Two things here. Nowhere in that interview does Admiral Radakin mention an increase in beam. I'm no expert but I'd imagine any increase in beam is a really big deal from a design point of view.donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑02 Aug 2022, 04:32
"Hunter class weight issues have now be largely resolved by small increase in beam"
Interesting. Can the RN Batch2 T26 be also the "broad beam version"? It will significantly contribute to increase the "margin" in the weight, internal volume, and top weight. As T26 is all-digital design, each and every modification of Hunter class design can be shared with Clyde shipyards. I understand the digital issue is, detailed even up to a single screw, and include the build and verification process.
This detailed information sharing was the essence of T26's design. When a small modification in design be adopted in the factory, it is immediately reflected into the ship digital design, and shared.
Also, on the beam broadening, we all know Leander class frigate has a Batch3 broad-beam variant. It worked well, to my understanding, if it is "small increase". Leander Batch3 had 2-feet (~60 cm) of broadening over the original 12.5m beam.
But he does say the second batch of 5 ships is under contract, which I don't think it is. BAE Systems published their half year results last week and didn't mention it. Aware some long-lead items have been ordered.