The Tigr (or Tiger) class Light Guided Missile Frigate was in many ways a transitional ship design. The light frigate class did not have many of the more advanced features of the vessels built starting in the Twenty-Eighties and after but more advanced than the designs started right at the dawn of the New Soviet Union. Frigates were not built in large numbers with the New Soviet Navy preferring either the smaller attack craft or more capable destroyers.

Prior to the Tigr class light frigate being built, a small number of larger Burkut class frigate were built. Almost destroyer sized, a total of twenty-three of the larger frigate class were build. The first Tigr class light frigate was laid down in Twenty Forty-Nine and completed in Twenty Fifty-Two. A total of thirty-eight more of these light frigates followed this light frigate. While the Tigr class was developed as a less expensive replacement for the Burkut class, they turned out to be almost as expensive. Towards the end of the Twenty-First Century, the Redkiy class surface effect frigate was developed. Only fourteen were completed before the destruction of the New Soviet Union with the coming of the Rifts but it was planned that hundreds would be built.

As far as is known, none of these light frigates were lost before the coming of the Rifts although much behind the Soviet curtains were unknown. Several are known to have been damaged in service, mostly in accidents, but are believed to have been repaired. How many survived the coming of the Rifts is unknown although there vessels were quite tough and multiple could have survived. It is believed that at least a handful are in the hands of various Russian warlords.

Unlike the previous Burkut class, the Tigr class was developed with a reduced radar cross signature and uses newer composites. Previously, the Tashkent class attack craft was designed in a similar manner but was also only about one third the displacement. Displacement of the Tigr class is just over 3,600 tons when fully loaded and around 3,300 standard displacement. In addition to being relatively stealthy, the materials make the frigate incredibly tough and virtually immune to corrosion.

A second change of the Tigr class compared to the Burkut class is that the vessels were designed around fusion power as build. A pair of fusion turbines provide power with a top speed of around thirty-six knots. These engines also give decades of service between needing to be refueled. The only real limitation on range is crew supplies with the vessel only carry about two months of supplies onboard. It uses variable pitch propellers instead on an electrical propulsion system carried on most Western designs.

Weaponry is similar to the larger Burkut class with a lower payload for most weapon systems. In the bow is a 100 mm AK-100 gun mount. In addition to being mounted in the Burkut class, the gun was mounted Tashkent class attack craft. First developed in the late Nineteen-Sixties, new ammunition was developed for the weapon system. Rapid firing, it was designed to engage both surface and air targets. A total of three hundred and sixty rounds of ammunition are carried. Behind the main gun and slightly off to the starboard side, a torpedo interceptor system called "Killer Dart" is mounted. It fires patterns of high speed torpedoes against incoming torpedoes.

Behind the gun and torpedo interceptor mounts, the light frigate carries two long range missile launchers and six medium range missile launchers. With eight missiles per launcher, these vertical launch systems are considered the frigate's main firepower. Sixteen long range missiles and forty-eight medium range missiles are carried. These launchers are developed from weapon systems developed before the collapse of the original Soviet Union. The medium range missile launchers are derived from the launcher from the SA-N-9 Gauntlet missile and the long range launcher are derived from the SA-N-6 Grumble missile launcher.

Five 533 mm torpedo tubes are mounted together on the center line forward of the helicopter hanger. Able to be trained to either side, these are larger than the tubes normally carried on Western surface craft. A total of ten reloads are carried for the torpedo tubes with an automatic reload system. Both conventional torpedoes and long range rocket boosted torpedoes are available to engage submarines at longer distances. While primarily designed to engage submarines, the torpedoes are also quite capable in engaging surface targets.

Finally, the light frigate mounts two point defense weapon mounts with one on either side of the helicopter hanger. Unlike the older Burkut class, the newer Kashstan CADS-N-6 CIWS Systems instead of the CADS-N-1 design. It has the ability to five volleys of up to six missiles when engaging air targets and has a payload of thirty-two missiles. In addition, it also mounts a powerful pulse laser which is an extended range version of the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle.

Radar was the "Morningstar" steerable active phased array radar. The frigate was considered too small for a multi array type phased array system even though the American Darcey class frigate mounted a multi-array system. Several other vessels mounted the "Morningstar" system including the Burkut class and the Marshal Isachenkov class amphibious warfare ship. It is also mounted as a backup system on several carrier and cruiser classes. One of the frigates was used as a test platform for the "Flail Eye" radar system and two more had their original "Morningstar" radar replaced when they were damaged. Otherwise, these frigates mounts full ECM suites and had chaff and flare as a last ditch missile defense. The vessel is designed as much for anti-submarine warfare as a guided missile frigate. It has an extremely capable hull and towed array sonar system.

The light frigate has a hanger with space for only a single helicopter instead of the two helicopters hanger of the Burkut class. Normally anti-submarine helicopters or similar craft are embarked. There is no provision for flying power armors. While designed to carry troops, including cyborg troops, they were rarely carried in normal service. Crew was reduced to around one hundred and twenty-five with further automation of most key systems. Crew quarters are comfortable if a but cramped. These boats lacked the luxury of some of the Soviet ships before the end of the first Cold War.

Model Type: Tigr class Light Guided Missile Frigate
Vehicle Type: Ocean, Light Guided Missile Frigate
Crew: 125; 12 officers, 113 petty officers and enlisted crew members.(Has a high degree of automation and can be run effectively by 50 crew members)
Troops: 4 Helicopter Crew Members, 8 troops for shipboard defense (Including Partial Conversions and Light Cyborgs / Not often embarked.)

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:

1

Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft (Usually for ASW)

M.D.C. by location:

	Bridge:	300
	[1] "Morningstar" Active Phased Array Radar (1, All but Three Vessels):	250
	[1] "Flail Eye" Active Phased Array Radar (1, Three Vessels):	150
	Single 100 mm / 70 cal AK-100 Gun System (1, Forward):	120
	CADS-N-6 Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems (2, Hanger):	225 each
	Octuple Long Range Vertical Launch Systems (2, Forward):	150 each
	Octuple Medium Range Vertical Launch System (6, Forward):	125 each
	Quadruple 21 inch (533 mm) Torpedo Launchers (1, Midships):	100
	Killer Dart "Interceptor" Torpedo Launcher (1, Forward):	80
	Chaff Launchers (4, Superstructure):	10 each
	Hanger (Aft):	300
	[2] Main Body:	1,200

Notes:
[1] Destroying the "Morningstar" / "Flail Eye" Phase Array radar panel will destroy the ship's main fire control systems but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors.)
[2] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.

Speed:
Surface: 41.46 mph (36 knots/ 66.72 kph)
Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 10 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries two months of supplies on board

Statistical Data:
Length: 408.46 feet (124.5 meters)
Draft: 15.09 feet (4.6 meters)
Width: 45.60 feet (13.9 meters)
Displacement: 3,310 tons standard and 3,620 tons fully loaded.
Cargo: 100 tons (90.72) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ship's 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 (2) Nuclear Fusion Reactors, average life span is 10 years
Market Cost: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 250-350 million credits.

Weapon Systems:

1. One (1) Single Barrel 100 mm / 70 cal AK-100 Gun System: Old weapon system but very effective with new ammunition types. The turret has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 85 degrees as well as depress 5 degrees. The gun fire rapidly at the rate of 50 rounds per minute and is radar directed. Weapon inflicts large amounts of damage when rapidly fire. The weapon is useful on land, surface, and air targets. Plasma rounds are a late pre-Rifts innovation and are rare and expensive.
   Maximum Effective Range: 8.1 miles (13 km)
   Mega-Damage: High Explosive: 1D4x10+10 MDC with 12 ft (3.7 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D4x10+30 MDC with 25 ft (7.6 m) blast radius for three round burst. High Explosive Armor Piercing: 1D6x10+10 MDC with 5 ft (1.5 m) blast radius per single shot and 3D6x10+30 MDC with 10 ft (3 m) blast radius for three round burst. Plasma: 2D6x10 MDC with 15 ft (4.6 m) blast radius per single shot and 6D6x10 MDC with 30 ft (9.1 m) blast radius for three round burst.
   Rate of Fire: Up to four (4) single shots or bursts per melee.
   Payload: 360 rounds total.
2. Two (2) Kashstan CADS-N-6 CIWS Systems: Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems which combines both a rapid fire laser and a short range missile launchers. One is mounted on either side of the frigate's hanger. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking systems. Short range missiles are designed to be able to track and target multiple missiles simultaneously. Laser system fires four shot bursts and is capable of destroying missiles and inflicting serious damage on aircraft. Laser is similar to the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle with extended range. System can be targeted against surface targets and ground targets.
   Maximum Effective Range: Laser Cannons: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Mega Damage: Laser Cannons: 1D6x10 MD for four shot burst. Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Usually fragmentation) (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Rate of Fire: Laser Cannons: Six (6) attacks per melee. (+2 to strike aircraft; +3 to strike missiles.) Short Range Missiles: One at a time or in volley of two (2), three (3), or four (4) per launcher. Can fire up to six times per melee in place of gun fire.
   Payload: Laser Cannons: Effectively unlimited. Short Range Missiles: 32 short range missiles per mount.
3. Two (2) Long Range Octuple Vertical Launch System: The frigate mounts two of these launchers forward of the ship's superstructure. These launchers are modified versions of previous long range vertical launch missile systems. Missiles are designed for long range defense and against surface targets. They can launch on either ground, surface, or air targets. The launchers can launch at multiple targets simultaneously.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies with long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Mega-Damage: Varies with long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of any amount up to four (4) missiles total in any combinations and at multiple targets at the same time.
   Payload: Sixteen (16) long range missiles total [Eight (8) missiles per launcher]
4. Six (6) Medium Range Octuple Vertical Launch System: The frigate mounts six of these launchers forward of the ship's superstructure. These launchers are modified versions of previous medium range vertical launch missile systems. Normal role for the missiles is to act as medium defense of the vessel. They can launch on either ground, surface, or air targets. The launchers can launch at multiple targets simultaneously.
   Maximum Effective Range: Varies with medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Mega-Damage: Varies with medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table.)
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of any amount up to twelve (12) missiles total in any combinations and at multiple targets at the same time.
   Payload: Forty-Eight (48) medium range missiles total [Eight (8) missiles per launcher]
5. One (1) Quintuple 21 inch (533 mm) Torpedo Launchers: Mainly design for anti-submarine warfare but can be used against surface targets. Mounted amidships instead on the side with five tubes total. The tubes have been modified to use an automatic reloading system and can be fired quickly. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest US designs of the time period. These torpedoes are also slightly larger than the standard US torpedo launchers. (These torpedoes are considered the equivalent of smart missiles and have advanced tracking and avoidance systems that give them a +5 to strike, +3 to dodge, and 2 attacks per melee until they strike their target or run out of fuel.)
   Maximum Effective Range: 40 miles (64 km), Rocket boosted torpedoes can also be fired from launcher.
   Mega Damage: By Heavy torpedo warhead type (See Rifts Torpedoes), Rocket boosted torpedoes can also be fired from launcher.
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two (2) or three (3), or five (5). Reloading tubes takes one (1) full melee round.
   Payload: Five (5) torpedoes/ missiles in launcher [Has ten (10) torpedoes/missiles for reloads.]
6. One (1) Killer Dart "Interceptor" Short Range Torpedo Launcher: The launcher is mounted on the bow of the vessel behind the 100 mm gun mount and slightly off to the starboard side. These so called "Killer Darts" are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They mount in a similar position to the ASW Rail launchers carries on late Twentieth Century Soviet vessels. American and European designed prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.
   Maximum Effective Range: 2000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes.)
   Mega-Damage: By Short Range Torpedo Type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes.)
   Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight (8) short range interceptor torpedoes per melee round.
   Payload: Forty-Eight (48) Interceptor Torpedoes.
7. Four (4) Chaff Launchers: Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. All four launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Reduce effects of launchers by 50% per launcher not used. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
   Range: Around Ship
   Mega Damage: None
   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
   Payload: 12 each for a total of 48

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

• "Morningstar" Active Phased Array Radar System: Originally mounted on all vessels but replaced by "Flail Eye" phased array in three vessels. Unlike systems carried by most larger naval vessels, radar system is comprised of a single array on top of the main mast. This system is smaller, lighter, and requires less power than a system of fixed panels. If allowed by the horizon, the system can track out to 150 miles (130.3 nautical miles / 241.4 km) and can simultaneously track and identify up to 240 targets at one time. The system controls missile launched from the long range missile launchers and the system can track and guide each individual missile to an individual target for up to 80 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 gun mounts.
• "Flail Eye" Active Phased Array Radar System: Replaces "Morningstar" phased array in three vessels. Unlike systems carried by most larger naval vessels, radar system is comprised of a single array on top of the main mast. This system is smaller, lighter, and requires less power than a system of fixed panels. If allowed by the horizon, the system can track out to 175 miles (152 nautical miles / 281.6 km) and can simultaneously track and identify up to 200 targets at one time. The system controls missile launched from the long range missile launchers and the system can track and guide each individual missile to an individual target for up to 64 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 gun mounts.
• Advanced Bow Sonar: While not as powerful as many systems on larger vessels, it is still very effective. Sonar system has a range of around 16 nautical miles (18.4 miles / 29.6 km). This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 16 targets at one time
• Advanced Towed Array Sonar System: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the ship on a long cable. Range of 100 miles (86.9 nautical miles / 160.9 km). This towed array sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 48 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. Because of this, attempts to detect the ship using radar are made with a -10% 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.
• 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.

[New Navy, New Sovietskiy, and TRIAX are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]

Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Copyright © 2011, Kitsune. All rights reserved.