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Kelvin Hughes supplies its SharpEye navigation radar to Republic of Singapore Navy for LMVs.

9 Aug, 2016 13:48 | 2016

Naval Defense Industry News - UK, Singapore

Kelvin Hughes supplies its SharpEye navigation radar to Republic of Singapore Navy for LMVs

Kelvin Hughes, a world leader in the design and supply of navigation and security surveillance systems, is delighted to announce that it is supplying its SharpEye™ navigation radar for the Republic of Singapore Navy's Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) programme.

A unique design feature of the LMVs is the co-location of the ship's vital controls in an Integrated Command Centre. This area in the ship houses the LMV's Bridge, Combat Information Centre, and Machinery Control Room - which are usually housed in separate parts of a warship.
Picture of LMV Independence by RSN/ Chua Soon Lye

The lead ship of the fleet, Independence, was delivered in May of this year equipped with two I-Band (X-band) SharpEye™ systems. A further seven vessels will be similarly equipped with the same I-Band SharpEye™ systems.

These eight new LMVs will replace the Singapore Navy's current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels and is configurable to undertake a wide spectrum of operations.

With its solid-state technology, SharpEye™ does not require a magnetron and transmits a low power, patented pulse sequence. Doppler processing adds another dimension to the analysis of the radar returns and increases the probability of detection of targets. Through a series of electronic filters, SharpEye™ is able to distinguish between targets of interest and clutter caused by adverse weather conditions. Customisable waveforms can be configured for specific threats and to track specific targets, such as helicopters.

Kelvin Hughes SharpEye Upmast Radar with carbon composite housing at DSEI
Photo: Navy Recognition

Alan Koong, Kelvin Hughes' Regional Sales Manager, commented: "We're delighted to be helping the Republic of Singapore Navy to maximise the effectiveness of its new LMV fleet. This is a further vote of confidence in our industry-leading SharpEye™ technology which is currently being employed by 27 of the world's navies."

The names of the RSN's eight LMVs are RSS Independence, RSS Sovereignty, RSS Unity, RSS Justice, RSS Indomitable, RSS Fortitude, RSS Dauntless, and RSS Fearless.

The eight Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) will replace the Navy’s Fearless Class Patrol Vessels. The LMVs will be able to carry out maritime security operations and safeguarding of our sea lines of communication more effectively and efficiently. Although larger in size, the LMVs with the innovative design, will be able to operate with a leaner crew size. Adopting the concept of “mission modularity”, these vessels are highly configurable and can embark on a range of mission modules to meet the specific mission needs. The first LMV will be delivered to the Navy in first quarter of 2016.

The LMV sensor suite will include:
Thales NS100 3D Surveillance Radar
Kelvin Hughes Sharpeye Navivation Radar
Stelop Compass D EO Director and 360 degrees all round Surveillance System

The LMV weapon systems will include:
An Oto Melara 76mm main gun
MBDA VL Mica surface to air missiles
Oto Melara 12.7mm Hitrole remote weapon stations
Rafale 25mm Typhoon remote weapon station

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Kelvin Hughes supplies its SharpEye navigation radar to Republic of Singapore Navy for LMVs.