Navy frigate RFP hits street

WASHINGTON - The Navy's requirements for a new guided-missile frigate hit the street July 10 with a Request For Information (RFP) that opened wide the competition for the new ship design. The ship was somewhat expected to mirror some of the strong suits of the Littoral Combat Ship, which are still being built in separate variants at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., and at the Marinette (Wis.) Marine. The new frigate will be expected to use already-in-use fleet systems, keep up with aircraft carriers and network with strike group. The Navy hopes to drive the cost down by using common equipment and existing designs from an LCS to foreign designs such as those of the British Navy's Type 26 global combat ship. Read an interview with the director of surface warfare, Rear Adm. Ronald Boxall. (Source: Defense News 07/11/17)