Taiwanese Light Frigate (TLF) will use NCSIST’s XTR-102A2 20 mm RCWS using a pair of T-75 20x102 mm revolver cannons for patrol missions in shallow waters.
The frigates will form the backbone of Taiwan’s navy in the future and will use the indigenously developed RCWS for patrol missions and asymmetric threats (fast boats, UAVs, USVs).
XTR-102A2 is also fielded on Taiwan’s Anping-class coast guard OPVs based on Tuo Chiang-class corvettes minus heavy weaponry (Except the anti-ship missile provision).
The RCWS uses a pair of T-75 revolver cannons based on the U.S.-made M39 revolver cannon for aircraft. The combined fire rate can reach as fast as 2400 RPM, and targets at distances up to two kilometres can be engaged.
NCSIST is not only responsible for XTR-102A2 but also other armaments and sensors of Taiwan’s warships. These include the Hsiung Feng series of anti-ship missiles, TC-2N medium-range air defence missiles, and CS/MPQ-90 multi-function radar.
The new ship will use some of this armament, like 16 Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles and 32 TC-2N air defence missiles from a locally developed VLS. TC-2N’s folding fin structure will allow for quad-packing in the VLS cells. Additionally, extra air defence missiles could be placed by swapping out anti-ship missile launchers (Two anti-ship missiles for eight TC-2N), as is the case for Tuo Chiang-class corvettes.
