Surface Navy 2015: News from the Maritime World

The first Damen STAN PATROL 3007 has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting. The vessel is one of nine that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has ordered from Damen Shipyards. The order features four STAN PATROL 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and a further three STAN PATROL 3007 vessels.

First SPa 3007 for Bahamas. (Photo: Damen)

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The Indonesian Navy acquires 11 Airbus Helicopters AS565 MBe PANTHER helicopters to enhance its ASW capabilities. Scheduled for deliveries within three years, the AS565 MBe airframes will be supplied by Airbus Helicopters to PT Dirgantara Indonesia for outfitting with mission equipment before delivery to the Navy. The mission equipment will include the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system. The ASW helicopters will join a rotorcraft inventory consisting of light EC120 COLIBRI, FENNEC, and BO-105 helicopters.

The Indonesian Navy currently operates one AS565 PANTHER helicopter that can be operated from the DIPONEGORO class (SIGMA type) corvettes. The aircraft pictured here was originally flown by the Indonesian Coast Guard (BASARNAS). (Photo: Indonesian Navy)

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The Royal Moroccan Navy’s frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD (613) has returned to Damen Shipyards Group for her first routine dry-docking at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France after three years of operation. The SIGMA 10513 frigate was built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS). It has been designed in a modular way, using standardised solutions with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. Forming part of three SIGMA type frigates, the TARIK BEN ZIYAD is equipped to conduct traditional naval tasks and maritime security operations, but she also is capable of supporting humanitarian aid operations. The SIGMA concept found in Morocco’s single SIGMA 10513 and two SIGMA 9813 frigates is entirely flexible and can accommodate specific customer platform and combat systems. Modules for a SIGMA type ship can be built at different locations around the world, depending on locally available manpower, skills, and facilities. For the docking of the frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD, the Damen Shiprepair Brest team cooperated closely with the original construction team at DSNS in the Netherlands.

The SIGMA 10513 frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD (613) seen here in the dry dock of Damen Shiprepair Brest is the first of three SIGMA type combatants built for the Royal Moroccan Navy. (Photo: Damen Shipyards Group)

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Poland's Coastal Defence Missile Battalion (Nadbrzezny Dywizjon Rakietowy; NDR) is set to receive a second delivery of the NSM (Naval Strike Missile) Coastal Defence System to fit a second squadron-size unit. The delivery, contracted to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, includes 24 NSM missiles for equipping six road-mobile launchers. A first delivery of 48 NSM missiles was received in 2013 and 2014. A squadron-size unit consists of 23 Jelcz 662/882 vehicles: six Mobile Launch Vehicles (MLV); two Mobile Radar Vehicles (MRV) carrying the TRS-15C ODRA-C radar; Battery Command Vehicles (BCV); Mobile Command Centres (MCC); Command Control Vehicles (CCV); and NSM supply vehicles plus other associated C3 equipment and trailers for energy support. The TRS-15C ODRA-C medium-range 3D surveillance radar, with an instrumented range of 130nm (240km), is provided by PIT-RADWAR S.A. (formerly Bumar Elektronika S.A.). The second delivery will also consist of communications systems that are provided by Polish subcontractors, including Wojskowe Zaklady Elektroniczne S.A (WZE), with which Kongsberg will closely work in an alliance. According to Kongsberg, the NSM Coastal Defence System utilises a command and weapon control system similar to the renowned NASAMS air defence system in use by four NATO countries, including the US. Flying at Mach 0.95, the 500kg NSM is capable of achieving a range of more than 180km (97.2nm). It is a stealth-enhanced missile system utilising GPS/INS guidance plus an imaging infrared (IR) seeker, in-flight data-link, and an automatic target recognition suite. The missile‘s 120kg fragmentation warhead has been developed by MBDA Deutschland-owned TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH. It is coupled with the TDW-developed Programmable Intelligent Multi-Purpose Fuze (PIMPF).

A squadron-size unit of the Polish Coastal Defence Missile Battalion consists of six Mobile Launch Vehicles (MLV). Seen to the left are two Command Control Vehicles (CCV) and a Mobile Radar Vehicle (MRV) carrying the TRS-15C ODRA-C radar. (Photo: Polish Armament Inspectorate)

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The first flight and drop tests for the latest variant of the W88 nuclear warhead are providing data for Scandia National Laboratories to validate designs, improve computer modeling, and update component specifications. The two successful tests, which were conducted in June 2014, provide data for the programme, the W88 ALT 370, to move forward. The Critical Radar Arming and Fuzing Test (CRAFT) was the first flight test of a prototype radar for the W88 ALT 370. CRAFT demonstrated how the radar performed during re-entry through plasma generated by the hypersonic speeds at which the warhead travels. The new radar functioned as expected after launch on a TRIDENT II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a US Navy submarine. The June 2014 CRAFT test was the first of several planned flight tests to demonstrate the upgraded system's performance. It also represented a milestone: the first flight test unit Sandia and its partners, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the Kansas City Plant (KCP), and Pantex, delivered to the US Navy for full-scale testing under the programme. A month later, the first drop test of the W88 ALT 370 programme mimicked a crane accidentally dropping the re-entry body onto a concrete surface to develop evidence that it would remain safe during an accident. Using an unarmed re-entry body, Sandia conducted the test in partnership with LANL, KCP, and Pantex at Sandia’s Drop Tower Facility, using the same handling gear a crane would use to move the weapon, making the test as realistic as possible.

Scandia National Laboratories performed a drop test for the W88 ALT 370 programme at its Drop Tower Facility, designed to replicate a crane accidentally dropping the re-entry body onto a concrete surface. (Photo: Scandia National Laboratories)

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Formally referred to as the Lebanese Coastal Security Craft (LCSC), the first of a new class of Advanced Multi-Mission Platforms (AMPs) has been built by RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames (RHFSF) for the Lebanon Armed Forces Navy (LAF Navy). The 43m LCSC 42, provisionally named TRABLOUS (pending formal commissioning in Lebanon), incorporates ITAR-compliant state-of-the-shelf controls and crew-aiding automation using on-board sensing of watercraft systems such as engines, tanks, environmental sensors, navigational, and weapon’s status. It incorporates a non-militarised, passive Integrated Bridge System (IBS) designed according to the ABS-NIBS Guide for Bridge Design and Navigational Equipment/Systems as well as ABS HSNC and SOLAS classification. The IBS, which includes four wide-screen multifunction workstations for navigation and surveillance, conning, and other operational command and control (C2) functions, was provided and commissioned by Raytheon Anschütz GmbH. In addition to the navigation systems, the IBS incorporates the ship’s automation system, a Closed Circuit Television System, and a forward-looking (FLIR) thermal imaging camera. Surface search X- and S-band radars programmed to Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) software, a full package of navigation sensors, data management software, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) A3, and all other electronic and safety equipment complete the IBS and Command and Surveillance package on the TRABLOUS. Her main propulsion is provided by two MTU 20V 4000m93L diesel engines coupled to Hamilton Jet HT-1000 waterjet propulsors, a proven drive train that maximises power to weight. 

The composite construction of the TRABLOUS makes her extremely rugged, but also very light, and her strength eliminates much of the standard stiffeners and supporting structures that add so much weight to conventional ships. Weight reduction translates directly into greater speed, increased manoeuvrability, and lower fuel consumption (lower cost and better performance), according to RHFSF. The epoxy resin hull is easy and inexpensive to repair and maintain. Launched in January 2014, the LCSC 42 was contracted by the US Department of the Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to Maritime Security Strategies (MSS) of Tampa. RHFSF produced and outfitted the fast patrol boat based on its proprietary ship design. It represents an important step in improving Lebanon’s ability to monitor and patrol its territorial waters and to contribute to international maritime security efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to NAVSEA.

Contracted under the US Government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, the Lebanese Coastal Security Craft (LCSC) will be the most technologically advanced and capable surface asset in the Lebanon Armed Forces Navy’s fleet. Pictured is the first LCSC, TRABLOUS (LCSC 42), during her August 2014 sea trials off Tampa, Florida. (Photo: RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames)

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Vice Admiral Matthieu Borsboom relinquished command of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNlN) on 26 September 2014. Still a major general in his former position as Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces Command, Rob Verkerk has taken over from Borsboom, getting promoted to Lieutenant General as a result. Borsboom has since become head of the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). Verkerk combines his new position as Chief of the Navy with that of Admiral Benelux (ABNL). Verkerk’s star has been rising for many years and the Commando- trained Marine acted as Director of Operations and Chief of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNlMC) from August 2007 until April 2012. Verkerk started his career in 1978 when he joined the RNlN as a cadet at the Royal Naval Institute in Den Helder, known as Koninklijk Instituut voor de Marine (KIM). After having become a commissioned officer with the Dutch Marines in 1982, he held various positions in the Marine Corps, including that of Platoon and Company Commander, and Head of Operations of one of the Marine Infantry Battalions. At the beginning of the millennium, Verkerk served as Head of the Marine Training Centre after which he took up command of the RNlMC’s 2nd Marine Infantry Battalion. Subsequent duties included high-ranking positions at the Marine Corps HQ and in both the Navy and defence staff where he was involved in laying out naval requirements which led to the acquisition of LPD, OPV, and JSS vessels. Verkerk was also very much involved in putting together the 2005 Navy Study, and in giving guidance to the reorganisation of operational Marine Corps units, something, which was largely completed by mid-2014. In the mid-1990s, he was deployed as the Deputy Staff Officer of Operations of the Multinational Brigade (MNB) operating in Bosnia as part of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF). In his new job, Lieutenant General Verkerk reports directly to the Chief of Defence (CHOD) and sits in the Defence Council that is chaired by the Minister of Defence. Now responsible for maintaining readiness of all Dutch naval and Marine units, Verkerk layed out some of his priorities in his acceptance speech. Aiming to consolidate the RNlN after many years of being confronted with budget cuts, the new Chief of Naval Forces will focus on the Navy’s core tasks, avoiding unnecessary reorganisations along the way. Aiming to improve morale amongst personnel, Verkerk wants to increase confidence in the RNlN’s future, for instance by getting decision-makers to increase spending on the fleet. On top of this, he is committed to increasing cooperation with international partners. This includes more cooperation with the German Navy, including its Seebatallion. This unit is a new multifunctional battalion that was established in Eckernförde in April 2014, which includes boarding teams and combat divers amongst others. This move is in line with the May 2013 ministerial declaration of intent under which both Navies will seek to optimise the conduct of combined operations. 

Pieter Bastiaans

Lieutenant General Rob Verkerk (left). (Photo: Royal Netherlands Navy)

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On 29 December 2014, the Peruvian Navy’s fleet logistic support ship BAP TACNA (ARL-158; ex-Royal Netherlands Navy Zr.Ms. “Amsterdam”; A 836) arrived at her new homeport, Callao Naval Base, accompanied by the frigates BAP VILLAVICENCIO (52) and  BAP QUIÑONES (58). After her transfer from Dutch ownership, on 4 December 2014, she departed Den Helder Naval Base six days later. SIMA Shipyard will install the indigenously developed VARAYOC Combat Management System (CMS) and some other Peruvian designed systems. Admiral Carlos Tejada, Commander General of the Peruvian Navy, said: “BAP TACNA will bolster our Navy’s capability to deploy and sustain our units in long-range, out-of-area operations. Her capability to embark helicopters also gives the navy the means for persistent patrolling of its EEZ [Economic Exclusive Zone] and maritime zones. And because Peru is located in a region where earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions can occur frequently, she is a valuable asset for civilian emergencies and disaster relief missions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.” The next day, Adm. Tejada handed over the helm of the Marina de Guerra del Peru (MGP) to Admiral Edmundo Deville in a ceremony at the Naval Academy in La Punta, Lima. One of the most forward-thinking military officers and enlightened leaders of his generation, Admiral Tejada superbly handled the enormous challenges of rejuvenating the MGP. His work has been epic. Without any doubt, he can be regarded as the ‘father’ of the new MGP.

The logistic support ship BAP TACNA (ARL-158) arriving in her new homeport Callao, Peru; showed on her bridge are (f.r.t.l.) Admiral Carlos Tejada, President Ollanta Humala, and Minister of Defence Pedro Cateriano Bellido. (Photo: Guy Toremans)

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Mönch is exhibiting at Surface Navy 2015. Please stop by and grab a magazine.