Ok im not putting down or doubting the Spanish F100 design. But I think we need something a little more accomidating to us to actually patrol the worlds oceans (Spain doesnt). As TH mentioned the shallow draft and manuverability are definately required. They should also consider since they want to patrol the world oceans that the bow section be kept dry or fairly dry but with a shallow draft this will require some tedious design work considering its design and displacement. When I stated better armed and faster I have read up on the first LCS (Hull #LCS O1) USS Freedom and found her to be armed very well as far as protection and detection as well as fast (40-50 sprint speed). The only thing I dont like is the 5"/62 on the front of her. The updated version (Mk 45 Mod 4) is stated to have a range of 60 nautical miles if im correct (better then 21 miles originally). IMO 5"/62 isint big enough for her. The range is excellent but why not a larger caliber say 6"-8"? The older Mk16 8" Auto loading gun i think is much more sutible (perhaps a newer and more compact upgrade) albeit older for greater punching power at shorter ranges outside of the CIWS coverage and not within reasonable missle range. This would be for the area that lies between CIWS coverage and missle shots. If your going into rivers etc CIWS wont help unless a mortar or missle is fired at the ship unless ofcoarse modified. Its really an awesome looking design but IMO the Navy needs to get away from the 5" guns and go larger armament of all its ships. Remember the service life is 20 years on that hull and with how fast technologies change IMO 5"/62 isint enough. Ouside out that an awesome looking boat
