Сlass frigate - Fridtjof Nansen

The Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates are the main surface combatant units of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The ships are named after famous Norwegian explorers, with the lead ship of the class bearing the name of Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian scientist, explorer and humanitarian. Five ships were ordered from Spanish shipbuilder Bazan (now Navantia). As of 2011, five ships are in active service. The total projected cost for all five ships is NOK 21 billion.

Design

The frigates were originally intended as a replacement for the aging Oslo-class frigates, with a primary focus on antisubmarine warfare (ASW). Eventually, the need for a robust anti-aircraft defense as well as the possibility of incorporating the Naval Strike Missile SSM produced by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace led to a more multi-role design. The selection of Navantia as prime contractor led to the design being very similar to the Spanish Navy's Alvaro de Bazan-class frigates, including the incorporation of Lockheed Martin's AEGIS combat system.

Improvements

The new frigates will prove a great improvement over their predecessors, the Oslo-class frigates, not only in size, but also in personnel, capabilities and equipment. Compared to the old Oslo-class vessels, the new ships will be 35 meters longer, nine meters taller and two meters deeper below water. They will also be five meters broader and have three times the water displacement of the old ships. This will go a great way to solving one of the problems with the Oslo class: lack of space and much discomfort for the crew. The frigates will also operate six new NFH NH90 helicopters, with the role as an extended "arm" of the frigates' ASW and ASuW capabilities.

Current activities

On 26 February 2009, the Norwegian government decided to deploy Fridtjof Nansen to the Gulf of Aden, thereby participating in the ongoing Operation Atalanta, the European Union's counter-piracy campaign in Somalia. Fridtjof Nansen joined the campaign in August 2009.
Fridtjof Nansen's engagement in Operation Atalanta was carried out without a permanently stationed helicopter. Mainly due to delays in delivery of the new NH-90, the ship was equipped with two ultra-fast RHIBs as a replacement for its onboard contingent of marine infantry. In November 2009 she became involved in a firefight with suspected pirates after being attacked while inspecting a fishing vessel.

Сlass submarine - Ula

he Ula class is a Norwegian submarine type which was assembled in Germany in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The class, consisting of 6 vessels, is currently the only submarine type in service with the Royal Norwegian Navy.

History

The ordering of a new Norwegian submersible design stemmed from a 1972 decision to modernize the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) submarine flotilla, which then consisted of the aging Kobben class submarines.
The construction of the vessels was an international project. The combat systems were made in Norway by Kongsberg, the attack sonar is German and the flank sonars French . The hull sections were produced in Norway, and then assembled in Germany by Thyssen Nordseewerke, Emden . In Germany, the design is known as the U-Boot-Klasse 210.
When commissioned Ulas were the first Norwegian submarines with bedding for the entire crew and a shower.
The Ula class submarines are among the most silent and maneuverable submarines in the world. This, in combination with the relatively small size, makes them difficult to detect from surface vessels and ideal for operations in coastal areas. The Ula class submarines are regarded as both the most effective and cost-effective weapons in the RNoN.

Missions

In recent years, several submarines of the Ula class have been deployed in the Mediterranean Sea in support of the NATO Operation Active Endeavour, where their intelligence gathering ability have surpassed expectations. Their operational availability proved to be the highest of all the ships taking part in the operation. However, this deployment has highlighted the need to make the Ula class submarines better able to keep temperatures from getting too high for the crew when operating in warm waters. As a response to this, the HNoMS Ula have now been "tropicalized" by installing new cooling systems , and two more of the class are due for "tropicalization".

Future plans

 

During the period 2006-2008, the Ula class will be modernized. Most notably, the submarines will get new communication equipment , new electronic warfare support measures and a periscope upgrade. In May 2008, the contract for new sonars was signed. The first submarine will have new sonar in 21 months time, and the last in 52 months (mil.no article). The Ula class will probably be kept in service until 2020.

Сlass replenishment ship - Berlin

The Type 702 Berlin class replenishment ships are the largest vessels of the Deutsche Marine (German Navy). In German, this type of ship is called Einsatzgruppenversorger which can be translated as task force supplier though the official translation in English is combat support ship, or in military parlance, a replenishment oiler.
They are intended to support German naval units away from their home ports. The ships carry fuel, provisions, ammunition and other matériel and also provide medical services. The ships are named after German cities where German parliaments were placed.
The initial requirement of the German navy was for two ships of this class. A third unit is under construction by a consortium of several German shipyards and is scheduled for delivery in late 2012.

General characteristics

 

• Builder: Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, Flensburg, Germany
• Power Plant: 2 × MAN Diesel 12V 32/40 diesel-engines, 5,340 kW each; 2 reduction gears, 2 controllable pitch four-bladed propellers, 1 bow thruster
• Length: 173.7 m (569 ft 11 in)
• Beam: 24 m (78 ft 9 in)
• Displacement: 20,240 tonnes
• Capacity: 9330 tonnes of fuel oil, aviation fuel and fresh water
• Cargo space: 550 tonnes mixed cargo
• Speed: 20 kn (37 km/h)
• Aircraft: 2 × Sea King or MH90 helicopters
• Armament: 4 × MLG 27 mm autocannons, Stinger surface to air missile (MANPADS),
• Crew: 139 (+ 94), plus hospital capacity of 43 patients

Сlass replenishment ship - Elbe

The Type 404 Elbe class replenishment ships of the German Navy were built to support its squadrons of Fast Attack Craft, submarines and minesweeper/hunters, as such they are usually referred to as tenders.
The ships carry fuel, fresh water, food, ammunition and other matériel. They also have a medical station aboard but doctors are not part of their standard complement and will have to be flown in. The tender also manage waste disposal for the ships they support at sea and can carry out minor repairs of assigned ships. For this purpose Elbe class tenders assigned to FAC squadrons, for example, carry the SUG repair and support shop specialized for these boats on their deck in a set of 13 standard containers.
Extensive communication gear and accommodations enable them to serve as squadron flagship.
While in general all Elbe class tenders are quickly configurable to be reassigned to support other squadrons, one of the six ships is usually modified to support German submarines - carrying batteries for reloading for example. This ship - currently A515 Main - while still being of the same class, and easily reconfigurable - is often named as a separate "sub-class" due to this larger modification.

 

Сlass corvette - Braunschweig

The K130 Braunschweig class (sometimes Korvette 130) is Germany's newest class of ocean-going corvettes. They supplement the Gepard class fast attack craft that are currently used.

Technical details

 

They feature reduced radar and infra-red signature ("stealth" beyond the Sachsen class frigate) and will be equipped with two helicopter UAVs for remote sensing. Recently, the German Navy ordered a first batch of 6 Camcopter S-100 UAVs for the use on the Braunschweig class corvettes. Also the German Army plans to procure the Camcopter S-100 for land-based missions. The hangar is too small for standard helicopters, but the pad is large enough for Sea Kings, Lynx or NH-90s, the helicopters of the German Navy.
Originally the K130-class was supposed to be armed with the naval version of the Polyphem missile, an optical fiber-guided missile with a range of 60 km, which at the time was under development. The Polyphem program was canceled in 2003 and instead the designers chose to equip the class with the RBS-15. While the RBS-15 has a much greater range (250 km), the current version mounted on the ships, Mk3, lacks the ECM-resistant video feedback of the Polyphem. The German Navy has ordered the RBS-15 Mk4 in advance, which will be a future development of the Mk3 with increased range (400 km) and a dual seeker for increased resistance to electronic countermeasures.

Difficulty of Classification

Vessels of this class do not have an executive officer (German: Erster Offizier). Traditionally, in the Germany navy this was used as a rule to classify a vessel as a boat, not a ship. In a press release the German Navy states that these corvettes will be called ships nonetheless because of their size, armament and endurance. The commanding officer wields the same disciplinary power as a German Army company commander, not that of a battalion commander as is the case with the larger German warships such as frigates. However, in size, armament, protection and role these corvettes resemble modern Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) frigates, the main difference being the total absence of any Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) related sensors or weapons.

Technical problems

The new lightweight gearing of the corvettes has experienced severe problems. Until the Swiss contractor for the gearing, MAAG of Winterthur, Switzerland, for whom this was the first contract with the German Navy, can remedy the constructional deficiencies which have been identified early in the operation of the first vessels the commissioning of the three not yet commissioned corvettes has been delayed. They, as well as the first two already commissioned units, are currently laid up and unable to go to sea until the projected changes to the gearing have been effected. While the corvettes were originally projected to be commissioned between May 2007 and February 2009 operational capability is currently expected for mid 2011.

Сlass frigate - Sachsen

The F124 Sachsen class is Germany's latest class of highly advanced air-defense frigates. The design of the Sachsen class frigate is based on that of the F123 Brandenburg class but with enhanced stealth features intended to deceive any opponent's radar and acoustic sensors and incorporate also the advanced multifunction radar APAR as well as the SMART-L long-range radar which is claimed to be capable of detecting stealth aircraft and stealth missiles. Although designated as frigates, they are in capability and size comparable to destroyers.
With 2.1 billion Euro for only three ships, this was one of the most expensive ship building programs of the German Navy. They are similar to the Dutch De Zeven Provinciën class frigates. Both the Sachsen class and the De Zeven Provinciën class frigates are based on the use of a common primary anti-air warfare system built around the APAR and SMART-L radars and the area-defence SM-2 Block IIIA and point-defence Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) surface-to-air missiles.
In June 1996 the German government contracted for three ships with an option on a fourth that was provisionally to have been named as the Thüringen, but the option for this fourth ship was not taken up.
The F124 class frigates are larger and much more capable in all aspects than the Lütjens class destroyers, which they replaced.

Anti-Air Warfare

These ships were optimized for the anti-air warfare role. For this role the ships are equipped with an advanced sensor and weapons suite. The primary sensors for this role are the long range surveillance radar SMART-L and the multi-function radar APAR. The SMART-L and APAR are highly complementary, in the sense that SMART-L is a D band radar providing very long range surveillance while APAR is an I band radar providing precise target tracking, a highly capable horizon search capability, and missile guidance using the Interrupted Continuous Wave Illumination (ICWI) technique, thus allowing guidance of 32 semi-active radar homing missiles in flight simultaneously, including 16 in the terminal guidance phase. The primary anti-air weapons are the point defence ESSM and the area defence SM-2 Block IIIA.

Missiles

 

The ship's medium and long-range anti-air missiles are the Raytheon ESSM and the SM-2 Block IIIA, which are fired from a VLS Mk-41 32-cell launcher. Sachsen successfully completed firing trials with ESSM and SM-2 in July / August 2004.
The F124 has two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Mk-31 launchers and two four-cell Harpoon missile launchers. The RAM missile from Raytheon and RAM Systems GmbH, is a fire-and-forget missile which provides short-range defense against incoming anti-ship missiles including sea-skimming missiles. The Boeing Harpoon is an autonomous all-weather anti-ship missile with range in excess of 65 nautical miles (120 km).

Guns

The F124 is equipped with an Oto Melara 76mm gun, and two Rheinmetall MLG 27 remote controlled autocannons.
A KMW PzH 2000 howitzer turret with a 155mm gun has been mounted on the deck of Hamburg as a demonstration of the feasibility of the system for naval applications. The concept is called MONARC and requires a flexible elastic mounting. MONARC has a range of 22 nmi (41 km). Live fire trials were conducted in September 2003.

Sensor suite

 

The radars include the Thales Nederland SMART-L long-range surveillance radar, the Thales Nederland APAR multi-function radar, and two STN Atlas 9600-M ARPA navigation radars.
The ship is also equipped with the Thales Nederland Sirius IRST long-range infra-red surveillance and tracking sensor. The STN Atlas MSP 500 electro-optical fire control system provides target acquisition and tracking for the main gun. The bow sonar is the STN Atlas Elektronik DSQS-24B.

Propulsion

The F124 is equipped with a combined diesel and gas propulsion system, CODAG. The two operating shafts work independently. The diesel engines are installed in a non-walkable sound-proof capsule. The shafts drive two five-bladed controllable pitch propellers.
In diesel mode, one of the diesel engines (type MTU 20V 1163 TB93) is operated via two main gearboxes and one cross-connection gearbox. The peak performance of the diesel provides 7,400 kW at 1,350 rpm.
The ship has an operating range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 km) at a cruising speed of 18 knots (33 km/h) in diesel mode.
In gas turbine mode, the gas turbine (model GE7 LM2500 PF/MLG) provides 23,500 kW and 3,600 rpm, operating two main gearboxes and the cross-connection gearbox.
In combined diesel and gas propulsion mode (CODAG-mode), both diesel engines and the gas turbine engine are operated. The maximum speed of the ship is 29 knots (54 km/h).

Helicopter

The flight deck and hangar accommodate two NH90 helicopters. The flight deck is rated to accommodate a 15t class helicopter such as the Merlin, for fuelling and torpedo loading. The helicopter handling system from MBB-Förder und Hebesysteme uses laser guided and computer controlled manipulator arms to secure the helicopter after landing.

Counter Measures

The ship's electronic countermeasures suite includes an EADS Systems and Defence Electronics FL1800 SII ECM system and six Sippican Hycor SuperRBOC launchers which fire chaff and flares. Electronic support measures are provided by EADS Systems and Defence Electronics Maigret CESM (Communications ESM).

Live Missile Firings

 

In August 2004, the Sachsen completed a series of live missile firings at the Point Mugu missile launch range off the coast of California that included a total of 11 ESSM and 10 SM-2 Block IIIA missiles. The tests included firings against target drones such as the Northrop Grumman BQM-74E Chukar III and Teledyne Ryan BQM-34S Firebee I, as well as against missile targets such as the Beech AQM-37C and air-launched Kormoran 1 anti-ship missiles.

Сlass frigate - Brandenburg

The F123 Brandenburg class is a class of German frigate. They were ordered by the German Navy in June 1989, and then completed and commissioned between 1994 and 1996 to replace the Hamburg class destroyers. These frigates primarily carry out antisubmarine warfare, but they also contribute to antiaircraft warfare defenses, the tactical command of squadrons, and surface-to-surface warfare operations. Their design includes some stealth features.
Currently the F123 class is being upgraded under the auspices of the Fähigkeitsanpassung FüWES (FAF) project. The primary component being upgraded under this program is the Combat Management System, for which a version of the Thales Nederland TACTICOS system will be used. The ships will also receive an IFF upgrade, to the EADS MSSR 2000 I secondary radar system. However, its primary radars, specifically its long-range 2D search radar, the Thales Nederland LW08, and its medium-range 3D surveillance radar, the Thales Nederland SMART-S, are to remain.

 

 

Сlass frigate - Bremen

The eight F122 Bremen class frigates of the German Navy were commissioned between 1982 and 1990. The design is similar to the Dutch Kortenaer class but uses a different hull and propulsion system. The ships were built for anti-submarine warfare as a primary task even though they are not fitted with towed array sonars. They are also suited for anti-aircraft warfare and anti-surface warfare.
This class of ship was one of the last to be constructed under post-war displacement limitations imposed by the WEU on West Germany.
All eight Bremen class frigates will be replaced by the planned F125 class frigates, starting probably around 2016. Until then, the Bremen class serves as the backbone of the German Navy.

Employment

 

During the Cold War period, the ships' main war task was to escort convoys for reinforcement and resupply of Allied forces in Europe. They frequently took part in NATO Standing Naval Forces. Since 1990, all ships have served in additional supporting missions such as the embargo operations against former Yugoslavia in the Adriatic Sea or Operation Enduring Freedom against the international terrorism.
During their lifetime, the ships' equipment has frequently been modernised and a further adaptation of combat systems is foreseen in near future.
The Karlsruhe successfully assisted an Egyptian freighter repel pirates on December 25, 2008 in the Gulf of Ade

Multipurpose frigate FREMM

The FREMM Multipurpose Frigate (French Frégate multi-mission or Italian Fregata multi-missione) is a ship designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri to operate in anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, and be capable of carrying out deep strikes against land targets.
The French Navy plans to operate eleven FREMM frigates, and the Marina Militare ten. The first commissionings are expected in 2012. The ships will be built in France by Armaris (owned by DCNS), and in Italy by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (a joint venture between shipbuilder Fincantieri and aerospace firm Finmeccanica ). This arrangement extends the partnerships forged for development of the Horizon CNGFs (Common New Generation Frigates).

Versions

 

Three versions of the frigates are planned: one anti-submarine version, one anti-aircraft version (FR) FREDA and a general-purpose (IT) version. French and Italians will use these with some equipment which will differ between the two countries. The French are considering an anti-aircraft version called FREDA, which will replace the two units of the Cassard class.
In spite of the existence of three different versions of the FREMM, their design as well as most of their armament will be similar.

Common equipment

 

• MU 90 torpedoes
• MBDA Aster SAAM in SYLVER launchers
• Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun (with Davide ammunition on Italian version)
• NH90 helicopter, with capability for EH101, Cougar and Caracal
• Thales UMS 4410 CL Hull sonar suite.
• Two Sigen RECM jammer

French-specific equipement

 

• IRST Thales Artemis
• Terma Scanter 2001 radar
• Sagem Najir fire control system for the 76mm canon
• Héraklès radar
• SETIS combat system
• NGDS decoy launcher
• Two Nexter 20mm
• MM-40 Exocet block 3, for naval and land attack
• Two additional Sylver A70 for 16 SCALP Naval cruise missile with a range up to 1000 km
• Samahé helicopter handling system

Italian-specific equipment

 

• IRST Galileo Avionica SASS
• NA-25 DARDO-F fire control system for the 76mm cannon
• EMPAR radar
• SAMP-SD combat system
• SCLAR - H decoy system
• Two Sylver A70 systems
• Two Oto Melara/Oerlikon 25mm
• Teseo\Otomat Mk-2/A block 4, for naval and land attack
• A second Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun on the hangar
• TC-ASIST helicopter handling syst

Anti-submarine version

 

• Towed sonar : Captas UMS 4249
• MILAS ASW missile (Italian only)

Italian land attack version

 

The Land attack version is dubbed GP ("General Purpose")

• Otobreda 127/64 LW with Vulcano guided ammunition with a range up to 120 km

French anti-air version and Italian improvements

 

The anti-air version is dubbed FREDA ("Frégates de défense aériennes", "Air defence frigate"). Following the cancellation of the third and fourth Horizon class frigates, the French Navy has started studies for an anti-air version of the FREMM, called FREDA.
The FREDA could carry up to 32 Aster 30 & Aster 15 and a more powerful version of the Herakles radar. They would also have the standard armament of one 76 mm gun, two 20 mm guns and 8 Exocet missiles and torpedoes. This version also offert improvement of the SETIS combat system for the air defense role
Also all the Italian ships will carry the Aster 30, with an improved Anti Aircracft system. But no specific names are given to this modificatio

 

Class frigate - Maestrale

The Maestrale class is a class of frigate in the Marina Militare (Italian Navy). The class is composed of eight vessels, all of which were built by Fincantieri S.p. A, Riva Trigoso, except for Grecale, which was built by Fincantieri S.p.A. - Muggiano, La Spezia.
The Maestrale class frigates were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare, however the ships are highly flexible so they are also capable of anti-air and anti-surface operations. Ships of this class have been widely used in various international missions, either under NATO or ONU flag, and during normal operations of the Italian Navy.
The first of these ships entered in service in early 1982. The rest of the fleet was launched over the next three years. The ships of the Maestrale class are scheduled to be replaced by the Rinascimento class starting in 2011.

Design

These ships were built with the experience and the technology already developed for the previous Lupo class. The Maestrale were quite bigger and heavier, so they were slower, but still capable of around 32 knots. The ships have a large superstructure, with one large turret and only one funnel. There are two trees, one of which is quite low, the other much taller. The superstructure continues without interruption until the hangar, and is made, as usual, with light allowys.
The propulsion system is based on two gas-turbine LM-2500 and two diesel engines, in a Combined diesel and gas configuration, that make use of diesel for cruising and turbines for high speed. The only problem with this configuration, which is highly economical, is to make the diesel engines powerful enough to achieve sufficient cruising speed without overloading them, or assist them with a continuous use (at low, uneconomical power) of the turbines. In this case, the solution, already developed for the Lupo class ships, was successful. The ships have a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h).

Armament

The Maestrale class ships are armed with an array of systems. Mounted on the foredeck is an Otobreda 127 mm gun, capable of shooting 40 rounds per minute. Despite its large size, it was possible to fit it in the relatively small hull, since the Lupo class ships were fitted with the same weapon. It has 66 shells on three ready-fire carousels. It also had low reaction times and high elevation, with a 32 kg shells and 23 km range.
The ships also carry the Albatross missile system, with an octuple cell capable of firing Sea Sparrow or Aspide missiles. This modern weapon contains a monopulse guide and a powerful rocket-engine, and advanced flight controls. The ships carry a supply of 16 missiles, and the system is reloaded by a Riva-Calzoni system, which is capable of loading up to four missiles at once, making virtually all the missiles in the magazine ready to be launched.
After the turret there are two CIWS DARDO, with 2x40mm L70 Bofors guns. They have very rapid mechanical systems, and depots with over 700 shells, and can fire around 600 rounds per minute. The proximity fuses and the fire control systems help this unmanned turret to react quickly to incoming missiles.
Also on deck are four Otomat anti-ship missiles, capable of striking a target 160 km or more away, with a 210 kg warhead. They are fitted over the hangar, where there are two AB-212 helicopters ASW multirole machines.
Finally, there are four torpedo-launchers, two triple ILAS-3 (similar to Mk 32) with 324 mm caliber, with 12 torpedoes available (not known if they are shared also with helicopters), and the most particular weapon, the A.184, a modern wired torpedo with two launch tubes and six to eight torpedoes. This is the main weapon for ASW tasks, but it also be used as an anti-ship weapon, even though its propulsion system (electric) does not allow great speed and range. Compared to ASROC, this weapon has many advantages, and does not require a bulky launcher, but needs several minutes, even at 35 knots (65 km/h), to reach nine kilometers, while Asroc can do this in much less time.

Electronic warfare outfit

These ships have also have several electronic systems: one radar air and surface search RAN10S (160 km) is placed over the smaller tree, a radar of navigation and surface search SPN703 is fitted on the main tree, where a navigation radar is present as well, and finally, three radars: one RTN-10X for gun and Aspide control, and two smaller RTN-20X for the DARDO systems, all fitted in the forward superstructure, separated from the aft by the funnel and the heat dissipaters. As two submarine search, there is a VDS DE 1164 sonar, and DE1160B hull mounted. As ECMs, there are two SCLAR rocket-launchers that are capable of launching chaff, flare, and HE rockets up to ten kilometers.

Several electronic and communication systems are fitted as well, and an IPN20 command and control system is present to integrate all the tactical information and use the weapons on board.

Comparison of Maestrale and Lupo Classes

The Lupo class entered in service in 1977. The Maestrale class is an upgraded version of its predecessor. Maestrale shares the same, extremely slim hull (with a length/width of 10:1) but this was enlarged to accommodate many more systems. The Lupos is three knots faster, and has eight OTOMAT. Maestrale had much of Lupo's equipment, but arranged differently. Endurance was increased with the Maestrale class from 5,000 to 6,000 miles (9,700 km).

Maestrale has half the OTOMATs but twice as many torpedo launchers (with the introduction of the new heavy torpedoes), twice the helicopters, and twice the sonars, having also a VDS. This, coupled with heavy torpedoes and two helicopters, improved dramatically the ASW capabilities. The use of more modern equipment and an Albatross missile system improved in some aspects the air defense.
Maestrale has some shortcomings. The most prominent is the air-defense layout: while Lupos has the four weapons distributed across the entire hull length, Maestrale, because of the double hangar, lacked this ability, resulting in all of the weapons systems being placed on the foredeck and midships. This arrangement leaves dangerous blind spots in the ships' defenses.
After their entry in service, Maestrales were modernized with some minor programs, but as many other Italian ships, no major improvements were made. The equipment present on the Maestrale class ships is almost equal to what it was in 1982, except for a pair of 20 mm guns installed as 'anti-fast vessels close defense', in 2005.

Class destroyer - Durand de la Penne

The Durand de la Penne class destroyers are two guided missile destroyers operated by the Marina Militare, the Italian navy. The design is an updated version of the Audace class destroyers but these ships are larger, have CODOG machinery and modern sensors. Initially four ships were planned but the second pair were cancelled as Italy had decided to join the Horizon project.

General project

The Durand de Le Penne is an escort and combat class ships, able to operate in every combat condition, and especially devised to survive to heavy missile and aircraft attacks. Its construction is made almost totally with steel; the structure is a continuous deck with a stern low and large, to accommodate the helicopter's force. The fore hull is very pointed, with a sea-cutter structure very pronounced. The superstructure blocks are two, relatively low and wide, both with a high, triangular-section, tree for all the electronic. The engines exhausts are on two groups, one for every superstructure: the aft has two exhaust flank to flank, slightly inclined. Then there is the Standard missile system and finally the helicopter's facilities.
The ship itself is built to be much more difficult to sink by enemy action than the previous types, with many bulkheads and anti-fire systems. Many of the main communication lines and computers are duplicated, and there is a NBC system for the crew. Stealthness is partially applied, with reduction of RCS, heat, noise and magnetic signatures.
The speed, given by a CODAG system, is high (31knots) but not so high like previous Audace, also because the modern ships seldom needs of speeds over 25 knots (46 km/h). The endurance, automatization and economy are more important, as well the compact design of this power-plant. The powerplant is based on 2 gas turbine General Electric LM-2500, one of the most successful naval turbines, and 2 diesels. One of each are linked with one shaft fitted with a propeller with 5 blades. The entire propulsion system is controlled remotely; no crew is needed in normal situations inside the powerplant section.
As for vulnerability and general characteristics, these ships, while prestigious, were meant a bit smaller than it was needed. In fact, the weapon (and explosives) concentration is very high. In the foredeck, in less than 20 m there are 3 medium caliber guns, with over 200 shells just behind the deck ready for use, surrounding the Aspide system, that has 16 or 24x230 kg missiles just below the deck. The aft superstructure is equally armed, with a gun, 2 helicopters and 40 SM-1/2 missiles (24 tonnes these latter, with over 1 T high-explosive), plus the ASW torpedo stores (several torpedo as Mk 46 or A244), in less than 25 m. Also because of this, the crew, 380, is not so few as in other modern ships: a large crew is absolutely required to control damage or fire.
Although the class is criticized for the small displacement related to their equipment, the previous Audace were even more critical in this side: they were 900t lighter, quite smaller, with a bulky powerplant; however, in the latest update they had the same armament, plus a Super-Rapido gun (4 instead of 3).
A criticism also levied to these ships is the lack of vertical launchers, not purchased by Marina Militare because of financial constraints, choosing instead to modernize the Impavido's launchers for de la Penne new destroyers. So de la Penne are the last and maybe the more powerful of the "conventional missile destroyers". this had a cost, however, not trascurable: 1500mld. Lire for both these ships (1981-1993 program), partially because a large production run could not be afforded by Marina Militare for such big ships (so not economies of scale were obtained).

Weaponry

These ships have an overall shape quite large, low, and aggressive. This is directly related on what they had on board, and the special features of sloped surfaces (as stealth principles).
Weapon systems include a guns battery scattered over all the ship, which helps to make its profile well recognizable. As anti-aircraft equipment, there are 6 weapons, of four different types: Standard SM-1 launcher Mk13, Albatross-Aspide, 1 gun Compatto 127/54 mm, 3 guns Super-Rapid of 76 mm caliber. All these weapons covers all the horizon, giving an air defence able to stop quite heavy attacks, especially from the front, because the majority of these is placed on foredeck.
If the Standard missiles, with their 2 SPG radar are dedicated to the air defence at longer ranges, the rest is a medium-short range weaponry. Having Aspide/Sea Sparrow launchers, these ships are one of the fews that possessed both these systems (standard and Sparrow class missiles). Aspide are very advanced missiles (with monopulse guide from the start of service, 1977), but they are almost identical to Sea Sparrow. In fact, these latter were mass-produced by Alenia before the start of the Aspide, so this experience was a cleary advantage to project such new missiles, but all the systems inside (warhead, guide, engine) were new and much improved respect to the old Sparrow-E, and roughly equal to Sparrow-M, not yet available in 1977. 16 missiles are in the magazines, but a Riva-Calzoni system can load quickly 4 at once in the 8 cell launcher, so these missiles are quickly reloadable (the Sparrow launchers have manual reloading).
The Compatto 127 mm gun is that dismount by Audaces DDG's when Aspide was fitted. It was modernized before its re-utilization on de la Penne.
The OTO Super-Rapido are powerful weapons for its caliber, and despite CIWS defence is normally delegated to smaller calibers, they have mainly this task. They can shoot 120 RPM, 6.3 kg (14 lb) shells with sophisticated fuses, and engage at 6 km (4 mi) even anti-ship missiles. It is claimed by OTO that these guns can engage until 4 missiles before they reaches the ship. In every case, they have whipped the contenders like Dardo 40 mm guns and the new Myriad, 25 mm gatling CIWS (that had not awarded any commercial success), despite its 10.000 rpm. Four RTN-30 radar-optical system controls such weapons, 2 fore and 2 aft, so no all the weapons can shot simultaneously at different targets.
As anti-ship weapons, there are Otomat, missiles with a very long range (180 km or more), with mid-course guide by AB-212s, sea skimmer capability and a 210 kg (463 lb) warhead. They born as Franco-Italian program, but only Italians ordered them (and a dozen other navies as well) while French navy ordered only the national Exocet, despite a much shorter range. The main characteristic of OTOMAT, the long range, ironically, is achieved thanks to Microturbo engine, the main French effort for this missile. The MILAS version, an ASW missile with a light torpedo, was developed for ranges until 40 km (25 mi), but still not acquired by French navy despite the needing to replace the MALAFON missile. 8 missiles are placed at mid-ship, between the two main superstructures.
The aft superstructure has a very concentrated set of weapons (just like foredeck). In the hangar superstructure there are 2 AB-212ASW, 1 Super-Rapido gun, and the 40 missiles of the Mk 13 launcher, probably now utilizing SM-2MR missiles, an eventual big improvement over the original in almost every respect. Standard missiles are capable to attack also naval vessels.
As electronic systems there is a complete suite with dedicated systems for all the tasks. As radar, there 11 different system. There are:

• SPS-40 tridimensional radar over one of the 2 triangular trees, the aft one (US built, 300 km (186 mi) range, S band)
• the other main radar is an SPS-768 bi-dimensional (Alenia built, roughly the same range, D band), that is placed over the turrion, then, there is a radar dedicated to look about low-flying aircraft and ships, 160 km (99 mi) range (S), in the forward tree. Perhaps this unusual accommodation was due to the excessive weight in high, if the two main radars were both placed on the trees. It is linked with Dardo FCS. The forward tree has a quantity of small electronic antennas, as communications, datalinks, ECMs.
• There are also a surface radar SPS-702, X band, last version of a type quite successful and with all-solid electronics. Finally there is a navigation radar, with X band, forward tree.
• 6 FCS radars are totally presents, with two Standard missile radars AN/SPG-51 D (G/I band) with a FCS Mk 74 Mod.6. 4 DARDO-E are used for artillery and Aspide use, K-band (plus TV, IL, laser and IR sensors)
• a DE 1164/1167 sonar with (differently by Audaces) an immersion (VDS) DE 1167 element
• an ECM set Nettuno, one ESM, 2 rocket launchers DAGAIE (of French construction, replacing the previous SCLAR systems of Breda, 10 tubes with 330 mm (13 in) caliber and 10 km (6 mi) range, IR-radar decoys)
• a complete set of communications and controls, included the combat system called IPN-20 by the manufacter Alenia, and SADOC-2 by Marina Militare. It's a computerized elaboration system, that take cares of all the tactical information and the communications with others platforms. It had 10 consoles with one operator each (Garibaldi carrier had a SADOC with only one console more than de la Pennes).

Service

Durand de la Penne was in service with Marina Militare Italiana starting from 1993, followed one year later by Mimbelli. These two ships, together with the two old Audace, were the bulk of Italian navy's air defence, especially before that AV-8 Harrier, armed with AMRAAM, began fully operational. But even so, these were available only in Garibaldi task force. These missile destroyers have performed well as command ship in several deployment even over Mediterranean sea, and the last of their missions was related to the Italian peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
At the time the best non-AEGIS air-defence ships, de la Penne have important roles in Italian navy. Now that Audace are decommissioned, de la Penne will remain the only missile destroyers (and the only ship with area defence-missiles) for some time, until the new Horizon will be operative. Despite they are still quite young ships, it does not seem that they will be updated significatively with new air defence systems. As almost all Italian ships, they were born with a modern and effective armament, but retained the same for all their operative life.
Minor changes are or will are made: the compatibility with one EH101 heavy helicopter or 2 NH90 (enhancing the helicopters capabilities, now still on AB-212s) equipped with new sensors, ASW torpedoes A.290 IMPACT and the Marte Mk 2 anti-ship missile, over the new ASW missiles MILAS, and quite obviously, continuous updates on the computers and electronic systems, that brings much improved performances even if externally there is almost no difference to notice.
Another important improvement will be the adoption of guided ammunition for the guns: Vulcano projectile for 127 mm (5 in), with an extended range of 70–100 km, meant as coastal bombing, is a quantum leap respect the traditional artillery rounds (similar to a new models developed in USA), while DAVIDE (guided) or DART (sabot projectile) will enhance further the already very powerful anti-missile defence of these ships. But there are no plans, currently, to equip them with EMPAR/ASTER missile systems.

Submarine type 212

The German Type 212 class, also Italian Todaro class,^[5] is a highly advanced design of non-nuclear submarine (U-boat) developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) and Fincantieri S.p.a. for the German and Italian Navy. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. The submarine can operate at high speed on diesel power or switch to the AIP system for silent slow cruising, staying submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing and with no exhaust heat. The system is also said to be vibration-free, extremely quiet and virtually undetectable.
Type 212 is the first of the only two fuel cell propulsion system equipped submarines ready for series production by 2007, the other being the Project 677 Lada class submarine designed by Russian Rubin Design Bureau.

Development

At the beginning of the 1990s the German Navy was seeking a replacement for the Type 206 submarines. Initial study started on a Type 209 improved design, with AIP capability, called Type 212.
The final programme started in 1994 as the two navies of Germany and Italy began working together to design a new conventional submarine, respectively to operate in the shallow and confined waters of the Baltic sea and in the deeper waters of the Mediterranean sea. The two different requirements were mixed into a common one and, because of significant updates to the design, the designation was changed to Type 212A since then.
In 1996 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) gave the start to the cooperation. Its main aim was the construction of identical boats and the start of a collaboration in logistic and life-cycle support for the two navies.
The German government placed an initial order of four Type 212A submarines in 1998. The German Submarine Consortium built them at the shipyards of HDW and Thyssen Nordseewerke GmbH (TNSW) of Emden. Different sections of the submarines were constructed at both sites at the same time and then half of them were shipped to the respective other yard so that both HDW and Thyssen Nordseewerke assembled two complete submarines each.
In the same year the Italian government placed an order of two U212A submarines built by Fincantieri for the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) at Muggiano shipyard, designated as the Todaro class.
The German Navy ordered two additional, improved submarines in 2006, to be delivered from 2012 on. They will be 1.2 meters longer to give additional space for a new reconnaissance mast.
On 21 April 2008 the Italian Navy ordered a second batch of submarine in the same configuration of the original ones. Some upgrading should involve materials and components of commercial derivation, as well as the software package of the CMS. The intention is to keep the same configuration of the first series and reduce maintenance costs.
The export-oriented Type 214 submarine succeeds the Type 209 submarine and shares certain features with the Type 212A, such as the AIP fuel cell propulsion.

Design

Partly owing to the "X" arrangement of the stern planes, the Type 212 is capable of operating in as little as 17 metres of water, allowing it to come much closer to shore than most contemporary submarines. This gives it an advantage in covert operations, as SCUBA-equipped commandos operating from the boat can surface close to the beach and execute their mission more quickly and with less effort.
A notable design feature is the prismatic hull cross-section and smoothly faired transitions from the hull to the sail, improving the boat's stealth characteristics. The ship and internal fixtures are constructed of nonmagnetic materials, significantly reducing the chances of it being detected by magnetometers or setting off magnetic naval mines.
The low emission profile allowed the submarines in exercises to intrude even into well protected opposing forces such as carrier formations with their screen.

Weapons

Currently, the Type 212A is capable of launching the fiber optic-guided DM2A4 Seehecht ("Seahake") heavyweight torpedoes, the WASS A184 Mod.3 torpedoes, the WASS BlackShark torpedoes and short-range missiles from its six torpedo tubes, which use a water ram expulsion system. Future capability may include tube-launched cruise missiles.
The short-range missile IDAS (based on the IRIS-T missile), primarily intended for use against air threats as well as small or medium-sized sea- or near land targets, is currently being developed by Diehl BGT Defence to be fired from Type 212's torpedo tubes. IDAS is fiber-optic guided and has a range of approx. 20 km. Four missiles fit in one torpedo tube, stored in a magazine. First deliveries of IDAS for the German Navy are scheduled from 2014 on.
A 30 mm auto-cannon called Muräne (moray) to support diver operations or to give warning shots is being considered too. The cannon, probably a version of the RMK30 built by Rheinmetall, will be stored in a retractable mast and can be fired without the boat emerging. The mast will also be designed to contain three Aladin UAVs for reconnaissance missions. This mast is likely to be mounted on the 2nd batch of Type 212 submarines for the German Navy.

Сlass frigate - Floréal

The Floréal class is a type of light "surveillance frigates" designed for the needs of the French Navy after the end of the Cold War, ordered in 1989. They use construction standards of commercial ships. The ships are named after months of the Republican Calendar.

Definition of the requirements

 

After the end of the Cold War, it was felt that the risks of a large-scale military confrontation had all but disappeared. The Marine Nationale had to face new missions, while its escort avisos from the 80s were ageing, and also badly adapted to low-risk zones.
The concept of "sentry frigate" emerged from the will of the French government to protect its Exclusive Economic Zone (12 million km²), as defined in the Montego Bay treaties. Another need was to address matters of humanitarian aid, diplomacy, or naval law enforcement. To address these missions, an onboard helicopter is clearly the optimal solution, provide versatile, swift and long-range capabilities to deliver support, ferry or rescue.
These constraints defined the need for a ship which would be small; extremely stable to allow use of a heavy helicopter in all weather; small crew, while retaining capacities to accommodate navy commandos; light armament; economic and long-range propulsion system.

Construction

To make the ship more economical, civilian construction methods were used at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint Nazaire. The ships use the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations, which require the hull to have eleven watertight compartments. The rules of the classification society Det Norske Veritas are used for energy production and safety. The ships were built in series, each with six pre-fabricated parts weighing up to 570 tonnes that were assembled and welded in a dry dock. (The construction method was later used for the La Fayette class). The first trials at sea were carried out in 1991 with an entirely civilian crew, while the Marine Nationale was only present as an observer.

Equipment

The armament was ordered from the DCN Lorient, a traditional naval provider for the French Navy. The Floréal class, though designed to operate in low-risk areas, carry their own armament (they are not dependent on their helicopter).
The most visible piece of armament is the standard 100 mm multipurpose gun turret, which is a feature of most modern French warships. It is installed in one block, with the magazine shelter and the targeting computer. All Floreal frigates are fitted with two Exocet missile launchers, a Dagaie decoy launcher system, two 20 mm Mod F2 cannons, as well as a complete range of detection and counter-measure electronics.
The helicopter is a naval Panther, carrying no armament itself.

Class frigate - La Fayette

The La Fayette class units (FL-3000 for "Frégate Légère de 3,000 tonnes", "3,000-tonnes light frigates", or "FLF" or Frégate Légère Furtive", "Light Stealth Frigate") are light multi-mission frigates built by DCN and operated by French Marine Nationale. Derivatives of the type are in service in Saudi Arabia (Royal Saudi Navy), Singapore (Republic of Singapore Navy) and Taiwan (Republic of China Navy).
These frigates were referred to as "stealth" frigates. Their reduced radar cross section is achieved by a very clean superstructure compared to conventional designs, angled sides and radar absorbent material, a composite material of wood and glass fiber as hard as steel, light, and resistant to fire. Most modern fighting ships built around the world since the introduction of the La Fayette have followed the same principles of stealth.
All information gathered by the onboard sensors is managed by the Information Processing System, the electronic brain of the operation centre of the ship. It is completed by an electronic command aid system.
The La Fayette has space available for the future installation of the Aster 15 air-defence missile, however they will not be installed due to recent cost issues. The ships are designed to accommodate a 10 tonne helicopter in the Panther or NH90 range (though they are also capable of operating the Super Frelon and similar heavy helicopters). These helicopters can carry anti-ship AM39 or AS15 missiles, and can be launched during sea state 5 or 6 due to the Samahé helicopter handling system. France ordered five ships of the La Fayette class in 1988, the last of which entered service in 2002.

Background

n the late 1980s, the Marine Nationale started the studies for frigates adapted to low-intensity conflicts in the post–Cold War era. The ships were to serve in the large French EEZ , be adapted to humanitarian operations or low-intensity operations in support of land troops, and replace the aging A69 avisos, which tended to prove too focused on naval operations and were ill-suited for joint operations. Conventional warships used in low-intensity or humanitarian relief operations proved costly, with their heavy equipment and large crew. Hence came the requirement for lightly armed frigates with economical engines and small crew. In Italy, the same requirements led to the development of the Cassiopea and Minerva type corvettes, built according to both civilian and military standards. These ships were limited to 1300 tonnes because the limited size and depth of the Mediterranean and the proximity of the homeland. The French Navy, on the other hand, had to be present in overseas territories, bases and EEZ. To be enduring enough, the ships had to reach 3000 tonnes, the size of a missile frigate. The larger displacement allows combining strong firepower (like the Minerva class) and a capacity for a medium helicopter (like the Cassiopea), along with a good autonomy and seaworthiness.
The first type of ships built on these principles were the Floréal class frigates, built on civilian standards, with a limited armament, and carrying a medium helicopter. These ships are high endurance units designed to be operated in overseas possessions (Caribbean, Polynesia and New Caledonia) and the EEZ, where the likelihood of a naval threat is low. The speed is limited to 20 knots because of the low power engine which emphasises autonomy and reliability. To fight pirates in fast rigid-hulled inflatable boats, the Floréals rely on their onboard helicopter and naval fusilier company.
The niche for more hostile environments is covered by the La Fayette type, designed to operate in complex zones like the Indian Ocean or Djibouti. These ships were to be able to secure the EEZ, but also to operate in naval groups or intelligence gathering missions. The intended role for the ships was in fact very varied, because the experience of the C.70 class, with an intended 20 ship cut down to only 9 (the 7 Georges Leygues class frigate and 2 Cassard class frigates) had taught that project downsizing and reorganisations could lead to badly balanced naval capabilities. The new ships were to benefit from breakthrough on stealth ("furtivité") achieved by the DCN in the 1980s.
It took several years to materialise the concept, and the first ship was eventually launched in 1992, two years after the final design was completed. The weapon system testing took place in 1994, and particularly extensive trials were undertaken to prove the structure of the ship under a wide range of conditions. The La Fayette was eventually commissioned in March 1996.

Stealth

At the time of their commissioning, the units of the La Fayette class were the state of the art in stealth for warships. The shape of the hull and the superstructures is devised for the optimal reduction of the radar signature, which has been reduced by 60%: a 3000-tonne La Fayette unit has the typical radar signature of a 1200 tonne ship. Stealth is achieved with inclined flanks, as few vertical lines as possible, and very clean lines and superstructures: stairs and mooring equipment are internal, and prominent structures are covered by clear surfaces. The superstructures are built using radar-absorbent synthetic materials.
The radar cross section is equivalent to that of a large fishing boat, which can make camouflage amidst civilian ships possible; or that of a much less capable corvette, which could lead an enemy to underestimate the capabilities of the ship. In case of a direct attack, the small radar signature helps evade enemy missiles and fire control systems. The La Fayette are also equipped with jammers that can generate false radar images, as well as decoy launchers. Further point missile defence will be provided when the ships are equipped with the Aster 15 anti-missile missiles.

Thanks to the adoption of low-power diesel motors and a special heat dissipation system, the La Fayette ships have a low thermal signature. The usual funnel is replaced with a small sets of pipes, aft of the mast, which cool the exit gas before it is released. The ships usually operate in warm areas, which further decreases the thermal contrast with the environment.
The magnetic signature is reduced by the presence of a demagnetisation belt.
The acoustic signature is minimized by mounting the engines on elastic supports, as to transmit as little vibrations to the hull as possible, and by rubber coating on the propellers. The La Fayette are equipped with the Prairie Masker active acoustic camouflage system, which generate small bubbles from underneath the hull to confuse sonars.

Construction

The superstructure is made of light alloy and glass-reinforced plastic, which allow a reduction in top weight. This provides adequate but sub-optimal resistance to fire. Vital zones are armoured in Kevlar , and important systems are redundant. The crew is protected against biological, chemical and nuclear environments.
The ships were built with a modular inner structure from 11 prefabricated modules which were completed at the factory, delivered to the shipyard and assembled there. This technique results in a construction time of less than 2 years.
The hull has a pronounced angle at the stem, with a short forecastle that integrates directly into the superstructure. The ship's sides have a negative inclination of 10 degrees. The single anchor is located exactly on the stem, into which it is completely recessed. The deck where the seamanship equipment and capstans are installed is internal in order to hide it from radar.
The superstructure is built in one piece and directly integrates into the hull, with only a change in inclination. A platform is located between the main gun and the bridge. The superstructure runs continuously down to the helicopter hangar, on top of which short-range anti-air Crotale missiles are installed.
The ships feature two masts. The main mast has a pyramidal structure which integrates funnels and supports the antenna of the Syracuse military communications satellite system, while the second supports the main radar.

Class frigate - Horizon

The Horizon Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF) is a multi-national collaboration to produce a new generation of anti-air warfare frigates. Originally an alliance of Britain, France and Italy, the project is now a French/Italian effort following the withdrawal of Britain due to differing requirements. It is named Orizzonte in Italian and Horizon in French and English.

History

France, Italy and the UK issued a joint requirement in 1992 after the failure of the NATO Frigate Replacement (NFR-90) project. The resulting CNGF program consisted of the Horizon frigate and its Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS).
Problems emerged almost immediately: the primary problem was that of differing requirements: France wanted Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) escorts for its aircraft carriers, but only a limited range was necessary due to the self-defence capability of the Charles De Gaulle. Italy too required only close range capabilities, as in its home waters of the Mediterranean Sea the ships would operate under Italian Air Force cover or escorts for its aircraft carrier Cavour. The Royal Navy, however, required more capable ships which could throw a large defensive "bubble" over a fleet operating in hostile areas. The compromise which largely solved this problem was the adoption of a standard radar interface which allowed France and Italy to install the EMPAR multi-function radar and the UK to install the more capable SAMPSON radar - the SAMPSON radar has a higher data rate and adaptive beam forming allows a greater multi-tracking capability, long-range detection of low-RCS targets, a lower false-alarm rate, and overall higher tracking accuracy.
1995 saw the establishment of an International Joint Venture Company (IJVC) comprising the national prime contractors, DCN (France,) GEC-Marconi (UK) and Orizzonte (Italy). In the period 1995-1996 significant arguments, changing requirements and technological problems led to the slippage of the in-service-date of the frigates to around 2006.
In early 1997 a disagreement emerged as to the choice of Vertical Launch System (VLS) for the PAAMS' MBDA Aster missiles. France and Italy favoured their own SYLVER launcher, while the UK was leaning toward the American Mk 41 - capable of firing the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. This issue was eventually resolved when the SYLVER launcher was selected by the PAAMS development team.

UK withdrawal

 

On 26 April 1999 the UK announced that it was withdrawing from the CNGF project to pursue its own national design. The Financial Times summarised the main disagreements between the partner countries; the UK wanted a large destroyer which could patrol large areas such as the Atlantic, compared to France's desire for smaller aircraft carrier escorts and Italy's intention to use them in the Mediterranean; Secondly the UK wanted the ships with a wide-area defence capability, able to protect large numbers of ships rather than just protection from missiles targeted in the frigate's general direction; Finally the UK's desire to see Marconi appointed as prime contractor was accepted by France, but only in return for DCN being given the role as prime contractor for the combat management system. The UK, which wished to see a BAE-led consortium given this role, would not accept this.
Summing up the changes from the original specification the UK's Chief of Defence Procurement is reported to have said "it's not common and it's not a frigate!". The resulting Type 45 destroyer is armed with the PAAMS missile system and has benefited from investment in the Horizon project.

Franco-Italian project

 

France and Italy have continued their collaboration under the Horizon project, ordering two ships each which also deploy the PAAMS missile system.
The Marina Militare ordered two units, Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio, to replace the Audace-class destroyers. The French Navy has ordered two units, the Forbin and the Chevalier Paul.
Andrea Doria was accepted on 22 December 2007 and received the flag of the Navy. Full operation capability (FOC) was achieved in the summer of 2008.
France and Italy have launched a new generation of multimission ships, the FREMM multipurpose frigates, using the same company structure as the Horizon project.

 

Wasp class amphibious assault ship

The Wasp class is a class of Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships operated by the United States Navy. Based on the Tarawa class, with modifications to operate more advanced aircraft and landing craft, the Wasp class is capable of transporting almost the full strength of a United States Marine Corps Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and landing them in hostile territory via landing craft or helicopters. All Wasp-class ships were built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, with lead ship USS Wasp commissioned on 29 July 1989. Eight Wasp-class ships were built, and as of 2011, all eight are active.

Design

The Wasp class is based on the preceding Tarawa-class design. The design was modified to allow for the operation of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, making the Wasp class the first ships specifically designed to operate these. The main physical changes between the two designs are the lower placement of the ship's bridge aboard the Wasps, the relocation of the command and control facilities to inside the hull, the removal of the 5-inch Mk 45 naval guns and their sponsons on the forward edge of the flight deck, and a lengthening of 24 feet (7.3 m) to carry the LCACs.

Each Wasp class ship has a displacement of 41,150 metric tons (40,500 long tons; 45,360 short tons) at full load, is 253.2 metres (831 ft) long, has a beam of 31.8 metres (104 ft), and a draft of 8.1 metres (27 ft). For propulsion, most of the ships are fitted with two steam boilers connected to geared turbines, which deliver 70,000 shaft horsepower (33,849 kW) to the two propeller shafts. This allows the LHDs to reach speeds of 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph), with a range of 9,500 nautical miles (17,600 km; 10,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph). The last ship of the class, USS Makin Island, was instead fitted with two General Electric LM2500 geared gas turbines. The ship's company consists of 1,208 personnel. The ships are the largest amphibious warfare vessels in the world.

Amphibious operations

The LHDs can support amphibious landings in two forms: by landing craft, or by helicopter. In the 81-by-15.2-metre (266 by 49.9 ft) well deck, the LHDs can carry three Landing Craft Air Cushion, twelve Landing Craft Mechanised, or 40 Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs), with another 21 AAVs in the vehicle deck. The flight deck has nine helicopter landing spots, and can operate helicopters as large as the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion and Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight.^[5] The size of the air group varies depending on the operation: a standard air group consists of six Harriers and four Bell AH-1W SuperCobras for attack and support, twelve Sea Knights and four Sea Stallions for transport, and three to four Bell UH-1N Iroquois utility helicopters. For a full assault, the air group can be maxed out at 42 Sea Knights, while a Wasp operating in the sea control or 'harrier carrier' configuration carries 20 Harriers (though some ships of the class have operated as many as 24), supported by six Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. The CH-46 is being replaced by the MV-22 Osprey on a squadron-by-squadron basis, with expected full conversion within all aviation combat elements by 2019. Two aircraft elevators move aircraft between the flight deck and the hangar; in order to transit the Panama Canal, these elevators need to be folded in.
    Each ship is capable of hosting 1,894 personnel of the United States Marine Corps; almost the full strength of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A Wasp-class vessel can transport up to 2,860 square metres (30,800 sq ft) of cargo, and another 1,858 square metres (20,000 sq ft) is allocated for the MEU's vehicles, which typically consists of 5 M1 Abrams battle tanks, up to 25 AAVs, eight M198 howitzers, 68 trucks, and up to 12 other support vehicles. An internal monorail is used to shift cargo from the cargo holds to the well deck.
Each Wasp-class ship has a hospital with 600 patient beds and six operating rooms.

Armament and sensors

The armament of the first four Wasp class consists of two Mark 29 octuple launchers for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, two Mark 49 launchers for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles, three 20 mm Phalanx CIWS systems, four 25 mm Mark 38 chain guns, and four .50 BMG machine guns. The next three ships, Bataan, Bonhomme Richard, and Iwo Jima, have a slightly reduced weapons outfit to their preceding sister ships, with one Phalanx and one Mark 38 gun removed. Countermeasures fitted to the ships include four to six Mark 36 SRBOC launchers, an AN/SLQ-25 torpedo decoy, AN/SLQ-49 chaff buoys, a Sea Gnat missile decoy, and an AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare Suite.

The sensor suite fitted to each ship is made up of an AN/SPS-48 or AN/SPS-52 air-search radar backed up by an AN/SPS-49 air-search radar, an SPS-67 surface search radar, an AN/URN-25 TACAN system, along with several other radars for navigation and fire control.