Constellation-class frigate

Constellation-class frigate. The Constellation-class frigate (FFG-62) is a new class of guided-missile frigate under development for the United States Navy. Designed as a multi-mission warship, it is intended to restore a dedicated frigate capability to the U.S. Fleet for operations in contested environments. The class represents a strategic shift from the Littoral Combat Ship programs and is based on the proven FREMM multipurpose frigate design by Fincantieri.

Development and design

The program originated from the U.S. Navy's FFG(X) competition, which sought a new frigate design to address perceived shortcomings in the Freedom-class littoral combat ship and Independence-class littoral combat ship. In April 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded the prime contract to Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with the parent design being the Italian Fincantieri FREMM multipurpose frigate used by the Marina Militare and the French Navy. Key design requirements emphasized anti-submarine warfare capabilities, integrated air and missile defense, and enhanced electronic warfare systems. The selected design incorporates the AN/SPY-6(V)3 radar, a derivative of the system deployed on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 electronic warfare suite. This approach leverages mature, off-the-shelf technologies to reduce technical risk and accelerate the acquisition timeline, a strategy supported by the United States Congress and the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Construction and service history

The lead ship, USS Constellation (FFG-62), had its keel laid in August 2022 at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin. The naming ceremony honored the original USS Constellation (1797), a famed sailing frigate from the Quasi-War. Construction of the second vessel, future USS Congress (FFG-63), began in 2023. The program has faced scrutiny over cost growth and schedule delays, with reports from the Government Accountability Office highlighting challenges in the supply chain and labor market. The U.S. Navy plans a total of twenty vessels, with the first expected delivery in 2026 and initial operational capability following comprehensive testing and evaluation by the Board of Inspection and Survey.

Ships in class

The planned twenty-ship class will follow traditional naming conventions for U.S. frigates, often reviving historic names from the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The first four commissioned ships, as of 2024, are slated to be USS Constellation (FFG-62), USS Congress (FFG-63), USS Chesapeake (FFG-64), and USS Lafayette (FFG-65). Subsequent names are expected to include other notable frigates from U.S. naval history, continuing a lineage that connects the modern fleet with vessels from the eras of John Paul Jones and Stephen Decatur.

Specifications

The design features a length of approximately 496 feet, a beam of 65 feet, and a full-load displacement near 7,400 tons. Propulsion is provided by a Combined diesel and gas (CODAG) plant, integrating a General Electric LM2500 gas turbine with diesel engines for efficient cruising. Armament centers on a 32-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching System for RIM-162 ESSM and potential future missiles, plus an array of Naval Strike Missile anti-ship launchers. The primary gun is a Mark 110 57 mm gun, with close-in defense handled by a Mk 49 Guided Missile Launcher for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile. Aviation facilities support one MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and unmanned systems. The sensor suite is built around the AN/SPY-6(V)3 Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar and the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program block.

Operational history

As of 2024, no vessels are in active service, thus the class has no operational history. Upon commissioning, these frigates are projected to be assigned to United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Pacific Fleet for global deployment. Their primary operational roles will include conducting anti-submarine warfare in support of carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups, performing maritime security operations, and providing escort duties. The class is designed to operate alongside major fleet units like the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and Zumwalt-class destroyer, filling a critical gap in capacity for distributed maritime operations as outlined in the U.S. Navy's strategic concepts.

Category:Frigate classes Category:Ships of the United States Navy