DENMARK'S RDN ABSALON-THE WAY FORWARD?

You mean these?

Smaller versions of those. There are some pictures and specifications here:

http://www.navalhistory.dk/English/TheShips/Classes/LCP_Class(2004).htm

The RDN have bought 4 of them (2 for each vessel) and they are classified as LCPs. They will be launched with a crane though the smaller aft opening that you can see in one of Wanshan’s pictures.

The larger Swedish ones (also used by Finland and Norway) are classified as LCAs.

Is anyone thinking the same as me? Where the hell are the crew and the marines going to sleep? Or are they going for the American way, nl. 35 guys in one room?

The crew will sleep where they always sleep, the marines will be accommodated as needed on the ro/ro ‘flex deck’ (if that deck isn’t parked full with vehicles and equipment, that is)

Wanshan: Mate thanks for the indepth sketches, but did you have to take up so much bandwidth? Try reducing the size next time mate, think of us poor Dial up users 🙁

Sorry ’bout that, still getting used to this environment. Editted the post to accommodate.

Wanshan: Mate thanks for the indepth sketches, but did you have to take up so much bandwidth? Try reducing the size next time mate, think of us poor Dial up users 🙁

Severodvinsk

Yes thats them, have you seen the version with the twin mortar turret?

Attached an article from Jane’s IDR August 04:
Flex fleet: Denmark’s new standard warships emerge

HDMS Absalon, the first of a new generation of surface warships for the Royal Danish Navy, was scheduled to be delivered at the end of July, and construction of the second of five new standard ships is well under way. J. J. Lok examines the build program

Interesting read!

You mean these?

So, if I get it right, this thing is everything except a concept… It’s a very real almost completed ship.
Are they building two of them? or is that another ship in front of the last picture?
Is anyone thinking the same as me? Where the hell are the crew and the marines going to sleep? Or are they going for the American way, nl. 35 guys in one room?

Thanks Wanshan, interesting pics!

Looks like it carries Swedish style assault boats.

See also http://www.smk.svn.dk/projekter/beskrivelser/fs-ps.htm

For more like this, see:
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss2.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss3.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss4.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss5.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss6.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss7.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss8.jpg
http://www.talblindhed.dk/fss9.jpg

It looks like the artwork has a certain ‘advisory’ quality to it and the FCS installation pictured is vague to say the least!

It looks like there is at least one FlexFire director detailed aft on a pedestal mount. Presumably there would have to be another mounted forward to service the 5-incher if nothing else. A further, resonable, supposition would be that the FlexFire would have to be upgraded to give it a bit more range to allow for exploitation of the range enhancement of ESSM over NSSMS.

One thing that is certain though is that there is no shortage of X-band directors available, from several companies, off-the-shelf that could mate to a C-FLEX type combat system. Perhaps the vagueness is attributable to the fact that the FCS is yet to be determined at this, early, stage in the design.

If you look amidships, just forward of the SSM quads, there looks like 3 of the 6-pot Mk48 Mod 3 VLS modules that the smaller STANFLEX vessels are fitted for. With the new DP-48 dualpack cannisters being developed for the Danish Navy each one of these Mod3 modules can carry 12 ESSM

thought so but i couldnt clearly spot any FCR for it.

Hope it does all work out though. Seeing the use HMS Richmond is being put to providing emergency assistance operations in wake of hurricane Ivan in the Carribean a dozen or so of these vessels, obviously equipped to RN commonality standard, could fulfill the low-end side of the anticipated RN FSC project hi-low mix quite handily!.

My thoughts exactly!

As you say, carrying MBTs is overdoing it a bit, but the ability to carry and land a few trucks, engineer vehicles and a field hospital would greatly enhance peace time operations. In combat operations the extra room could be used for stores and reloads.

Jon,

If you look amidships, just forward of the SSM quads, there looks like 3 of the 6-pot Mk48 Mod 3 VLS modules that the smaller STANFLEX vessels are fitted for. With the new DP-48 dualpack cannisters being developed for the Danish Navy each one of these Mod3 modules can carry 12 ESSM.

What you have detailed on deck there, therefore, is probably 36 ESSM. Not too shabby for a GP design.

I had heard that there was another, larger, STANFLEX design in the works but this is the first I’ve seen of it. It has to be said that the specs are very impressive, but, I would be concerned about the compromises necessary to achieve all thats advertised on a 6k ton hull (a vehicle deck???) . To put in it perspective an LCF displaces 6000ton and I’m fairly sure there’s little room that can be found in that hull for MBT’s that wouldn’t necessitate a reduction, for example, in fuel bunkerage or other such consumable stores.

Hope it does all work out though. Seeing the use HMS Richmond is being put to providing emergency assistance operations in wake of hurricane Ivan in the Carribean a dozen or so of these vessels, obviously equipped to RN commonality standard, could fulfill the low-end side of the anticipated RN FSC project hi-low mix quite handily!.

JonS

Proposal to fit Sea Sparrow and Stingers, I’d guess they mean ESSM and RAM.

anyword on what SAM system isto be fitted on these?

Indian1973

True, but it would be very useful for special ops raids, evacuations and disaster relief roles.

well what use would this ships land complement other than in a peacekeeping op or fighting a batallion of tribals somewhere ?
too few, too small to matter.

serious expeditionary land ops need serious ships like the Tarawa class.

I’d like to see these operating the USMC Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30421

Wow these look very impressive and they are getting two of them, cool.