FFG(X) Update
National Symposium – Surface Navy Association
Dr. Regan Campbell
January 15, 2019

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 FFG(X) System Description
Mission: 
Anti‐Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare, 
Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare, and 
Air Warfare

Description: 
FFG(X) is an agile, multi‐mission platform 
designed for operation in blue water and 
littoral environments.

Employment:
Operate independently or integrated with 
a Strike/Task Group to conduct offensive 
and defensive Surface, Anti‐Submarine, 
and Air Warfare

FFG(X) supports the Navy the Nation Needs and the validated requirement for 355
Battle Force ships in line with the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
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 Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) Capabilities
EW / IO

AW
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3x3x3 fixed-face EASR
Mk41 VLS (32 cell)
SM-2 Blk IIIC
ESSM Blk 2
21 cell RAM launcher
UPX-29 IFF
CEC

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SLQ-32(V)6 (SEWIP Blk II) w/ HGHS and Specific Emitter
Identification (SEI)
Spectral (Follow on to SSEE Inc F)
AOEW (on airborne asset)
SWAP-C reservation for SLQ-32C(V)7 (SEWIP Blk III Lite)
SWAP-C reservation for 150kw laser

WATERCRAFT
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7m RHIB (x2)

AVIATION
SUW
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57mm gun (with ALaMO)
Mk160 GFCS
Mk20 Mod 1EOSS
OTH fire control system
OTH 2x4 (T)/ 2x8 (Obj)
50 caliber machine guns
iStalker w/3600 coverage
NGSSR

Current Capability

Growth Potential

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Organic MH-60R (x1)
Organic MQ-8C (x1)
Secure & Traverse Aircraft Handling
System
Horizon Reference System
Night Vision Device Compatibility

C4I/ CMS
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ASW
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AN/SQS-62 Variable Depth Sonar
or Low Band Hull Array
TB-37 MFTA w/ TACI
AN/SQQ-89(V)15
USW-DSS
AN/SLQ-61 Lightweight Tow or
SLQ-25 NIXIE
ADC (Torp CM)
Mk41 VLS supports VLA for allwx stand-off ASW weapon
(future)
SVTT – Shipboard Torpedo
Launch (Obj)

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CANES
ICOP
Link-11/22
Link-16
LOS/STJ/JRE
HF/VHF/UHF LOS
UHF/SHF/EHF
SATCOM
NTCDL
Frigate Weapon
System (FWS)
Advanced Cyber
Design
GPNTS & ECDIS

 FFG(X) Requirements Development 
Process 
Conceptual Design Phase
1. Draft CDD
- Informed by FF CDD, DDG CDD, FFG
RET, RFI, process, analysis, staffing
process

1

FFG(X) Draft
CCD

4. Cost /Capability Trades
- Frigate Affordability Board
- Technical and Leadership
adjudication
- Informed Cost / Capability
decisions

4

Cost/Capability
Trades

Draft Spec

Industry
Feedback

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2. Draft System Specifications
- Basis for industry efforts
- “Derived” requirements based
on CDD
- Updated based on Cost
Reduction Initiatives

3. Industry Feedback
- Cost Reduction Initiatives
- Monthly Technical Exchange Meetings
- Design Reviews

Supported Industry‐informed cost‐capability trades
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

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 Guided Missile Frigate 
(FFG(X))Acquisition Strategy/Profile
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Full and Open Competition
Conceptual Design Contracts awarded in FY18 ‐ Mature Designs, Reduce Technical Risk, 
Identify Cost Reduction Opportunities
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•

Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) Contract award to a single vendor in FY20 
•
•

Request for Proposals in 4QFY19
Contract award in 4QFY20

FY
QTY
Hull Number

•

Awarded to five vendors
16 month period of performance
• Initial Conceptual Design Review with Industry: Q1FY19
• Final Conceptual Design Review with Industry: Q3FY19

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DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

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 FFG(X) Conceptual Design Contracts

FMM
Austal

BIW
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LM
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 FFG(X) Program Status
• FFG(X) Requirements are mature – informed by detailed 
analysis, early engagement with industry, and a collaborative 
Conceptual Design phase
• Ongoing Conceptual Design phase ends in June 2019
– Matures Designs via Navy‐Industry engagements and CDRL comments
– Reduces Technical Risk
– Identifies Cost Reduction Opportunities

• FFG(X) Program is on track for a Detail Design & Construction 
Award to a single vendor
– Request for Proposals – Q4FY19
– DD&C Award – Q4FY20
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

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Questions?

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