The Boxer is a German–Dutch multirole armoured fighting vehicle designed to accomplish a number of operations through the use of installable mission modules. It is produced by the ARTEC GmbH (ARmoured vehicle TEChnology) industrial group, and the programme is being managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation).
Lance turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon
ARTEC GmbH is seated in Munich, its parent companies are Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) on the German side, and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehciles Nederland B.V. for the Netherlands. Other names are GTK (Gepanzertes Transport Kraftfahrzeug; armoured transport vehicle) Boxer and MRAV for Multirole Armoured Vehicle.
The Boxer is a cooperative European design project aimed at producing the next generation of armoured utility vehicle. The project was originally started as a joint venture between Germany, Britain and France, but France left the programme in 1999, later to pursue their own design, the Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie (VBCI). However, in early 2001 the Netherlandssigned a Memorandum of Understanding and joined the project. In July 2003, shortly after the start of the Iraq war, the UK Ministry of Defence announced its intention to withdraw from the Boxer programme and focus on the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES). Each partner in the programme (including the UK) was to receive four prototypes by July 2004. The first prototype was delivered to Germany in 2002 and was subject to evaluation trials in Germany. The first Dutch prototype was delivered in October 2003.
The Netherlands requires around 400 Boxers, to replace the M577 and the support variants of the YPR-765 in the Royal Netherlands Army, with the Netherlands having already confirmed the procurement of 200 vehicles in autumn of 2006. The fighting versions of the YPR-765 will be replaced by the CV90 IFV.
YPR-765
YPR-765
On December 13, 2006 the German parliament approved the procurement of 272 Boxers for the German Army, to replace shares of its M113 and Fuchs TPz 1 vehicles. When the high numbers of Fuchs´ become obsolete by 2020, more Boxers are likely to follow.
Fuchs TPz 1
Fuchs TPz 1
In June 2007, the Boxer was being considered for the British FRES programme.
In spring 2011 first German production vehicles with FLW200 remote weapon stations (equipped with M2QCB machine guns and H&K 40mm GMGs) were handed over to Infantry Battalion 292 and Mountain Infantry Battalion 231 for training and deployment to Afghanistan in the second half of 2011.
Boxer equipped with M2QCB machine gunBoxer equipped with H&K 40mm GMGs
BAE, Rheinmetall shortlisted for Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 2 program:Here
Design
It is designed to carry out a variety of utility missions with maximum flexibility; this is achieved via several different “mission modules” specialized for various tasks which are available separately from the vehicle. The base vehicle is independent of the modules, and modules can be interchanged within an hour. Each module incorporates a primary safety cell with a triple floor.
Protection
The basic vehicle shell is composed of hard steel, and “modular armour” is sandwiched between it and the vehicle cell. The three elements are held together by fastening bolts. The modular armour, currently, is a specialized ceramic mix, but future versions of the armour can be easily fitted to the vehicle by slab replacement. The hull protects against top attack bomblets and anti-personnel mines, including suspended seats to improve crew protection from explosions below the vehicle. The vehicle is outfitted with advanced thermal, radar, and acoustic stealth technology.
Deisenroth makes the MEXAS armoring that has outfitted Canadian LAVs and Leopard 1A5 tanks. Its more advanced AMAP line offers greater protection against medium-caliber small arms fire, fragmentation, and rockets. There’s also a dedicated AMAP-IED product, whose combination of materials and spacings provides good side protection against a range of threats that include land mine blasts and even EFP (explosively formed projectile) side-attacks. (Source: Defense Industry Daily)
Variants
The German and Dutch base vehicles are identical, only the mission modules differ.
Armoured personnel carrierCommand PostAmbulanceLance turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon
LFK NG missile
German army’s future SysFla anti aircraft system, incorporating the LFK NG missile and the MANTIS gun system. LFK NG The missile features a highly sensitive infrared homing seeker, which is capable of identifying targets with an extremely low infrared signature, such as other missiles or UAVs, but also aircraft and helicopters. Range 10,000 m, Speed Mach 2.2
LFK NG will also have a penetrator warhead to engage semi-armored targets such as gunship helicopters.
The unmanned turret with its sighting system and 30mm automatic cannon. The turret installed on the Boxer is the Rheinmetall Defence Lance RC, the remote control version of the Lance turret equipping Puma IFV. Lance is a medium-calibre turret system on the cutting edge of modern military technology. Owing to its compact dimensions and low weight, it can be mounted on a variety of different platforms, including relatively lightweight wheeled vehicles. The main weapon is the MK30-2 / ABM automatic cannon, developed and built by Rheinmetall. The use of this cannon brings a host of advantages for the vehicle crew. The turret has a reserve of 200 rounds of two different ammunition types for the main weapon. This means that the weapon can be resupplied with ammunition without the soldiers having to leave the protected vehicle interior.
Lance turret equipping Puma IFV
WOTAN 30mm
AUTOMATIC CANNON from RHEINMETALL
Wotan is similar with the ATK Bushmaster series in the way that it is also electric driven. Rheinmetall’s previous 30mm cannon MK30-2 / ABM gun that is arming Germany’s newest IFV, Spz Puma is a gas operated gun. However the brand new Wotan is electrically driven following the success of the Bushmaster series with some new features. Combining high performance with latest ammunition technology, this gas-operated cannon offers long-term dependability even under punishing field conditions.
The gun is capable of engaging targets up to 3,000m. It has built-in Air Burst Munitions (ABM) capability thanks to its muzzle programmer which is a derivative of the successful AHEAD system.
Wotan has a fire rate of 200 shots per minute. The gun’s advanced features employed with the proven lethality and versatility of the 30x173mm ammunition offers a good alternative to Bushmaster series
30x173mm ammunition offers a good alternative to Bushmaster series
The Boxer’s modular design concept allows for a variety of mission specific vehicle variants. Numerous modules such as the ambulance, training or command post variants have already been introduced to the German and Dutch Armed Forces. The recently presented artillery variant emphasises the unique capability spectrum of this system.
The FREMM European multi-mission frigate is a joint programme between France and Italy. It will build 21 FREMM frigates for the French Navy and the Italian Navy. The frigates are 140m in overall length and 20m wide with displacement of 6,000t. The ship’s complement is 108 officers and crew. The prime contractors for the FREMM programme are Armaris of France and Orizzonte Sistemi Navali of Italy.
Armaris was a joint subsidiary of DCN and Thales and is now wholly-owned by DCNS. The Italian Orizzonte Sistemi Navali is a joint venture between Fincantieri and Finmeccanica.
Both Amaris and Orizzonte play major roles in the system specification and development of the main subsystems and the combat system.
In April 2007, DCN became DCNS. This followed an agreement where Thales became a 25% shareholder in the new company and DCN acquired the naval business of Thales France (excluding naval equipment).
Naval Group, Fincantieri join forces in Canada warshiptender:Here
Excerpt
Naval Group and Italian partner Fincantieri have filed a joint bid based on the FREMM multimission frigate in the Canadian tender for 15 warships, a spokesman for the French shipbuilder said Friday.
Development and design features of the frigates
Image: DCNS
The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy. In France the class is known as the Aquitaine class, while in Italy they are known as the Bergamini class. Italy has ordered six general purpose variants and four anti-submarine variants; the last two Italian general purpose FREMMs will have anti-aircraft warfare, anti-ballistic missile and surface attack capabilities. Source wikiwand.com
In November 2005, the organisation conjointe de cooperation en matière d’armement (OCCAR) awarded French companies DCN and Thales and Italian companies Fincantieri and Finmeccanica the first FREMM development and build contracts.
The first contract covers the design build and support of the first six anti-submarine warfare frigates and two land attack frigates for the French Navy. Three more frigates were ordered by the French Government in October 2009.
Aquitaine class
Image: navalanalyses.blogspot.com
Deliveries were originally scheduled for a five-year period from 2011 to 2016. The first delivery was made in 2012. The first of class vessel is called the Aquitaine, the second Normandie.
Construction of Aquitaine began in March 2007 and was launched in April 2010. Aquitaine began sea trials in April 2011 and was delivered to the French Navy in November 2012.
The first steel was cut for Normandie in October 2009 and was officially launched on 18 October 2012.
Aquitaine (650)
Image: shipspotting.com
Country of origin
France
Entered service
2012
Crew
145 men
Sea endurance
?
Dimensions and displacement
Length
142.2 m
Beam
20 m
Draught
5 m
Displacement, standard
?
Displacement, full load
6 000 tons
Propulsion and speed
Speed
28 knots
Range
11 100 km at 15 knots
Propulsion
CODLOG propulsion with two electric motors (5MW combined and a single gas turbine (42 900 shp)
Airwing
Helicopters
1 x NH90 NFH
Armament
Artillery
1 x 76-mm dual-purpose gun, 3 x 20-mm cannons
Missiles
16 x Aster 15 SAM missiles, 16 x SCALP Naval land attack cruise missiles, 8 x MM.40 Exocet anti-ship missiles
Torpedoes
2 x twin 324-mm tubes for MU90 lightweight torpedoes
DCNS started construction of the third vessel of the class, Provence, in December 2010. The frigate was launched in September 2013 and began sea trials in October 2014. It was delivered to the French Navy in June 2015. Construction of the fourth frigate, Languedoc, started in September 2011 and launch took place in July 2014. The frigate was delivered to the French Navy in March 2016. Auvergne, the fifth of the class, was laid down in August 2012. The frigate was launched in September 2015.
Languedoc (653)
The fourth French ASW FREMM frigate “Auvergne” starts sea trials and the fifth French FREMM “Bretagne” was launched:Here
Auvergne (654) – Image: occar.int
Excerpt
On 26th September 2016, the fourth of class French Navy’s ASM (Anti-Submarine Warfare) FREMM multi-mission frigate “Auvergne” successfully completed its first sea going in Lorient.
DCNS handed over fourth FREMM frigate to French Navy:Here
Auvergne (654)
Excerpt
French shipbuilder DCNS handed over the fourth Aquitaine-class FREMM (Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission) frigate to the French Navy on 11 April.
On 16 September 2016, DCNS floated the FREMM multi-mission frigate Bretagne in Lorient, France. The achievement of this industrial milestone marks an important step in the construction of the vessel. It once again underlines the dynamism of DCNS and its capacity to deliver six FREMM frigates to the French Navy before mid-2019, in accordance with the Military Programming Law 2014-2019.
The Ministry of Defence of the Arab Republic of Egypt placed an order with DCNS for a FREMM frigate, Tahya Misr in February 2015. The frigate was delivered to the Egyptian Navy in June 2015.
Normandie (651) sold to Eygpt
Normandie (651) – Image: The Fifth Column
The sale by DCNS of the multi-mission (FREMM) frigate to Egypt has now been finalized. In response to the request from Egypt, the sale transaction was set up in a very short time, which is not compatible with the usual procedures that govern the launch of the construction of a new vessel.
The only solution allowing on-time delivery is to hand over to Egypt one of the FREMM originally intended for the French navy, which is currently fitting out at DCNS’s Lorient shipyard: the frigate “Normandie.”
In practical terms, the sale of the ship to Egypt will have a strong impact on the French navy, and will require a complete reshuffling of the crews of the FREMM frigates “Normandie” and “Provence,” which both are nearing the end of their user trials.
Specifically, once the contract is signed (It now has been signed—Ed.), the current crew of “Normandie” will transfer to “Provence,” which will be home-ported in Brest. There, it will work up its anti-submarine warfare capabilities on the Atlantic coast, as originally planned. The current crew of “Provence” will be reallocated to another FREMM frigate, “Languedoc,” which is currently being completed by DCNS, for fitting out. Source defense-aerospace.com
Ships for the Egyptian Navy
On 16 February 2015, The Egyptian Navy ordered one FREMM vessel to enter service before the opening of the New Suez Canal, as part of a larger deal (including 24 Rafales and a supply of missiles) worth US$5.9 billion (€5.2 billion). In order to keep to Egypt’s deadlines, France offered to send Normandie, originally intended for the French Navy. The SYLVER A70, jamming equipment and satellite communications have been removed, and the crew will be 126 in Egyptian service compared to 108 as a French ship. From March 2015, DCNS trained the Egyptian crew in the technology of the ship and DCNS and its partners accompanied the crew for a period of 15 months. On 23 June 2015, French naval shipbuilder DCNS transferred the FREMM frigate Tahya Misr ( ex-Normandie) to the Egyptian navy. Source wikiwand.com
In May 2006, OCCAR awarded the contract for the first two Italian FREMM frigates. Italy ordered a second batch of four submarines in February 2008, with designated three of these for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The last batch of two was ordered in April 2015.
The first Italian frigate was launched in July 2011 and delivered in May 2013. Deliveries are expected to conclude in 2021. The first of the class is called Carlo Bergamini, the second is Virginio Fasan and third Carlo is Margottini. Virginio Fasan was launched in March 2012 and delivered in December 2013. The fourth ship, Carabiniere was delivered in April 2015.
The fifth frigate, Alpino, was launched in December 2014 and the sixth, Rizzo, was launched in December 2015, while the seventh frigate is under construction. First steel was cut for the eighth FREMM frigate in February 2015 and the vessel is scheduled to be delivered in early 2019.
In October 2007, DCNS announced an agreement has been signed with the Royal Moroccan Navy for supply of one FREMM frigate, the first export order for the vessel.
Construction of a FREMM frigate for Royal Moroccan Navy began in 2008. Named Mohammed VI, the frigate was launched in September 2011 and began sea trials in April 2013. It was delivered in January 2014.
The frigate’s layout has been designed to provide sufficient size for operational effectiveness, maintainability and sustained upgrades. The layout incorporates increased headroom between decks, deeper and longer engine compartments and larger equipment pathways for access and maintenance.
Click to enlarge: Modified photo of Mohammed VI class frigate. Photo: Michel Floch
In high resolution here. – Image: navalanalyses.blogspot.com
For quayside maintenance, the frigate is fitted with an aft side door for loading and unloading equipment, load handling equipment and a wide lower deck passage way. Consoles on the integrated bridge are for all main platform functions, including navigation, steering and communications.
The bridge also allows operators to manage and control all platform systems, to monitor safety and security and to coordinate other operations.
Italian FREMM frigate specifics
Carlo Bergamini (F590)
The Italian frigates are armed with the SAAM Aster 15 missile system for air-defence capability and also Teseo Mk2 (export version: Otomat Mk2) sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, both supplied by MBDA.
Teseo Mk2 uses command updated inertial guidance and has a range of up to 55km. Two DCNS Sylver A43 vertical launch systems are fitted to each ship.
Frigates are equipped with MBDA’s Milas all-weather anti-submarine warfare weapon system. Milas, a derivative of Otomat Mk2, carries and releases a lightweight torpedo, such as an MU-90, close to the designated hostile submarine. The submarine’s position is indicated by the ship’s sonar or by other assets, such as an ASW helicopter or maritime patrol aircraft.
The vessel’s sonar suite includes Thales Type 4110 hull-mounted sonar. The three anti-submarine warfare vessels are also equipped with Thales Type 4929 active very-low-frequency towed array sonars.
The EMPAR G-band multifunction phased array radar from Selex Sistemi Integrati is the fire control radar for the missile systems. The vessel’s infra-red search and track (IRST) system is the Galileo Avionica SASS (silent acquisition surveillance system).
Country of origin
Italy
Entered service
2013
Crew (general purpose variant)
199 men
Crew (ASW variant)
201 men
Sea endurance
?
Dimensions and displacement
Length
144.6 m
Beam
19.7 m
Draught
8.7 m
Displacement, standard
?
Displacement, full load
6 900 tons
Propulsion and speed
Speed
29 knots
Range
12 300 km at 15 knots
Propulsion
CODLAG propulsion with single gas turbine (42 900 shp), 2 x electric motors (2.5 MW) and 4 diesel generators
Airwing
Helicopters
2 x NH90 or AW101
Armament
Artillery (general purpose variant)
1 x 127 mm, 1 x 76 mm
Artillery (ASW variant)
2 x 76 mm
Missiles
16-cell VLS for Aster-15 and Aster-30 air defense missiles, 4 x OTOMAT anti-ship missiles (GP variant), 4 x MILAS anti-submarine missiles (ASW variant)
Torpedoes
2 x tripple launchers for MU90 lightweight torpedoes
The French frigates are being built in two mission versions, the land attack (action vers la terre or AVT) version that are being fitted with torpedoes and vertically launched self-defence and cruise missiles and an anti-submarine warfare ASW version, fitted with torpedoes, vertical launch self-defence missiles and an active towed array sonar.
Sonar CAPTAS 4
An unrivalled performance against quiet submarines to achieve any anti-submarine warfare missions including escort, area sanitization and own force protection.
Ultra long range
Capable of very large detection in every environmental condition.
Reduced operator workload
The only large VDS to provide automated deployment and recovery procedures without operator on aft deck.
The lowest operating and training manpower for this class of system.
Cooperative asset
Very accurate target positioning to prosecute and engage distant submarines with airborne assets.
Multi-static capability with virtually all low frequency sonar in operation world-wide.
Minimising interference with other VDS and BMS
A rugged design for sea operations which allows the ASW units to transmit and receive at the right depth with two separate arrays and maximize the detection of extremely quiet submarines.
The system is designed to independently deploy the arrays at optimum depth to continuously survey 360 degrees with a well covered water column, thus overcoming harsh propagation conditions and surface-layer problems inherent to Hull Mounted Sonar.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Active Frequencies: below 2kHz Bandwidth: Wide FM Pulse lengths: up to 16s Pulse Modes: FM, CW and COMBO Operational limits: Up to sea state 6 Operating depth: Up to 230m depth, e.g. 180 m at 12knts Detection performance: Up to second oceanic Convergence Zone
Thales is responsible for development and supply of the French FREMM surveillance and communications suites.
Systems will include Thales Artemis infra-red search-and-track (IRST) system and the Herakles 3D S-band multifunction surveillance and fire control radar for the frigates’ anti-air weapons systems.
Thales Herakles is a rotating 3D multifunction radar (phased array) in the E/F-band (S-band) combining surveillance and fire control radar and thus performing all functions involved in the establishment of air and surface pictures. Herakles performs target detection and tracking, target classification, weapon assignment and deployment and missile uplink guidance. Herakles is optimized to detect and track multiple SSM, ARM, diving missiles, fighters and helicopters in littoral environments. Each ship is equipped with two Terma SCANTER 2001 navigation radars. One of the radar systems is utilized primarily for navigation and surveillance, whereas the other guides helicopters when landing on the frigates. The navigation equipment includes also the Sagem SIGMA 40, an inertial navigation system based on ring-laser-gyro technology. The system provides all the data crucial for navigation: heading, roll and pitch, angular velocities, position and heave, horizontal/vertical velocities and accelerations, etc. Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com
2 x Terma SCANTER 2001 navigation radar
The SCANTER 2000 series is an X-band, 2D, fully coherent pulse compression radar, based on Solid State transmitter technology with digital software-defined functionality. It is especially suited for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), river, and inner port surveillance. The outdoor transceiver unit is very small, weighs only 26 kg, and can be placed up-mast close to the antenna to minimize installation requirements and costs as well as waveguide loss between antenna and transceiver to acheive a high effecient solution. This SCANTER 2000 series provides a fully integrated solution with automated processing and low lifetime cost.
BASED ON THE SCANTER RADAR TECHNOLOGY
Terma has more than 60 years of experience in developing and manufacturing radars, and more than 2,200 radar systems are installed worldwide. Terma provides radar sensors to Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS), Coastal Surveillance Radar (CS), and Surface Movement Radar (SMR) segments. More than 85 of all major airports around the world and 65% of all coastal shores rely on Terma’s sensor technology.
KEY BENEFITS
Based on Terma’s high-quality and state-of-the-art radar technology
Sigma 40: laser gyro technology inertial navigation system
The Sigma 40 inertial navigation system is making use on laser gyro technology. An advanced system designed by Sagem for maritime applications, the Sigma 40 meets the most demanding navigation and weapon system stabilization requirements.
Both an inertial attitude and heading reference system, the Sigma 40 offers high performance and precision for all sizes of surface vessels. Both compact and robust, the Sigma 40 delivers all data needed for navigation: heading, roll and pitch, angular velocity, position and heave, vertical/horizontal speed and acceleration.
The Sigma 40 is suited to all types of platforms, including fast patrol boats, mine-hunters, corvettes, frigates, aircraft carriers, etc. It comprises an inertial navigation unit (INU), control and display unit (CDU) and an installation bracket, for fast removal and reassembly without recalibration. Both innovative and scalable, the Sigma 40 is easy to install, maintain and operate. Source safran-electronics-defense.com
Artemis is based on medium-wave staring focal plane arrays and uses multiple static sensor heads rather than mechanical scanning. Herakles has a range of 250km against air targets and 80km against surface targets.
Thales Artemis IRST
Thales Artemis IRST (Infra Red Search and Track) system is based on a full stare sensor suite and advanced real time algorithms for automatic detection and tracking. Artemis is designed to provide full tactical situation awareness for simultaneous surface and air surveillance. Directly connected to the Combat Management System, the IRST is able to provide confirmed tracks at long range on threats such as anti-ship sea skimming missile, fighter or small craft, and to deliver images to the crew to improve situation awareness. Artemis uses three sensor units fixed on a mast or topside structure to achieve 360°surveillance coverage in azimuth, with each connected to a central processing unit by a fibre-optic link. Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com
The upgradeable high-performance combat system by DCN and Thales is based on a high-speed data network. The combat system architecture will enable future weapon systems to be integrated into the frigates.
The ship’s Nato standard external communications include Link 11, Link 16, Link 22 and JSAT tactical data links, allowing full interoperability with Nato forces.
Internal communications include messaging, conventional and wireless telephony, public address, closed circuit television and internet and intranet ports.
Thales UMS 4110 CL hull sonar
Image for illustration only
A high performance sonar that provides effective anti-submarine capability together with self-protection against torpedo threats and underwater obstacles in brown and blue waters.
Large area coverage
Very long range detection in any environmental condition, complementary asset to CAPTAS Variable Depth Sonar.
Detects up to Convergence Zone in the Mediterranean and uses Bottom Bounce propagation.
Self-protection against multiple threats
Permanent self-protection against incoming torpedoes.
Complementary underwater obstacle/mine-like avoidance capability.
Cooperative asset
Excellent target positioning allowing to prosecute and engage distant submarines with organic weapons or airborne assets.
Capable of multi-static operation with most current low frequency active sonar in operation world-wide.
Reduced operator workload
Manned by a single operator. Same Human Computer Interface look & feel as CAPTAS VDS for high interoperability.
State-of-the-art sonar
Enhanced performance, robustness and reliability thanks to spiral technological update and new transducers.
Twenty-five UMS 4110 sonars have already been ordered.
Stable & continuous production, beyond the 2020’s: Long lead production that warrants systematic upgrades, evolutions, and long term support.
UMS 4110 has been selected by:
French Navy (F70, Horizon & FREMM frigates)
Italian Navy (Horizon and FREMM frigates)
Royal Moroccan Navy (FREMM frigate)
The UMS 4110 is a particularly efficient Bow Mounted Sonar operating at low frequency thus exhibiting long range bottom bounce or even Convergence Zone detection.
Providing excellent coverage above the thermal layer, the UMS 4110 sonar ideally complements a CAPTAS-2 or CAPTAS-4 Variable Depth Sonar to form an unrivalled deterrent ASW sonar suite.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
System features:
Designed for medium to large size surface combatant
Very high source level at relatively low frequency
Provides ASW all-round surveillance
Several transmit configurations, allowing operation with two ships in the same area
Integrated On-Board-Training capability
Performance prediction function for sonar optimisation
Comprehensive built-in test capability
Options:
Operated either from CMS consoles or stand-alone
Optional underwater telephone capability
Most powerful ASW sonar suite when integrated with CAPTAS Variable Depth Sonar
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Array (Weight/Height/Diameter): (10t / 2.2m / 2.0m)
Active frequency range: 4600 to 6100 Hz
Pulse types: Hyperbolic FM, CW and COMBO
Pulse length: 60 ms to 4 s
Range scale: Up to 72 kYds
Active modes:
– ASW: 360°, Omni-directional
– Obstacle Avoidance: ± 90° off the ship’s bow
Wide HFM bandwidth: 2000 Hz, against reverberation effect
Passive frequency range: 4200 to 6100 Hz. (when no active transmission allowed)
Passive functions: All around broadband surveillance, LOFAR, DEMON & audio channels
The NETTUNO-4100 ECM System can provide naval platforms with an Active Electronic Defence using selected ECM tactics, exploited through DRFM generated signals. These tactics can be equally effective against both terminal missile attacks and long range designation radar systems, surface search and tracking radars in support of anti-surface engagements.
Thales ALTESSE is a high performance wideband for Communication ESM
The communications include a variety of equipment. Thales ALTESSE is a high performance wideband for Communication ESM providing early warning and tactical situation awareness capabilities based on interception and direction finding of the radio communication signals in HF and V/UHF band, that can be easily integrated with Combat Management System. The TMR6200 are receiver-exciters that use digital signal processing technology to offer cost-effective and highly flexible radios for HF naval communications systems. They can be operated independently as a standalone radio via the control panel or within an integrated naval communications system offering voice, data, messaging and e-mail services. The Thales TUUM-6 Digital Under Water Communication System offering Long range Low Probably Intercept (LPI) data transmission, high data rate transmission and communication with divers. Other equipment includes Link 11, Link 16, satellite and commercial communications with Syracuse antennas (SURFSAT-L terminal), the Thales TRN 4000 Fixed Frequency UHF Transceiver and the Thales PARTNER Communication Management System to cope with crew reduction and a friendly use of the communications.Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com – Thales ALTESSE: Details
The combat system of the ships is the DCNS SETIS (Ship Enhanced Tactical information System), an integrated combat system for networked multi-mission operations. SETIS features advanced algorithms to detect, identify and react immediately to threats with the most appropriate weapon system. SETIS combines a large range of equipment, sensors and long-range weapons for detection, identification and engagements in extreme conditions such as multiple attacks. The Thales SIC21 is a Command and Control Information System. According to Thales, SIC21 is a mission management capability to support all types of naval operations. It increases interoperability & information security within operational Command & control in National, Joint & multinational environments. Sea and Land continuum with deployment on all naval platforms, whether equipped with a Combat Management System or not, and land-based command sites. Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com
For anti-ship capability, the French FREMMs are being armed with MBDA’s Exocet MM40 block three anti-ship missiles, which will be controlled via a CMS multifunction console by a Mer-Mer weapon control system. Block three missiles have longer range and an enhanced navigation system to give a littoral attack capability.
Exocet MM40 block three anti-ship missiles
The MM40 Block 3 is the latest, and extremely advanced, Exocet derivative featuring added coastal attack capability, while enhances the proven long range anti-ship capability of the MM40 missile.
A new propulsion system will be provided to the Block 3 missile to extend its operational range out to 180 km. Block 3 missiles will be fully compliant with evolving vertical launch requirements.
Block 3’s new airframe will feature reduced radar (RCS) and Infrared (IR) signatures as well as enhanced maneuverability allowing flight stealth conditions for increased survivability. The guidance package will combine GPS/INS and a new J-band seeker providing new attack profiles and reduced jam vulnerability. The Block 3 will be armed with a new warhead to better adapt to the coastal attack role.
The new MM40 Block 3 missile will be available in 2006. MBDA is marketing the Block 3 as an upgrade kit for retrofitting to existing MM40 missiles. The French Navy intends to upgrade currently deployed Exocet MM40 Block 2 missiles to the Block 3 standard. MM40 Block 3 data source deagel.com
The MBDA Aster 15 air defence missile system for the AVT and ASW French frigates provides protection against supersonic and subsonic threats. Aster 15 has a minimum range of 1.7km and a maximum range of 30km against subsonic airborne threats.
The ASTER modular family of vertically launched missiles have been designed to meet the high demanding requirements of the emerging air threats such as aircraft, UAVs, helicopters and specially missiles. The ASTER missiles can be installed on ground- and sea-based platforms. They feature hit-to-kill capability, a very valuable skill against ballistic missiles. The missile family entered service in 2002 with the French Armed Forces. The ASTER 15 and ASTER 30 are integrated on the SAAM (ASTER 15), PAAMS (ASTER 15 and ASTER 30) and SAMP/T (ASTER 30) air defense systems. These systems will be employed by the armed forces of France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
ASTER 15 and ASTER 30
ASTER 15/30 – Image: mbda-systems.com
The two-stage ASTER missiles are provided with two different solid propellant boosters resulting in the ASTER 15 and the ASTER 30 models. The ‘Pif-Paf’ control system enables the ASTER missile to counter high maneuverable missiles achieving a direct impact (hit-to-kill). The ‘Pif-Paf’ propulsion combines conventional aerodynamic control with control by gas jets acting through the centre of gravity of the missile. Until mid-course the guidance of an ASTER missile is based on the Inertial Navigation System (INS) updated through an uplink, in the terminal phase the guidance is provided by an active Radiofrequency seeker. The final stage of the ASTER missile is a ‘dart’ equipped with the seeker, a sustainer motor, a proximity fuze and a blast fragmentation warhead.
The ‘Pif-Paf’ propulsion – Image: wikiwand.com
The ASTER 15 is a short range missile intended for self-defense (point defense) purposes against highly maneuverable threats. The ASTER 15 is integrated on the SAAM and beginning in 2006 in the PAAMS system. The SAAM is installed on French-built frigates and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The PAAMS will be provided to the Horizon frigates (France and Italy) and the Type 45 destroyers (United Kingdom).
Number of Stages: 2 Dimensions
Diameter: 180 millimeter (7.09 inch)
Length: 4.90 meter (193 inch) Performance
Max Range: 120 kilometer (65 nautical mile)
Min Range: 3,000 meter (1.62 nautical mile)
Target’s Max Altitude: 20,000 meter (12.4 mile) Speed
Top Speed: 1,494 mps (5,380 kph) Weight
Weight: 450 kilogram (992 pound)
The MBDA Scalp Naval vertically launched cruise missile provides the French AVT FREMM’s land attack capability.
MBDA was awarded a contract for the first batch of 50 Scalp missiles for FREMM frigates in January 2007.
The Sylver A-70 vertical launcher was developed by DCN Ruelle. The missiles use inertial guidance and electro-optical terrain contour matching (TERCOM) in the terminal target approach phase of flight. Scalp Naval has a range of more than 1,000km.
Scalp Naval vertically launched cruise missile
The MdCN or Missile de Croisiere Naval, also known as Scalp Naval, is a derivative of the Storm Shadow/Scalp EG standoff missile being developed by MBDA to meet the requirements of the French Navy for a sea-launched land attack cruise missile. This new cruise missile features a maximum range of roughly 1,000 kilometers. The next generation of French multi-mission frigates and the Barracuda-class nuclear submarines will be armed with the Scalp Naval weapon. Source deagel.com
Embedded on combat vessels positioned prolonged, at a safe distance in international waters, ostensibly (frigates) or discreetly (submarine), the MdCN will be able to reach objectives located at more than 1000 kilometers. During the flight phase, the missile, which has an inertial unit, is recalibrated thanks to a radio altimeter and a GPS positioning system enabling it to evolve at very low altitude. In the final phase, he uses an infrared autodirector to recognize his target and destroy it. Ideal for neutralizing strategic facilities, such as command infrastructure, the MdCN, with a 500-kilogram military load, is designed to penetrate hardened targets. The missile, which is 6.5 meters long and has a mass of 1.4 tons, will be housed in the vertical launch cells of two Sylver A70 octous launchers supplied by DCNS. They are installed on the front beach, with two other launchers, this time the Sylver A43, which will house 16 Aster 15 missiles, cornerstone of the surface-air defense of the building. Translated by google– Source meretmarine.com
As of 2009, the FREDA design features a more powerful version of the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array radar and 32 cells of SYLVER A50 in place of the 16 cells of A43 and 16 cells of A70. The SYLVER A50 would allow it to fire the 120 kilometres (75 mi)-range Aster 30 missile; the towed array sonar would not be fitted. Source wikiwand.com
The French FREMM’s main gun is the Oto Melara medium calibre 76/62 Super Rapide naval gun. The gun interfaces to an optronic fire control system. The gun is controlled control either via a CMS multifunction console or through a visual weapons director on the bridge. Four 12.7mm machine guns are installed for close-in defence.
Oto Melara 76/62 Stealth Shield, Multi feeding system
Technical data:
Caliber: 3 inches / 76,2 mm Barrel lenght: 186 inches / 4,72 meters (= 62 caliber) Weight: 7900kg, empty (Super Rapid) Shell: 76 x 900 mm / 12,34 kilograms Elevation: – 15° to + 85° Traverse: 360° Rate of fire:Compact: 85 rpm / Super Rapid: selectable from single shot up to 120 rpm Muzzle Velocity: 925 m/s (1100 m/s – DART) Magazine: Compact: 80 rounds / SR: 85 rounds Range:
16 kilometers with standard ammunition
20 km with extended range ammunition
up to 40 km with VULCANO ammunition
Ammunition:
– HE (high explosive) – 6,296kg / Range 16km / effective range 8km (4km vs. air targets at elev. 85°)
– MOM (multi-role OTO munition)
– PFF (pre-formed fragmentation) – anti-missile ammunition
– SAPOM (semi-armored piercing OTO munition) – 6,35kg / Range 16km
– SAPOMER (semi-armored piercing OTO munition, extended range) – Range 20km
– DART (driven ammunition reduced time of flight) – sub-calibre guided ammunition against multiple targets
(missiles and maneuvering targets at sea) 4,2kg in barrel / 3,5kg in flight / 660mm lenght / effective range >8km
– VULCANO (76mm unguided and guided extended range ammunition) – under development
DART (driven ammunition reduced time of flight)
VULCANO (76mm unguided and guided extended range ammunition)
1 x Sagem VIGY MM electro-optical fire control system for the 76mm cannon
The Sagem VIGY MM is an electro-optical fire control system equipped with an integrated ballistic computer, a gun fire control interface and a high-performance gyrostabilized platform that allows long- or short-range, high-precision shooting by day or night, including in very rough sea conditions with poor visibility. Thanks also to its passive equipment it can operate in radar silence. Used against sea or air targets during all types of self-defense operations, Vigy MM can engage any symmetric/asymmetric threat, including terrorist threats, with identification capability. Whether integrated in a Combat Management System or operated in standalone mode, it enables manual or automatic sector surveillance, automatic 2D/3D target tracking, aid to identification and processing of 3D target designation information. Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com – Sagem VIGY MM:Details
NARWHAL® combines the impressive firepower of Nexter’s 20M621 20mm gun – used by more than 25 countries – with a set of high-performance day/night electro-optic cameras and a moving target monitoring function. It is the ideal system for a broad range of critical missions. It is perfectly suited to surveillance and maritime police operations, but also interception and self-defence operations in the face of constantly evolving asymmetric threats.
NARWHAL® provides short-range self-defence for French and Egyptian FREMM frigates, for French MISTRALclass vessels and for Lebanese navy patrol boats. It will be also in service on patrol boats (Guyanese PLG light patrol craft) and on the HORIZON class frigates of the French Navy. Source nexter-group.fr
Torpedoes and countermeasures of the multimission frigates
Image: meretmarine.com
The French vessels are armed with the Eurotorp MU 90 Impact torpedo. MU 90 has a directed energy warhead and a range of 12,000m at maximum speed and 25,000m at minimum speed.
Eurotorp MU 90 Impact torpedo
The MU90/IMPACT Advanced Lightweight Torpedo is the leader of the 3rd generation of LWTs. Designed and built with the most advanced technology, the weapon is of fire-and-forget type conceived to cope with any-task any-environment capability requirements and meet the ASW operational needs of the 21st century.
The weapon has been designed to counter any type of nuclear or conventional submarine, acoustically coated, deep and fast-evasive, deploying active or passive anti-torpedo effectors
2 x torpedo launchers Eurotorp/WASS B515/3 for MU 90 torpedoes with Calzoni AHS (Automatic Handling System). The ships carry in total 19 torpedoes. Source navalanalyses.blogspot.com
Thales developed the integrated electronic warfare suite. Sagem was awarded a contract for the new-generation Dagaie system (NGDS) decoy system in January 2007.
The NGDS (New-Generation Dagaie System) is a NATO-compliant, flexible, self-defense electronic warfare unit based on decoy launchers and intended to counter multiple threats such as anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. With several mobile mountings that can be elevated and traversed, the NGDS is integrated in the ship’s combat system’s detection and warning system. The system has been designed for integration onboard frigates but a lighter version is available for smaller ships (displacement below 1000t).
A single NGDS system consists of two double-axis launchers each equipped with 12 decoys and a computer that selects the best-suited countermeasure against a given threat. Against missiles the NGDS can employ both infrared and radar decoys and acoustic decoys or jammer against incoming torpedoes. The lighter version aimed at ships under 1,000t only features a decoy launcher. So far, the NGDS have been selected for integration onboard the French Navy’s La Fayette, Horizon and FREMM frigates. Source deagel.com
The NGDS self-protection electronic warfare unit based on decoy launchers uses various anti-missile tactics:
centroid seduction
active seduction
dump seduction (with a jammer)
dilution, confusion or distraction
The system adapts to all types of short, medium and long-range munitions:
The CANTO-V is the next-generation anti-torpedo countermeasure system for existing and future surface ships developed by DCNS as part of the CONTRALTO-V product line. The CANTO-V countermeasure system consists of a pneumatic launcher and decoys designed to counter advanced torpedoes. CONTRALTO-V has been designed to operate with multiple launchers with the decoys being deployed following a ballistic trajectory. DCNS successfully conducted a series of test in May and June 2011. Source deagel.com
Aircraft landing deck of the European vessels
The frigate has an aft helicopter hangar and a helicopter deck of approximately 520m². The frigate is fitted with an emergency communication and remote briefing system with the ship’s helicopter. The French AVT frigates are fitted for a tactical unmanned air vehicle (TUAV). The AVT FREMM also has the capability to control long-endurance, medium and high-altitude (MALE and HALE) unmanned air vehicles launched from ground sites or from other platforms.
Italian vessels are being fitted with the TC-ASIST helicopter handling system from Curtiss-Wright Controls of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Both the French and Italian frigates have gas turbines with two shafts driving fixed pitch propellers.
In March 2006, Avio of Italy was awarded the contract to supply the FREMM power plant for both countries, which will be the LM2500+G4 gas turbine, licensed-built from General Electric, which will provide 32MW of power.
The maximum speed is 27k. For quiet anti-submarine operations the shafts are driven by electric motors and the frigate’s speed in ASW silent mode is up to 15kt.
An azimuth thruster provides precision manoeuvring for quayside and harbour operations, station keeping and as a back-up emergency propulsion system.
Commando boats
This review of the capabilities of Normandy will be completed with its speedboats. The frigate has on each edge of a large niche hidden by a sliding curtain (used to limit the equivalent surface radar). Each niche will normally accommodate a semi-rigid boat, launching by means of davits.
The niches are also designed to house an ECUME, the new 9-meter rapid craft of the marine commando. The FREMM should also be very good platforms for special operations. Apart from the ECUME, they have space for the accommodation of commandos and their equipment, which can be deployed either by sea or by air via the helicopter platform. Translated by google– Source meretmarine.com
Propulsion system
Propulsion:
France: CODLOG
Italy: CODLAG
1 × 32 MW gas turbine General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4
2 × 2.5 MW electric motors Jeaumont Electric
4 × diesel generators
France: MTU Series 4000 (2,2 MW everyone)
Italy: Isotta Fraschini VL 1716 (T2ME series by 2,15 MW everyone, on first two frigate; HPCR series by 2,8 MW everyone, since the third frigate)
2 × shafts, driving controllable pitch propellers
1 × 1 MW bow thruster
Speed:
France: 27+ knots (50 km/h (31 mph))
Italy: 29+ knots (55 km/h (34 mph))
Range:
France: 6,000 nm (11,000 km (6,800 mi)) at 15 knots
Italy: 6,700 nm (12,300 km (7,600 mi)) at 15 knots
The ship length is 113 m, beam 19 m and displacement 5,600 tonnes. A CODLAG propulsion arrangement is powered by a single Avio licensed General Electric LM2500+G4 gas turbine of 35 MW and four Isotta Fraschini VL 1716 C2ME diesel gensets each rated at 2,190 kW at 1,800 rpm. The French built FREMMs use four MTU 16V 4000 M63L diesel gensets each rated at 2,240 kW at 1,800 rpm.
Photo of a CODLAG gearbox for the Italian-French FREMM Class Frigate Photo Credit: Renk AG – Image: maritimepropulsion.com
The gearbox is a Renk design consisting of a cross-connect gear system, to split 35 MW gas turbine power equally between the two propellers. A cross connecting gear links each of the two propeller shafts. Each propeller shaft has one electric motor and supplies power either individually at cruising speed with clutches disconnected or connected to the gas turbine with the clutches engaged for full speed. Under diesel electric power the maximum speed is 15 kn and when combined with the gas turbine 28 kn.Drawing of the CODLAG propulsion arrangement of the French-Italian FREMM Class Frigate Image Credit: Renk AG – Image: maritimepropulsion.com
The General Electric LM2500 is an industrial and marine gas turbine produced by GE Aviation. The LM2500 is a derivative of the General Electric CF6 aircraft engine.
The LM2500 is available in 3 different versions:
The LM2500 delivers 33,600 shaft horsepower (shp) (25,060 kW) with a thermal efficiency of 37 percent at ISO conditions. When coupled with an electric generator, it delivers 24 MW of electricity at 60 Hz with a thermal efficiency of 36 percent at ISO conditions.
The improved, 3rd generation, LM2500+ version of the turbine delivers 40,500 shp (30,200 kW) with a thermal efficiency of 39 percent at ISO conditions. When coupled with an electric generator, it delivers 29 MW of electricity at 60 Hz with a thermal efficiency of 38 percent at ISO conditions.
The latest, 4th generation, LM2500+G4 version was introduced in November 2005 and delivers 47,370 shp (35,320 kW) with a thermal efficiency of 39.3 percent at ISO conditions.
Image: defenceindustrydaily.com
LM2500 installations place the engine inside a metal container for sound and heat isolation from the rest of the machinery spaces. This container is very near the size of a standard 40-foot (12 m) intermodal shipping container – but not the same, the engine size very slightly exceeds those dimensions. The air intake ducting may be designed and shaped appropriately for easy removal of the LM2500 from their ships. Source wikiwand.com
4 x Isotta Fraschini VL 1716 C2ME (Italy FREMM)
Image: nauticexpo.com
4 x MTU 16V 4000 M63L diesel gensets (French FREMM)
2 x SLAT (Systeme de Lutte Anti-Torpille) anti-torpedo system (into Italian Navy only for ASW version) ASW DLS (Anti Submarine Weapon Decoy Launcher System) based on Thales ALERT sonar system, DCNSRATO command system and WASS CMAT weapon system (with 12 tube launcher for 127 mm’s WASS C-310 decoy and jammers)
2 x Sigen MM/SMQ-765 EW system: with JASS (Jamming Antenna Sub System) ECM, Nettuno 4100, by ELT Elettronica and Thales ESM (Communications and Radar ESM)
Selex ES Athena combat system (CMS), with 21, three displays, MFC (Multi Functional Consolle): 17 into COC, 2 in backup COC, 1 on bridge and 1 into Command Planning Room
Selex ES SAAM-ESD extended area AAW combat system (for Aster 15 & Aster 30 missiles)
2 x OTO Melara SCLAR-H DLS Multipurpose Rocket Launcher
8 x Teseo\Otomat Mk-2/A block 4, for naval and land attack
GP version: 1 x OTO Melara 127/64 mm gun with Vulcano guided ammunition, with a range up to 120 km, and AAHS (Automated Ammunition Handling System) with 350 rounds + 56 in turret and a second OTO Melara 76/62 mm Davide/Strales CIWS gun on the hangar (with Strales guided-ammunitions)
Lance turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon
YPR-765
Fuchs TPz 1
Boxer equipped with M2QCB machine gun
Boxer equipped with H&K 40mm GMGs
offers greater protection against medium-caliber small arms fire, fragmentation, and rockets. There’s also a dedicated AMAP-IED product, whose combination of materials and spacings provides good side protection against a range of threats that include land mine blasts and even EFP (explosively formed projectile) side-attacks. (Source: Defense Industry Daily)
Armoured personnel carrier
Command Post
Ambulance
Lance turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon
Artillery Gun Module
MTU 8V 199 TE20 Diesel 530 kW (711 hp)
German Army
Royal Netherlands Army – 200, deliveries started 2013 until 2017.
Lance turret equipping Puma IFV
30x173mm ammunition offers a good alternative to Bushmaster series
Auvergne (654)
Carlo Bergamini (F590)
Samahé helicopter handling system
Caïman Marine avec une MU90 d’entrainement (© MARINE NATIONALE) – Image meretmarine.com
Image: defenceindustrydaily.com
Thai Military and Asian Region 