WanshanMEKO 100RMN design
The RMN PV marks the first sale for the Blohm + Voss MEKO 100 line, although the MEKO pedigree itself is long established through the export of frigate variants to the navies of Argentina, Australia, Greece, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Turkey and, most recently, South Africa (over half have been the subject of licence agreements for in-country build). The German Navy has also adopted the main elements of the MEKO concept in its four F 123 frigates, three new F 124 air-defence ships and the planned K 130 corvettes.
The MEKO concept embraces a flexible methodology for the installation of weapon, electronic and major ship’s service equipment in the form of standardised modules and common interfaces. The modules – in the form of containers, pallets or grid pallets – accommodate weapons and/or electronic systems and their subsystems. As well as interfaces to the ship’s databus, the containerised modules also have standardised connections for ship’s services (such as power and air conditioning/ventilation).
According to Blohm + Voss, this modular outfitting technique allows for the construction of the ship platform concurrent with the assembly and testing of payload modules, thereby reducing build time and cost. The company also claims that the MEKO concept significantly reduces costs associated with maintenance and modernisation.
Displacing 1,650 tonnes at full load, the MEKO 100RMN PV design is 91.1m in length (82.8m at the waterline). Propulsion is to be provided by two Caterpillar 3616 DITA diesels, rated at 5,450kW, driving two Kamewa Ulstein (part of Rolls-Royce) Type 72XF5/5 controllable pitch propellers. The twin hollow bore shaftlines are also part of the Rolls-Royce scope of supply.
Auxiliary power will come from four Caterpillar 3412 DITA diesels rated at 537kW. Both the main engine and generator sets are designed to meet Germanischer Lloyd classification rules, and meet specific RMN standards for structure-borne noise and shock performance. Assembly of the Caterpillar 3616 main diesels will be undertaken in-country by Tractors Malaysia Power Systems Division.
CAE Marine Systems is supplying the Ship Control and Monitoring system. It includes condition-based vibration and health monitoring functions for various on board machinery sets, plus a comprehensive onboard training application.
Noske-Kaeser is providing air conditioning and ventilation systems. The company is also supplying special firefighting systems to protect the machinery spaces, helicopter hangar, helicopter-pump room and helicopter refuelling room.
Combat system
The baseline combat system is relatively modest, being configured for low-intensity surveillance and policing duties in the EEZ. However, the combat system architecture is scaleable to accommodate growth, and the ship platform itself has space and weight margins for various ‘fitted-for-but-not-with’ equipment (notably an inner-layer missile system and a surface-to-surface guided weapon system).
At the hub of the combat system is the STN Atlas Elektronik COSYS 110-M1 combat management and fire control system, the subject of a US$100 million contract awarded by PSC-NDSB in February 1999. Based around a dual FDDI local area network (LAN), the baseline COSYS 110-M1 system will feature six BM-2000C multifunction consoles for operator interaction and tactical display. STN Atlas Elektronik’s scope of supply also includes the 9600M navigation radar. The company is also taking responsibility for overall combat system integration.
PSC-NDSB and STN Atlas Elektronik established a joint venture, PSC-STN Atlas Elektronik (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as local technology partner for the production of the combat management and fire control system. Malaysian engineers from the company are undergoing high level training on the systems in order that they will be able to provide in-service support and upgrades. STN Atlas will continue to provide in-country support when the ships are handed over to the RMN.
Oerlikon Contraves AG (which shares Rheinmetall DeTec parentage with STN Atlas Elektronik) is supplying the TMX and TMEO fire control system as part of the overall COSYS 110-M1 system. Installation, setting-to-work and trials will be undertaken by staff from locally based Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd.
The TMX director, an upgraded and modernised derivative of the tracker sub-system of the Seaguard close-in weapon system, uses a Ku-band radar and a TV tracking camera. The mounting can also accept a thermal imager and an eye-safe laser rangefinder.
Fitted aft, the TMEO is a lightweight electro-optical director equipped with a TV, thermal imager and eye-safe laser rangefinder. It passively tracks air and surface targets and provides target data for the formulation of a gunfire control solution. The electro-optical sensors mounted on the TMEO can also be employed for routine surveillance.
In addition, PSC-STN Atlas Elektronik (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is establishing a new simulation centre near to the Lumut shipyard. This will house a generic bridge simulator and engine room simulator, and a command-and-control system simulator designed specifically for the new PVs. The simulators will become fully operational before the first vessel is commissioned and will be used for developing operational software, risk management and systems integration ‘trouble shooting’.
Rohde & Schwarz is providing the Integrated Communications System for the PV, encompassing the supply of HF, UHF and VHF radios (for voice and data), antennas, high-speed modems, message processing and LAN infrastructure. Sapura Technologies Sdn Bhd is the local partner for systems integration, switch development, training and long-term logistic support.
EADS Systems Defence & Electronics is supplying the principal above-water sensor in the shape of the TRS-3D/16ES G-band multimode radar. A contract award on the electronic support measures (ESM) fit is pending, but reliable sources indicate that the Thales Sensors’ 2-18GHz Sceptre X/Sealion ESM has been selected for the PV programme.
For obstacle and mine avoidance, L-3 ELAC Nautik is supplying the proprietary NDS 3060 dual-frequency (30kHz and 70kHz) active/passive sonar system. A multifunction sonar offering 3600 low frequency coverage and a high-resolution, three-dimensional high-frequency mode, the NDS 3060 effectively functions as a subsurface navigation sensor.
The RMN PV navigation system is based around differential GPS and the PL41 Mk 4 Mod 1 ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (supplied by LITEF). Lambrecht is supplying a full meteorological sensor suite.
Armament selected for the PV in its initial configuration comprises an Otobreda 76/62 Super Rapid gun, an Otobreda single 30mm FSAF gun (using a Mauser cannon) and two 0.5in machine guns. Provision exists for the retrofit of a 21-round Mk 49 Guided Missile Launch System (for the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile) in front of the bridge and MM40 Block 2 Exocet anti-ship missiles amidships.
For soft-kill defence, Sippican is supplying the ALEX decoy control and launching system. The associated six-barrel Mk 137 decoy launchers (firing chaff and infrared decoy rounds) will be sited amidships on either beam.
The hangar and flight deck aft provide for the operation and support of a medium helicopter up to S-70-size. Six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 helicopters are on order for the RMN; the service is also receiving six Eurocopter AS 555 Fennec helicopters as a stop-gap measure to bridge the gap between the arrival of the Super Lynx (deliveries start in 2003) and the retirement of the obsolete Westland Wasp.
Indal Technologies is to provide its Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse system for helicopter entrapment and deck handling system. Alfons Haar is supplying the helicopter-refuelling equipment.
Main characteristics ship platform:
Length, overall: 91.10 m
Beam, overall: 12.85 m
Depth: 6.80 m
Design draught: 3.40
Design displacement: approx. 1,650 t
Yup, does appear to be Exocet
WanshanTurbinia: these corvettes are quite well armed, they have a 76mm gun, are fitted for Exocet SSMs, and certainly were supposed to be armed with the RIM-116 RAM, so basically, they are quite well equipped. The problem is that there is little visible difference between a large OPV and a light frigate/corvette, but there is a very major difference in reality – an OPV is fitted with little in the way of sensors, and very little armament, other than a gun. In contrast, a light frigate like the Kedah class, is fitted with radars, guns and missiles – they carry half the armament of a large frigate, i.e. either ASuW or ASW, not normally both simultaneously.
They make a lot of sense for some nations, since they are often a lot cheaper than a large frigate, and since they are simpler, can often be built in domestic shipyards, where a more complex vessel would need to be built elsewhere.
Exocet MM40? I thought the were FFBNW 2×2 Harpoon!
WanshanOk, grouphug! :p
Dude, I would love to see Mumbai with Barak. I would also like to see some of the AK 630 taken off Delhi class recycled onto IN ships currently equipped with AK 230.
WanshanThese ships have been used by 2 navies dutch and greek. So why are we assuming they have not gone through any wear and tear. The Type-21 were bought in early 90’s when they were 18-20 years old. These ships have seen 25-28 years of service. The rajputs are newer and will be upgraded with brahmos and baraks. I don’t think these ships are a great threat to rajputs or godavs. I am ofcourse assuming that godavs also get brahmos and already have baraks. The godav hulls are based on leanders but they are completely different inside. I would have assumed you knew this.
Of course for PN it is a step up from what they operate currrently, but I still think shelling out more money for the type-23’s would have been a more sensible step that buying 25-28 year old ships.
For the last pair of S-frigates, delivered post 2000, the Greeks paid only about 37 million each. So, I doubt PN will pay much more. As for threat to IN, the primary role of these ships is ASW, not anti-ship. By your reasoning any Harpoon equipped ship is not a threat to Barak equipped Rajput class ships, which is of course not the case. Also, I would think there are difference between the Godavari’s (P16) and the Brahmaputras (P16A), with the latter being more modern. The former I’m not too sure about as they represent INs first attempt at combining ‘western’ and ‘eastern’ armaments, electronics and sensors.
No one is assuming the Standard frigates have zero wear and tear. However, they have very been carefully maintained, regularly upgraded, have seen less intensive use than Type 21s, and have no structural problems like the hull crackling of the Type 21. That, plus their slightly younger age, makes for ships which will last just a bit longer.
Wanshanthe new mount was probably not arround when talwar was designed, orginal mount for a-190e is supposed to have rcs reduction as well according to the manufacturer.
The A-190 on Talwar is the first application of the new lightweight 100mm gun. Considering how quickly and cheaply these ships were built for India, and that India is licence building the Oto 76mm and is building P17 in country, the IN may not have wanted to wait for the A-190E and/or have considered the price difference too big.
WanshanDuring my regular boredom induced musings today at work my mind dug up a little nugget of information I came by a few years back relating to the Iraqi navy.
For the last 17 years a couple of new Iraqi corvettes built by Fincantieri have been impounded at the NATO base La Spezia Italy with a small caretaker crew.
A recent BBC report about the RN training Iraqs new naval patrol service mentioned these two vessels ( Mussa Ben Nussair and the Tarik Ben Ziad I think) and that they were going to be inducted into service.
I would be interested to know if this is the case and what kind of work is being done to overhaul them and who is paying for it?
Any photos of these two naval orphans would be welcome.
These are the helicopter equipped sisterships of the missile boats sold to Malaysia. I think they will have gun armament only but with helicopter could be usefull for the fledgeling new Iraqi navy.
WanshanWell life is to short and I suppose this is the closest I will get to an apology.
I suggest you are more careful in the way you phrase your posts as to me and
Ed Law it appeared to be an unjustified flame. Lets just leave it at that as it isn’t worth getting silly over it.
Hey, I did not flame you. I have nothing to apologize to you for. YOU misunderstood. YOU accused me. If you’re a stand-up dude, YOU apologize.
WanshanMalaysia has Meko 100, not MEKO A100. THESE ARE DIFFERENT SHIPS!
MEKO 100-class corvette (really and uparmed OPV)
http://212.72.173.53/de/page.php?page_id=PG-92
MEKO A100-class corvette (stealthier, more modern “real” warship)
http://212.72.173.53/de/page.php?page_id=PG-76
http://212.72.173.53/de/page.php?page_id=PG-77
Wanshan“As of July 2005, INS Mumbai has not been fitted with the Barak system and still has its original equipment fit.” – http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Delhi.html
As you can see from the article, Fed is right, the Mysore and Delhi have been modified with Barak, INS Mumbai has not.
It is commendable that you would stick up for a buddy. However, in this case, your buddy made the mistake. So, you’ll understand when I colloquially say ‘mind yur beez wax plz” 😉
WanshanHey whats the issue dude?
Why flame me?
When I was there last year the INS Mumbai was fitted with four AK630’s and as of yet had not recieved the Barak VLS upgrade. Considering I was standing there and I counted them myself and then commented on the fact with the friend I was with I think your comment is a bit unjustified!
Shame I didn’t take a photo but considering I was there in the flesh as my photos show I presumed people would take my word for it.
P.S. Were you there? An apology would be nice.
What would I have to apologize? You misunderstood my post. What I meant was that it was very wrong for Mumbai not to receive the upgrade with Barak while here sisterships have received athe upgrade. That is SO wrong.
It’s not my fault you switch to defensive mode immediately …. I have NEVER started a flame on any forum I am a member of. I’m offended that you think I would. Maybe you’re the one who owes someone an apology!
WanshanErr these 25 year old garbage are a threat to the IN beacuse??? The older Godavari /Rajput class are newer than these and have a larger displacement. The author also seemed to have forgotten P-17 and newer talwar class. If P-17a is ordered by 2014 there will be 15-18 frigates along with 8-10 destroyers. This article just loos lie psy-ops to make the govt expedite the process of ship acquisition.
Rajput class may have a newer build date but is course a much older design than Dutch S(tandaard)-Frigate, which in addition has newer generation weaponry. As for Godavari, that’s a modification of a UK Leander class. In dutch service, the S-frigates of the Kortenaer class replaced the Van Speijk class, a dutch Leander derivative. So go figure. No, they are not the most modern ships but they are good ships with plenty of life left in them. And compared to the Type 21 Amazons the PN currently operate, the S-frigates have at least 3 advantages: a) hulls never had to be strengthened to conteract hull crackling, b) were never pushed to the extent the Amazons were, including in Falkland war combat, c) more balanced armament, with more and better SAM and AShM and more space for helicopter.
Comparison with Talwar and P17 is apples and orange, better comparison would then be with M-frigate of the Doorman class and LCF (Zeven Provincien class)
Wanshan“The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee noted that the aircraft carrier hosts helicopter and vertical-lift aircraft” !?!?! :confused:
“Typically the United States brings the T-bone steaks and some of our allies bring the plastic forks.” 😡
WanshanAs I said earlier INS Mumbai hasn’t recieved the weapons update that her older Sister ships have.
When I was there she still had four AK630.
That’s so …… WRONG!
WanshanLCF was intended to have TMBD. APAR was developed for/with NL/LCF, BRD/F124 and canada.
WanshanAny shots of the midship area where 2×2 AK 630 used to be? I want to see more imagery of the upgrade to 2x ak 630 and 2x 16 VL Barak (with new radar directors).
Sign In
