The Future Surface Combatant (FSC) is a new class of ships designed from the outset to represent and protect UK interests world-wide in the increasingly unpredictable world of the twenty first century. 

This demands an unprecedented flexibility of purpose.  It also demands the enduring ability to adapt both to face emerging threats and to embrace the emerging technologies that may counter them. 

It is an exciting opportunity and a challenge for the Royal Navy and the UK defence industry.

The Future Surface Combatant (FSC) is the Royal Navy’s plan to look at designing a future warship that will eventually replace the Type 22 and Type 23 Frigates when they come to the end of their operational working lives. The FSC, which is still in its conceptual design stage, will be versatile, affordable and will be a maritime platform that can be deployed through life across the spectrum of defence missions, ranging from peace support to high intensity warfare.

The two major new developments to come with the FSC are the possible incorporation of a trimaran hull and the implementation of electric motors to power the ship.

A trimaran (three-hulled) ship would be a high profile, revolutionary design that would offer the benefits of being more stable in rougher sea states, more efficient in the water (less drag) and give more deck space to install weapons systems and allow more area for landing helicopters on the flight deck. As well as being more comfortable for the crew operating the FSC, greater stability allows communications equipment to be stored higher in the ship, which would improve the performance of the transmitters and receivers.

The other alternative is a monohull based around the existing Type 45 hull. There would be significant financial savings by converting this current design for the FSC.

The other major technological breakthrough the Royal Navy could benefit from is the use of Electric Propulsion motors. Defence Procurement Minister Baroness Symons said: "The introduction of electric ship propulsion may be as significant as the change from sail to steam.

It could mean the warships and submarines of the future would be more effective, would be better places for their crews to live and work on, and would be built and operated at a lower cost to the taxpayer. The work now underway will place the Royal Navy and the French Navy at the forefront of this exciting technological development.

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