Why a Fletcher-style hull is a poor basis for an optionally crewed sloop

Would a Fletcher-sized heritage hull make a good basis for an optionally crewed missile sloop?

No. A modern design needs more beam, purpose-built volume, stability, and structural margins; current large-USV and Type 32 concepts are better starting points.

Replacing a Fletcher's steam plant does not automatically provide usable VLS space in the required position. Removing torpedoes offers another possibility, but the response still favours more beam. A panel member recalls a naval-architecture assignment that attempted to turn a Gearing hull into a modern frigate and encountered stability and structural problems. Current large-USV design proposals are suggested as better examples of the volume and arrangements required. The Gearing example supports the warning by analogy rather than documenting a completed Fletcher conversion.