American radar, sonar, and weapons choices changed the superstructure, hull lines, and internal relationships of the FREMM parent. The derivative is described as about 500 tons heavier and 23.6 feet longer, with margin and future growth given as the reason. NAVSEA's approach is characterized here as applying NATO standards at their most demanding level. The likely standards baseline is inferred to be the Arleigh Burke, since the Navy had recent destroyer experience and had not built a true frigate for years. This is a deduction about the starting document, rather than a demonstrated account of how each standard was written. Using the latest successful standards would have been intended to avoid LCS weaknesses, but could also bring destroyer requirements into the frigate. The proposed alternative is to establish a more modest baseline through the first Legend-derived ships and improve later flights.
Chapter · 44:32-48:58
Hull changes and the inferred influence of Burke standards
The hull grew as American systems were incorporated, while the discussion infers that recent destroyer standards shaped the new frigate requirements.