Blame Vulcano lol. It made a lot of constraints up front that limited the risk we were willing to take. Also worth noting that the Aussies modified and extended the hull of theirs to make things work, we decided against that.
The hope is that moving to the MK.45 will free up space for more cells up front. Sadly we can't have our cake and eat it too.
Given the current situation with drones I can’t help but think someone needs to relook at the AA defences. Would be a lot happier with that second RAM launcher & somehow the lionfish 30’s I think might be be a better fit.
I would caution about looking into the results of naval exercises too closely, as they are typically heavily compromised and unrealistic in order to provide training for a variety of scenarios. The RCD looks more than capable of dealing with even a substantial drone attack.
The Lionfish 30mm mounts have seemingly been replaced with BAE Mark 38 30mm mounts. These aren't as capable as their Italian counterparts but they are a huge step over the 25mm mounts previously used.
Once they confirm this, we should replace the guns on the AOP's to match whatever the RCD carries, less ammunition in the fleet and easier maintenance and training.
where would it go? opposite the one already there might interfere with the firing of the other plus another 6 tonnes up high plus it looks like the NSM are maybe kinda countering the mk144. Before i was thinking SeaRam in place of CIWS
Given the state of the world, this current design iteration looks underwhelming, especially considering the price per ship we are paying. Downgraded gun, small missile load out no plan for direct energy, sure it’s an upgrade over what we have and a maybe a successful quarterback for our allies but as a stand-alone ship ultimately uninspiring.
There is hope for the Second Batch. We certainly want more cells, however sadly the goal now is hull in the waters. That means we're focusing on making it as easy as possible for the first Batch to go smoothly. That means sacrifices in places.
HOWEVER I will say that one can start to see them take the steps to prep for future systems and things like additional VLS in the choices being made now.
very underwhelming. I get ships in the water but at least try to get the best possible one. 24 vls? 1 RAM?, I mean come on RCN and Government grow a spine.
Thanks very much for the great update. I took the liberty of editing the image of the model to mock up 64 VLS cells. Then, with the help of ChatGPT, I put her to sea.
Noah, when you talk of the "Mystery boxes of Doom and Despair", are you talking about that cluster of vertical silos between the Aegis Mast and the funnel? I copied and enlarged your image and it looks all the world to me like a 12-cell Mk-56 launcher (same footprint and rough tube configuration).
If that's the case and there's one on each side, then you are adding 3/4ths of a Mk-41 VLS with significant weight and cost savings. I think I read somewhere an 8-cell Mk-41 weighs 15t without missiles and costs ~$13m for the launcher and associated equipment, while a 12-cell Mk-56 weighs 10t *with* missiles and costs ~$1m for the launcher and associated equipment.
Having the ESSMs in separate launchers will free up VLS space for SM-3/6s and Tomahawks - honestly a better use of space than quad-packing ESSMs in Strike-length Mk41 cells.
In your second paragraph, did you mean to say there were numerous changes over "the last two years" or "the last two yeets", as both would seem to apply. XD
I'm also bewildered as to why there are still only 24 VLS cells when it looks like there is ample room to double that amount directly in front of the modelled cells. Surely they can move whatever is occupying that internal space, or are there concerns about making it top-heavy or unbalanced?
And can you tell if the Mk38 is the Mod 4 version with the Coaxial 12.7mm? I can't zoom the image.
I believe the 24 Cell decision is based on the true unknowns about weight and balance forward of the Bridge. Look up the recently released images of the Australian Hunter version to see how things are playing out down Under. The Aussie Hunter looks a little like Rick Moranis in a certain movie.
Topshee has commented that he wanted the first three Rivers in the water as quickly and safely as Irving could deliver. Test drive the design and tweak further in the build
Blame Vulcano lol. It made a lot of constraints up front that limited the risk we were willing to take. Also worth noting that the Aussies modified and extended the hull of theirs to make things work, we decided against that.
The hope is that moving to the MK.45 will free up space for more cells up front. Sadly we can't have our cake and eat it too.
Given the current situation with drones I can’t help but think someone needs to relook at the AA defences. Would be a lot happier with that second RAM launcher & somehow the lionfish 30’s I think might be be a better fit.
Second RAM would be nice. I can ask around to see why they chose against. Usually the reason is space or weight.
Mentioned as I heard about a nato naval exercise around spain/portugal, ukrainines invited & the drones were rumoured go have scored big.
I would caution about looking into the results of naval exercises too closely, as they are typically heavily compromised and unrealistic in order to provide training for a variety of scenarios. The RCD looks more than capable of dealing with even a substantial drone attack.
The Lionfish 30mm mounts have seemingly been replaced with BAE Mark 38 30mm mounts. These aren't as capable as their Italian counterparts but they are a huge step over the 25mm mounts previously used.
I have heard people comment that the Lionfish would be a significant step up over the 25mm in range and capabilty.
If this is Mod 4 MK.38 it will be 30mm
Once they confirm this, we should replace the guns on the AOP's to match whatever the RCD carries, less ammunition in the fleet and easier maintenance and training.
Natural, cheap upgrade path if the 38 becomes common to the River and potentially CDC. Maybe make some people less complainy about it lol
Yes it would be a bit of a boost to the AOP's firepower, along 2x .50cal RWS as are on the Halifax's right now would also be a fairly easy upgrade.
I was thinking along the same lines, maybe even ditch the 25mm Mk. 38's for 40mm Bofors Mk.4 if they want to stick with BAE systems.
where would it go? opposite the one already there might interfere with the firing of the other plus another 6 tonnes up high plus it looks like the NSM are maybe kinda countering the mk144. Before i was thinking SeaRam in place of CIWS
Given the state of the world, this current design iteration looks underwhelming, especially considering the price per ship we are paying. Downgraded gun, small missile load out no plan for direct energy, sure it’s an upgrade over what we have and a maybe a successful quarterback for our allies but as a stand-alone ship ultimately uninspiring.
There is hope for the Second Batch. We certainly want more cells, however sadly the goal now is hull in the waters. That means we're focusing on making it as easy as possible for the first Batch to go smoothly. That means sacrifices in places.
HOWEVER I will say that one can start to see them take the steps to prep for future systems and things like additional VLS in the choices being made now.
Agreed. You can visually see this becoming a 48 cell ship in batch 2. The three initial ships of batch 1 will become the ASW specialists.
very underwhelming. I get ships in the water but at least try to get the best possible one. 24 vls? 1 RAM?, I mean come on RCN and Government grow a spine.
Actually it was the Deputy Commander of the RCN, Rear Admiral Dan Charlebois who revealed the model.
Ah! I heard it was CRCN lol.
Truly Canadian (as underarmed as possible.)
Hi Noah.
Thanks very much for the great update. I took the liberty of editing the image of the model to mock up 64 VLS cells. Then, with the help of ChatGPT, I put her to sea.
https://i.postimg.cc/MG9B3sZ9/Chat-GPT-Image-Mar-24-2026-10-56-45-AM-64-VLS.png
Noah, when you talk of the "Mystery boxes of Doom and Despair", are you talking about that cluster of vertical silos between the Aegis Mast and the funnel? I copied and enlarged your image and it looks all the world to me like a 12-cell Mk-56 launcher (same footprint and rough tube configuration).
If that's the case and there's one on each side, then you are adding 3/4ths of a Mk-41 VLS with significant weight and cost savings. I think I read somewhere an 8-cell Mk-41 weighs 15t without missiles and costs ~$13m for the launcher and associated equipment, while a 12-cell Mk-56 weighs 10t *with* missiles and costs ~$1m for the launcher and associated equipment.
Having the ESSMs in separate launchers will free up VLS space for SM-3/6s and Tomahawks - honestly a better use of space than quad-packing ESSMs in Strike-length Mk41 cells.
What ever it is, it has 15 cells (3 rows of 5) so not sure that fits your description.
long endurance electronic decoy
Does anybody have a link to more photos? I want to do some more ogling
A larger AA gun or would seem beneficial 35mm or 40mm, a single 25mm seems lacking.
The low VLS is ok with me, the reality is Canada isnt looking to fire off a dozen tomahawks at anyone. Anti air is the priority and 24 offers lots.
Now I just gotta find a model to have at home 😆
theres two 30mm, one on each side of the hanger
In your second paragraph, did you mean to say there were numerous changes over "the last two years" or "the last two yeets", as both would seem to apply. XD
I'm also bewildered as to why there are still only 24 VLS cells when it looks like there is ample room to double that amount directly in front of the modelled cells. Surely they can move whatever is occupying that internal space, or are there concerns about making it top-heavy or unbalanced?
And can you tell if the Mk38 is the Mod 4 version with the Coaxial 12.7mm? I can't zoom the image.
I believe the 24 Cell decision is based on the true unknowns about weight and balance forward of the Bridge. Look up the recently released images of the Australian Hunter version to see how things are playing out down Under. The Aussie Hunter looks a little like Rick Moranis in a certain movie.
Topshee has commented that he wanted the first three Rivers in the water as quickly and safely as Irving could deliver. Test drive the design and tweak further in the build