According to information published by the U.S. DoD on June 17, 2022, the Navy has exercised the second option for the Constellation Class Frigate program, the USS Chesapeake (FFG 64).
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Artist rendering of future Constellation class guided missile frigate USS Chesapeake (Picture source: U.S. Navy)
The USS Chesapeake is the third ship in the class and has been awarded to shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) after successful completion of the class Critical Design Review milestone.
The program also recently successfully completed the Critical Design Review milestone in May, and is proceeding to Production Readiness Review and start of production for the lead ship, USS Constellation (FFG 62).
On April 30, 2020, FMM was awarded the contract for the design, construction, and delivery of the first 10 FFG 62 class ships.
The Constellation Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG 62) will be a highly capable and survivable multi-mission platform designed for operations in blue water and littoral environments.
The frigates are designed to operate independently or as part of Carrier/Expeditionary Strike Group or a Surface Action Group, and are manned and equipped for Navy Composite Warfare and Joint Maritime Operations.
About Constellation class frigate
F/MM officials state that its FFG-62 design is based on the Italian variant, which has a length of 496.1 feet (144,59 m), a beam of 64.6 feet (19.69 m), a draft of 28.5 feet ( 8.68 m) and a displacement of 6,900 tons.
The FFG-62 will be powered by Combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion system and will be able to reach a top speed of 26 knots (48 km/h) with a maximum cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles at 16 knots (30 km/h).
