Belgian
Navy Frigate Léopold I (Karel Doorman class) out of dry dock following
refit
Belgian Navy frigate Leopold I came out of drydock in Den Helder (Netherlands)
this Thursday, August 9, 2012 following modernization and repair work
conducted over a few months.
Leopold I Frigate in dry dock during refit (Picture:
Belgian Navy)
Since August 2011, the multi-role frigate was anchored
in the Dutch marine base in order to undergo planned refit which is
necessary to
the life cycle of ships. During this period the vessel was also fitted
with equipment to better meet its operational missions such as for example
the fight against piracy. New means of detection have been added such
as the Seastar and Gatekeeper sensor systems by Thales.
Seastar is a non-rotating active phased array radar
for naval surface surveillance. The system automatically detects and
tracks asymmetric threats and very small objects such as swimmers and
periscopes in all weather conditions. Seastar can also be used for helicopter
guidance.
Gatekeeper is a 360° panoramic electro-optical surveillance and
alerter system based on IR/TV technology. Designed to counter emerging
asymmetric threats down to small boats and swimmers, Gatekeeper increases
short-range situational awareness in littoral environments.
The Belgian Navy Frigate Leopold I (F930)
is a Karel Doorman class frigate. Prior to March 2007, the ship was
known as the HNLMS Karel Doorman (F827). It is one of the two frigates
of this class that was purchased by Belgium from the Netherlands in
December 2005.
Frigates of this class displace 2,800 tonnes and measure 122 meters
long. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots. They are equipped
with 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, 16 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air
missiles launched from VLS tubes, torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
Their main gun is a 76mm by Oto Melara. Vessel of the class also have
a Thales Goalkeeper Close-in Weapon System .
