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The future of naval warfare: Naval Group’s new concept ship
The SCX 26 is an integrated research project that brings together solutions to emerging operational requirements, lessons learned from recent conflicts and medium- to long-term technological developments. Based on a notional warship, the project aims to assess design assumptions for future naval warfare.
The SCX 26
© Naval Group
Naval Group’s latest concept ship is not intended to be built in its current form. Already experienced in this field, the company’s architects have once again designed a vessel incorporating both existing and emerging technologies. “We take existing, proven systems and look at how we can improve them. For example, in counter-drone warfare, we’re already looking two generations ahead. We also incorporate innovations such as directed-energy weapons, in which armed forces have been investing in recent years. We then explore how these technologies could be integrated, taking into account constraints relating to power, physical space, advanced networks and data. The aim is to test new combinations of naval architecture, combat systems, drones, effectors, digital infrastructure and human factors,” explains Aymeric, Marketing Director for Drones and Unmanned Systems at Naval Group.
These studies help inform the design of future warships. “For example, we expect significant advances in UHF radar technology, which is already relatively mature and continues to improve. We’re looking at how the installation of these large radars would affect a ship’s seakeeping and stability, where they should be positioned and how long the hull needs to be. We also work on their shape, as the ship needs to minimise its detectability by radars on other vessels, and potentially even from space,” he explains. All these factors influence the ship’s design and overall appearance.
10,000 tonnes, 170 metres long, 8,000 nautical miles of range
Naval Group’s engineers are exploring various designs, including the SCX 26. “It retains the DNA of Naval Group’s stealth ships, but on the scale of a destroyer, with a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes,” explains Aymeric. “It features two large integrated masts supporting large antennas.” The twin-mast configuration is designed to handle large volumes of data while providing redundancy for critical systems, enhancing the vessel’s overall resilience.
A large space between the two masts can accommodate eight 20-foot (approximately 6-metre) containers, allowing the vessel to incorporate additional operational capabilities tailored to each mission. “It can be used to carry whatever is needed, such as ammunition or drones. It’s essentially a storage space, protected by a screen designed to reduce the ship’s radar signature, including against detection from space,” explains Naval Group’s Marketing Director for Drones. This built-in modularity gives the vessel considerable flexibility without making it unnecessarily large.
The SCX 26 would have a crew comparable to that of a frigate, with 150 personnel. “In 15 years’ time, automation will have advanced even further, both in mechanical systems, such as robots, and in software, particularly with the development of AI,” he explains. However, space is also provided for “augmentees” — an additional embarked staff with 50 to 100 members.
Computing power, currently concentrated in two dedicated rooms, will instead be redistributed throughout the ship. “We’ve taken inspiration from the scientific world here. Each individual computer will contribute to the overall computing power.”
Quantum technology will also be integrated throughout the vessel, particularly in sensors and communications systems. Quantum computers can perform certain probabilistic calculations that could be used to break encryption codes. “They will make it possible to intercept and decode communications.”
The propulsion system will remain largely unchanged, but will be more fuel-efficient, giving the vessel a range of 8,000nm (nearly 15,000km). Its speed will remain at 30 knots, comparable to that of an aircraft carrier, which must reach that speed to launch its aircraft.
A project at the cutting-edge of technology
The aft deck also features a large helipad and a dedicated hangar capable of storing underwater, surface and aerial drones, along with the necessary support and maintenance equipment. “It will even be possible to manufacture drones on board using 3D printers. We’re always looking for ways to save space, even on a ship this large!” concludes Aymeric.
Designed as an open platform for combat operations and the deployment of various systems, the vessel is intended to operate as part of a wider force comprising ships, aircraft, drones and future naval combat systems.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Naval Group’s established suppliers, including on equipment such as a rapid-fire electromagnetic railgun. Other variations on the concept remain closely guarded secrets within Naval Group. After all, it wouldn’t do to give rival shipbuilders too many ideas!
- Aude Leroy
