TKMS
presented its latest range of OPV and patrol Corvettes during IndoDefence,
Indonesia's No.1 tri-service defence event, held in November 2012 in
Jakarta. TKMS was showcasing its FLEXpatrol stealth patrol vessel, its
MEKO 100 Patrol Corvette and its Guardian class OPV. These three classes
of vessels are particularly matching the needs and requirement of South
East Asia region navies. |
On
display at TKMS stand during the event was a model of the MEKO 100 Patrol
Corvette. This class is based on the K130 Corvette (currently in use
with the German Navy) and on a class already selected by a country in
the region: The MEKO 100 Patrol Vessel has indeed been selected by the
Malaysian Navy.
The Patrol Corvette version of the MEKO 100 combines the cost efficiency
of a regular OPV with the enhanced warfighting capabilities of a Corvette
type of vessel. A typical weapon fit would consist in:
» 1x 76mm main gun
» 1x 40mm secondary gun
» 2x 20mm cannon
» 4x Anti-ship missiles
» 8x SAM VLS cells
Sensors would typically consist in 3D Surveillance radar, hull mounted
and towed array sonars, jammer and decoy systems... Such a weapon and
sensor fit makes the MEKO 100 Patrol Corvette a true multi-purpose ship
capable of conducting the full spectrum of modern naval missions (ASUW,
ASW, AAW, Special Operations support, Anti-Piracy, etc.)
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Also showcased
at IndoDefence 2012 (presented on a flat screen) was the MEKO OPV.
Just like the MEKO 100 Patrol Corvette, the OPV version of MEKO is
also based on the original MEKO 100 Patrol Vessel design.
With a mix of commercial and military standards the vessel is a very
flexible and economic solution for customer requirements ranging from
the upper sphere of the military mission spectrum through to coast
guard and even civilian missions.
The MEKO OPV shown at IndoDefence had the following specifications:
» Lenght of 87.30m
» Beam of 13.90m
» Full load displacement of 1,820 tons
» Crew of 78 sailors
» Propulsion: 2x MTU 12V 1163 TB93 (4,400 Kw each)
The MEKO OPV is equipped with a large helicopter deck and may carry
modules to provide adequate utility spaces for temporary berthing
of Special Forces, disaster victims or refugees, or the temporary
storage of emergency supplies.
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Finally
TKMS was showcasing the futuristic FLEXpatrol multi-mission patrol vessel.
Even tough no models or interactive screens were on display to showcase
this particular class (we were told logistic choices had to be made),
several TKMS experts on this class were present at IndoDefence to present
the vessel to official delegations. They agreed to give some information
about this avant-garde ship to Navy Recognition.
Based on the Swedish Navy Visby class (and not MEKO) the FLEXpatrol
revolves around the GHOST system (Genuine, Holistic, Stealth) which
aims at reducing all emissions from the ship (radar, acoustic, infra-red,
and electromagnetic). Just like with the Visby class, one of the main
requirements with FLEXpatrol is stealth. However, while Visby class
ships are very customized and dedicated ship per request from the Swedish
Navy, the FLEXpatrol other focus is versatility: It clearly is a multi-role
vessel capable of carrying modular mission modules in order to conduct
very different and very dedicated missions.
The FLEXpatrol is a fast moving, extremely versatile vessel requiring
split-second decision making procedures. Accrued operational experience
on the Visby corvettes has led us to believe in the shortest possible
chains of communication between CIC, nautical and engine personal, a
fact leading up to the one-station SuperBridge design. Each work station
is interactive, a feature contributing to high grades of redundancy
and the speeding up of processes.
The FLEXpatrol’s landing deck and hangar accommodate aircraft
of up to five tons, as for example the Eurocopter, SeaLynx, Bo-108 etc.
Obviously the same aircraft facilities are the ideal platform for deploying
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
The FLEXpatrol’s drive chain comprises of four 3.4 MW diesel engines
coupled to two steerable waterjets with reverse buckets. The drive chain
confi guration guarantees excellent speeds, economic operations and
(paired with the azithruster forward), maximum manoeuvrability. All
diesel exhaust outlets are located beneath the waterline and cooled
in order to reduce IR signatures.
Weaponry and decoys are hidden behind flush fitted flaps in the FLEXpatrol’s
angled hull. This feature, in combination with special coatings, minimize
the bouncing-back of radar signals to emitters, and therefore render
the FLEXpatrol exceptional levels of invisibility to most sensors. The
outstanding stealth properties give eventual weapon deployment all the
benefi ts of the surprise factor.
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