheads.
   Maximum Effective Range: 4.9 miles (4.3 nautical miles/8.0 km) for standard projectiles
   Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 1D4x10 MDC with 10 ft (3 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D4x10 MDC with 20 ft (6.1 m) blast radius for three round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D6x10 MDC with 4 ft (1.2 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10 MDC with 8 ft blast radius for three round burst. Plasma: 2D4x10 MDC with 12 ft (3.7 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D4x10 MDC with 25 ft (7.6 m) blast radius for three round burst.
   Rate of Fire: Equal to Gunners Hand to Hand (Three round bursts count as one attack).
   Payload: 85 Rounds ready to fire. Ship normally carries usually carries and additional 240 rounds divided between 80 High Explosive, 80 High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 80 Plasma.
2. One (1) Mk 41 Strategic 32 Cell Vertical Launch Missile Launcher: The thirty-two cell launcher is mounted behind the 76 mm cannon. These are 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. Anti-Submarine rocket launched torpedoes are also can be fired from the launcher and usually eight are carried (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes for rocket boosted torpedoes.)
   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 volley of 2, 4, or 16 per melee and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.
   Payload: 32 missile cells in VLS launcher (Can carry a total of 64 long range missiles). One cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Ship carries no reloads.
3. Two (2) Mk 55 Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers: Unlike most vertical launch systems, these launchers fire the missiles on a 6 degree angle to the side. This is because the system was initially designed for carriers and is to prevent a missile that fails on its launch from crashing into aircraft on the flight deck. The missiles are arranged in an 2 by 4 pattern, and each launch cell has six reloads. One launcher is mounted on either side of the hull of the cruiser and require much less space than a Mk-41 or MK-49 VLS. Each system can launch up to 8 missiles simultaneously each and the launcher is automatically reloaded. These launchers often act as the ships middle point defense and are normally used to engage incoming air targets and missiles.
   Maximum Effective Range: As per medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Mega Damage: As per medium 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 (Each launcher operates independently)
   Payload: 8 missiles in each launcher, with 48 missiles in each magazine for automatic reloads, for a total of 112 Medium Range Missiles including missiles in launcher.
4. Four (4) "Freya VIII" Short Range Missile Box Launchers: Mounted on each "corner" of the superstructure are a total of four box launchers which automatically reload. The launchers can rotate 360 degrees and have a 90 degree arc of fire. The missile launchers reload extremely rapidly and are ready to be fire on the next attack. The system is designed to be able to target multiple incoming missiles simultaneously. It can be fired against surface targets as well as against air targets.
   Note: SAM style missiles are missiles that sacrifice payload for higher speeds, see Chris Curtis' modified missile table for specifics.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies by short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table - SAM style missiles normally.)
   Mega-Damage: Varies by short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table - SAM style missiles normally.)
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two (2) four (4), or eight (8) each launcher. Launchers retract and are ready to fire for next melee attack.
   Payload: Eight (8) short range missiles each launcher for Thirty-Two (32) total. The vehicle carries eighty (80) missiles as reloads for each launcher for a total of three hundred and fifty-two (352) missiles total. If a launcher is damaged, those missiles cannot be accessed except manually. (Sometimes additional missiles are carried in the cargo hold for reloads)
5. Two (2) Twin 12.75 inch (324 mm) 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. The tubes have an automatic reloading system and can be fired quickly. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted on surface targets as well. Ship carries sixty reloads for torpedoes. For the most part torpedo warheads are equal to 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, launcher can fire a maximum of two volleys per melee each launcher.
   Payload: Two torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of four torpedoes (Has 20 torpedoes for reloads)
6. Four (4) Multi Ammunition Softkill II System: Located on the front and rear of the superstructure of the ship, this system is designed to confuse incoming missiles. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.) Torpedo decoys can also be fired from launcher. These land in the water and act as noisemakers to decoy torpedoes. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference.
   Range: Around Ship
   Mega Damage: None
   Missile Decoys:
   01-35 Missile or Missile volley detonates in chaff
   36-60 Missile or Missile volley loses track of target, may lock onto another target
   61-00 No Effect; Missile Still on target
   Torpedo Decoy / Noisemaker:
   50% of decoying normal torpedoes and 20% of decoying smart torpedoes.
   Payload: 6 each for 24 total; Carries 96 reloads total.

Special Systems:
The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

• SPY-3M Three Dimensional Search Radar System: Lightweight version of the original system. While not consider to be as powerful as those systems design for true missile cruisers, the system is still quite effective. The system is a powerful and flexible phased array radar system that is comprised of four panels that each emit radar waves. If allowed by the horizon, the system can track out to 250 miles (402.3 km) and can simultaneously track and identify up to 512 targets at one time. The system controls missile launched from the long range missile launchers and the system track and guide each individual missile to an individual target for up to 128 targets. If a target is eliminated, missiles are automatically guided to a new target. The system can also control missiles launched from other linked vessels as well and can also act as fire control for gunmounts. The system gives a +10% to read sensory rolls, +2 on initiative, and +1 to strike.
• Thomson-Sintra DUBV 56 sonar: Mounted under the bow of the ship. Sonar system has a range of around 32 nautical miles (36.8 miles / 59.4 km). This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 32 targets at one time.
• Thomson-Sintra DUBV 52 Towed Array Sonar System: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the ship on a long cable with a range of 103.6 miles (90 nautical miles / 166.8 km). This towed array sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 32 targets at one time.
• Radar Defeating Profile & Radar Absorbing Materials: The ship superstructure is designed so that the radar profile of the ship is reduced and the ship is covered with radar absorbing materials and constructed from composites. Because of this, attempts to detect the ship using radar are made with a -30% penalty to read sensor rolls when attempting to detect this ship. Go to General Detection Penalties for more information on penalties and bonuses to use with stealth.
• Quieted Propulsion / Sonar Masking System: The ship uses water bubbles to form a barrier against sonar as well as a shrouded propellor and sound absorbing materials. Gives a -20% penalty to any Read Sensory Instrument rolls to detect this ship using sonar.
• Combination Radar Detectors and Active Jamming System: Combination of radar detection system (ESM) and an active jamming system. The system can detect another radar system at 125% of the range of the transmitting radar. In jamming mode, causes -25% to detection but when it is active, other vehicles/ bases can detect that it is jamming, and some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Jamming also causes a -4 penalty to all radar guided weapons.

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Image drawn and copyrighted by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune.) Based on Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen drawing by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa)
Mischa has no art home Page at present but many other items on my site.

Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Copyright 2011 Kitsune. All rights reserved.