F126 class - Model for small scale printing 3D print model

The F126-class, also known as the MKS180 or K131, is a class of frigates designed for the German Navy. Since the Brandenburg-class will leave service within the 2030s, Germany was forced to build a replacement which can not only replace the capabilities of the old class, but also match the designs of other nations around the world. To achieve this, Germany gave the Damen Shipyards Group of the Netherlands the contract to design and build the class. However, due to a recent change in politics, all ships are planned to be built in Germany in the shipyard Blohm + Voss in Hamburg. Roughly six Billion Euros are calculated to build four units, with the addition of two further units being possible. The first ship is planned to enter service in 2028, as of May 2023.

Since the capabilties of other nations had to be matched with this class, especially in the e-warfare sector and ASW, the class of ships is planned to be the biggest and most expensive class Germany has ever built. As weaponry, a 16-cell Mk 41 VLS, a 127mm cannon and 8 Kongsberg NSM as well as 2 RIM-116 RAM are ready at hand, combined with a powerful radar from Thales and ESM and ELINT suite. However, the high amount of weaponry comes at the price of speed and size. Despite the modern CODLAD system the class wont be able to reach 30 knots speed, due to the high tonnage. Clocking it at more than 10.000 tonnes these frigates are as large as the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers of the US Navy, setting them on the first place as largest frigates in the world. Despite the size however, the class is planned to require only half the amount of crew than its American counterpart, due to a high amount of automation.

The construction of the F126-class is a large step in the German naval weaponry, increasing the tonnage drastically. As three Brandeburg-class roughly match the size of one F126-class, questions arose if the size is justified, as well if the classification as frigate shall be retained. Especially when considering that the also planned F127-class is bound to grow even larger, trying to match the Arleigh-Burke-class of the US Navy, a clear trend becomes visible. The increase in military funding during the Russo-Ukrainian war also sparked the discussion about the German position within NATO and its stance towards its military. Due to that reason, it is yet unknown if four or six of these units will be built. No names have been assigned yet, though it is likely that they will be named after the German states Bremen, Niedersachsen, Saarland and Thüringen as they are the only states without ships bearing their name.

Note: This model is recommended to be used in the 1/2000 scale. The models itself isnt scaled, the scale table is down below.

1/4000: 4,15cm or 1.63in

1/3000: 5,53cm or 2.17in

1/2000: 8,3cm or 3.26in

1/1000: 16,6cm or 6.53in

For self calculation: The F126-class will be roughly 166m or 544ft long.

The model is intended to be used with little supports as possible, yet some are recommended below the barrel of the main gun. I recommend using a resin printer for this. Up and Downsclaling might be possible, yet I dont know to what extend.

If you face issues with the model, have questions or want to propose some changes, please reach out to me, I am always happy to help. I am also open for suggetions for new ships which I havent done yet, as I am looking to expand my catalogue of ships.