Final design of US Navy’s Constellation-class FFG 62 frigate unveiled

Fincantieri Marine Group has released the final rendering of the US Navy’s future Constellation-class (FFG 62) guided-missile frigate.

The final design follows the recent unveiling of three design renderings by the firm on its Twitter account.

Construction on the ship is expected to commence later this year.

The design rendering for the lead ship in the class, USS Constellation, follows the signing of $795m contract with the US Navy in April 2020.

Under the fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract, Fincantieri is responsible for the concept design and construction of the future USS Constellation frigate, as well as provide post-delivery availability support and crew training.

Additionally, the contract has options for nine additional ships. If exercised, the contract’s total value will be $5.58bn.

The Constellation-class (FFG 62) vessel, which is planned to be delivered in 2026, will be built based on a modified FREMM design. It is planned to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by 2030.

The frigates will be equipped to provide multi-mission capabilities to undertake operations including air, anti-submarine, surface, and electronic warfare.

In October 2020, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) awarded a contract to The Timken Company to provide the main reduction gears for the frigates.

Last month, GE Marine was contracted to power the frigates with its GE LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine.

The company is also responsible for providing the electric start, fuel forwarding and water wash systems and the gas turbine control system.