The Constellation-Class Guided-Missile Frigate (FFG 62) is heralded as the U.S. Navy’s next-generation small surface combatant, designed to be an adaptable and versatile warship. This class is engineered for multi-mission operations, excelling in both open ocean (blue-water) and coastal (littoral) environments. Its deployment will significantly enhance the Navy’s forward presence, providing a crucial military advantage at sea.
The FFG 62 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of capabilities for modern naval warfare, encompassing air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and electromagnetic maneuver warfare. Key features include the advanced Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), the Baseline Ten (BL10) Aegis Combat System, and the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System. These systems, along with sophisticated communication and countermeasure technologies, and enhanced electronic warfare and information operations capacities, ensure the frigate’s effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios and allow for future technological upgrades.
The U.S. Navy awarded the Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) contract for ten Constellation-class frigates to Marinette Marine Corporation (Fincantieri Marinette Marine) on April 30, 2020. This contract, the result of a full and open competition, initiated the construction of the lead ship, USS Constellation (FFG 62), in September 2022. Currently, the program is focused on rigorous Early Integration Testing of the combat system, primary propulsion, and related network infrastructure.
The Constellation-class frigate boasts substantial specifications, reflecting its robust design and operational capacity. It measures 496.1 feet in length with a beam of 64.6 feet, and a displacement of 7,291 long tons (light). The ship’s draft is 18 feet, allowing for maneuverability in various port conditions. Currently, in addition to USS Constellation (FFG 62), the USS Congress (FFG 63), USS Chesapeake (FFG 64), and USS Lafayette (FFG 65) are under contract, marking the ongoing expansion of this crucial class of guided-missile frigates within the U.S. Navy fleet. This class is poised to play a vital role in maintaining global maritime security and projecting American naval power in the decades to come.
