The Canadian Government is procuring a fleet of six ice-capable Harry DeWolf-Class Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s maritime surveillance capabilities. The first ship in the class entered the construction phase in September 2015 and is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.
The patrol vessels are intended to conduct armed seaborne surveillance and sovereignty in Canada’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as well as on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts. They are also capable of assisting the Canadian Coast Guard and other units of the Canadian Armed Forces in maritime support missions.
The lead ship in the class is named HMCS Harry DeWolf and the subsequent ships are named HMCS Margaret Brooke, HMCS Max Bernays, HMCS William Hall and HMCS Frédérick Rolette respectively.
Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Project
The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) project will deliver five ice-capable ships, with an option for a sixth, designated as the Harry DeWolf Class, after Canadian wartime naval hero Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf. The official RCN ship’s class designation will be Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV).
The AOPV will be capable of:
- armed sea-borne surveillance of Canada’s waters, including the Arctic
- providing government situational awareness of activities and events in these regions
- cooperating with other partners in the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments to assert and enforce Canadian sovereignty, when and where necessary.
Construction of the first AOPV began in 2015, with HMCS Harry DeWolf scheduled for delivery in 2018.
The announced names of the Harry DeWolf-class ships to date are:
- HMCS Harry DeWolf (AOPV* 430)
- HMCS Margaret Brooke (AOPV* 431)
- HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV* 432)
- HMCS William Hall (AOPV* 433)
- HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV* 434)
* Official RCN ship’s class designation
Source navy-marine.forces.gc.ca
Development history of the Harry DeWolf-Class development
Norwegian Coast Guard vessel NoCGV Svalbard, on which the class is modelled
The Canadian Government awarded a $9.3m preliminary contract to Irving Shipbuilding in July 2012 to review the design and specifications of the existing AOPS developed by Canada.
In March 2013, Canada and Irving Shipbuilding signed a definition contract worth $288m for the completion of the design phase of the vessels. The tasks performed under the definition contract were project management, three-phase engineering design, project implementation proposal document, test production module, and long-lead items procurement.
shipsforcanada.ca
Irving Shipbuilding uses a progressive build approach to construct the AOPS. Over the course of time, 63 smaller units become 21 larger blocks, which become 3 mega-blocks. We will use the same progressive build approach for the Canadian Surface Combatants. Source shipsforcanada.ca
The Canadian Government and Irving Shipbuilding signed a $2.3bn contract for the construction of six AOPS as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), in January 2015.
The ships will be built by the prime contractor Irving Shipbuilding at its Halifax Shipyard in Nova Scotia.
shipsforcanada.ca
Canadian Navy’s first Arctic and Offshore patrol ship assembled: Here
The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for Royal Canadian Navy, ‘HMCS Harry DeWolf’, has been assembled at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard, last week, after the bow section of the first AOPS was transported.
Harry DeWolf-Class AOPS design and features
The hull of the Harry DeWolf-Class vessels is designed to meet IACS PC 5+ requirements. Each vessel will have a length of 97m, beam of 19m, draught of 5.7m and a displacement of 5,800t. It will accommodate a crew of 45 members and will carry up to 40 people additionally.
The vessels can carry 8.5m-long multi-purpose rescue boats with a maximum speed of more than 35kt for rescue, personnel transfer and boarding missions. They can also deploy a 12m RCMP/JTF2/Navy mission-fit boarding/assault boat. The vehicle bay houses pick-up trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles.
The flight-deck, located on the stern, supports operation of a variety of helicopters ranging from a small utility aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter. The enclosed forecastle at the forward part of the ship is meant for protecting the foredeck machinery and workspace in challenging Arctic conditions.
CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter: Details
The AOPS can be integrated with payloads such as underwater survey equipment and shipping containers. A 20t crane with self-loading and unloading capability will also be fitted on the ship.
Specifications:
Length: 103 metres
Beam: 19 metres
Complement: 65
Features:
- Integrated Bridge Navigation System
- Modern integrated bridge, from which control of navigation, machinery, and damage control systems can be performed.
- Multi-Purpose Operational Space
- Where operational planning and mission execution will be coordinated.
- BAE Mk 38 Gun
- Remote controlled 25 mm gun to support domestic constabulary role.
- Enclosed Focsle/Cable Deck
- Protects foredeck machinery and workspace from harsh Arctic environment.
- Helicopter Capability
- Depending on the mission, the embarked helicopter could range from a small utility aircraft right up to the new CH-148 maritime helicopter.
- Cargo/Payloads
- Multiple payload options such as shipping containers, underwater survey equipment, or a landing craft. Ship has a 20-tonne crane to self-load/unload.
- Vehicle Bay
- For rapid mobility over land or ice, the ship can carry vehicles such as pickup trucks, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
- Diesel/Electric Propulsion
- Propulsion: two 4.5 propulsion MW (induction) motors, and four 3.6 MVA generators.
- Retractable Active Fin Stabilizers
- Deployed to reduce ship roll for open ocean operations, retracted for operations in ice.
- Multi-Role Rescue Boats
- Top speed of 35+ knots, 8.5 metres long. Will support rescues, personnel transfers, or boarding operations.
- Bow Thrusters
- To enable manoeuvring or berthing without tug assistance.
Source navy-marine.forces.gc.ca
Bridge and sensors
Irving Shipbuilding
The integrated bridge system of the Harry DeWolf-Class ships will serve as the controlling and operating station. The bridge will be fitted with navigation systems, damage-control systems and machinery. It will have multi-purpose operational space to support mission execution and operation-planning.
The ship will be equipped with modern surface search radars and state-of-the-art sensors. Its command, control and communication capability will facilitate transmission of real-time information between the AOPS and the Canadian Armed Forces Maritime Security Operations Centres.
TRS-3D/16-ES multimode acquisition 3D radar
Depending on the activated radar mode, the detection range of the radar covers up to 200 km and the corresponding update times between 1 and 6 seconds.TRS-3D/16-ES is a fully coherent multi-mode phased array C-band radar capable of fully automatic detection, track initiation, and classification of various types of targets. Even under severe clutter conditions encountered in the littoral, it detects and tracks with a particular emphasis on small, fast and low-flying aircraft, missiles, hovering helicopters and asymmetric threats. This ensures minimal operator workload and maximises operational effectiveness.
TRS-3D/16-ES supports the full operational capabilities of several self-defence missile systems, and can serve as a stand-alone radar for the surveillance and self-defence requirements of single-radar ships operating in littoral waters, or as the self-defence radar on large frigates and multi-radar ships.
For weapon support and target assignment, TRS-3D/16-ES supplies reliable target data instantaneously. It features the high tracking accuracy to permit deployment of different types of missiles against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. Thanks to the accuracy of the gun-fire support mode, a dedicated fire control system for surface targets is not required.
TRS-3D/16-ES operating in NATO G-Band is the best compromise for long-range detection performance, short reaction times, and the required accuracy for cueing weapon systems and dedicated fire control sensors.
The lightweight primary antenna is fitted with an integrated Mode 5/S-capable IFF antenna.
TRS-3D/16-ES is able to correlate the primary and secondary radar plots/ tracks within its own radar tracker to provide even higher quality data to the combat management system.
Functional Capabilities
- 3D air volume surveillance with fast target alert
- High resolution surface surveillance
- Small target detection capability
- Target designation to combat management system for AAW and AsuW
- Surface gun fire support with splash detection
- Ship-controlled helicopter approach (SCA) support
- Support of helicopter control
- High-performance ECCM functions
- High resistance to EMI/ECM
- Jammer suppression
- Suppression of environmental clutter
- Support for target classification
- IFF interrogation support
- Support of various combat management systems
Surveillance
- Especially designed for littoral operations avoiding blind sectors over land
- Reliable automatic track initiation and operation independent of clutter situation for surface and air targets
- Handling of 400 tracks per 360° independent of air and surface tar-get mix
- Full MTD operation for complete instrumented range in all modes
- Use of digital geographical charts and adaptive clutter maps to optimise situational awareness
Self-Defence
- Fully automatic detection, track initiation and tracking of all sea and air targets, as well as jammer avoidance/ cancellation
- Target classification of sea targets such as small, medium and large ships, air targets such as helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as highly threatening targets such as sea skimmer missiles and high divers
- Rapid reaction time (fast alert)
- Low operator workloads
Gun Fire Support
- The dual target gun fire support mode allows the use of medium-caliber guns without the need for an electro-optical or radar tracker
- A fast 1s update rate for the detection of high-explosive projectile splashes with tailored waveforms
- Adapted signal and data processing to detect sea targets and shell splashes
Source datasheets.globalspec.com
Kongsberg CCTV systems for Canadian Navy’s new patrol ships
Kongsberg Maritime announced February 1 that it has been selected by L-3 MAPPS to provide the CCTV system for the Royal Canadian Navy’s new class of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).
L-3 MAPPS is one of the suppliers to Irving Shipbuilding, a prime contractor delivering the AOPS vessels as a part of the Canadian National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
David Fleming, Camera Systems Manager for Kongsberg Maritime, said: “Further to our recent CCTV supply for the Halifax-class frigates IPMS upgrade we are delighted to be able to leverage from our proven marine & naval camera technologies to support L-3 MAPPS, Irving Shipbuilding and RCN on the prestigious AOPS Program which is a key milestone in the renewal of Canada’s combatant fleet.”
The CCTV system will provide the crew with real time video surveillance to assist with mission critical operations as well as providing safety, security and situational awareness on board the new build AOPS vessels.
According to Kongsberg, the deliverables will include a combination of harsh environment CCTV cameras and cameras that have been adapted to meet the demands of RCN and the challenging Arctic environment such as an upgraded version of the proven Kongsberg Maritime Helicopter Operations Surveillance System (HOSS), which will assist in monitoring of the take-off and landing operations of the CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopters that the vessels will support.
AOPS is a Government of Canada procurement project for the RCN. The project is expected to equip the Canadian Forces with six naval ice-capable offshore patrol ships. The first Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.
Earlier in 2016, Kongsberg Maritime has landed another contract to supply its camera systems to the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Polar Star. Source navaltoday.com
Armament of Harry DeWolf-Class AOPS
The offshore patrol vessels will be armed with BAE Systems’ remote-controlled 25mm MK 38 machine gun, which features an M242 cannon and a highly accurate gun targeting and surveillance system.
BAE Systems’ remote-controlled 25mm MK 38 machine gun
Description
The MK-38 is a 25-mm machine gun installed for ship self-defense to counter High Speed Maneuvering Surface Targets (HSMST).
Background
The MK 38 MOD 0 25mm MGS replaced the MK 16 20mm gun system and was then later upgraded to a MK 38 MOD 1 MGS. A total of 387 MK 38 MOD 1 MGSs were procured and deployed in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). In 2003, the chief of Naval Operations (CNO) directed the Navy to pursue a simple, stabilized, low cost solution for outfitting near-term deployers to counter small boat threats. The Navy began fielding the Mk 38 MOD 2 in 2005. Due to the success of the MK 38 MOD 2 MGS, the program scope was expanded in July 2012 to add several ship classes and to develop a modification to the system. This modification is known as the MK 38 MOD 3 which is a technical refresh of the MK 38 MOD 2. The first MK 38 MOD 3 is to be fielded in FY17. As of 2016, 307 MK 38 MOD 2 systems have been delivered. There are 50 MK 38 MOD 3s on contract. The total POR is for 517 systems.
Installed aboard CG, CVN, DDG, FFG, LSD, LPD, LHD, LHA, LCC, MK VI, PC, OSV and USCG FRC class ships and planned for installation aboard AS and USCG offshore patrol cutter (OPC) class ships, the MK 38 MGS is a low cost, stabilized self-defense weapon system that dramatically improves ships’ self-defense capabilities.
_in_2014.JPG)
Mk38 25mm gun remote control station
| General Characteristics |
| Primary Function: (Mod 1) Single barrel, air cooled, semi- and full-automatic, manually trained and elevated machine gun system. |
| Contractor: Contractor Mod 1: Designed and assembled by Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center; components procured from various contractors. Date Deployed: 1986. Contractor Mod 2/3: BAE Systems Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rafael, Haifa, Israel. Date Deployed: 2005; 280 systems installed as of December 2016. |
| Date Deployed: 2005. |
| Range: 2500 yards (effective range) |
| Type Fire: Single shot or Burst Mode; Maximum 180 rounds per minute automatic. |
| Caliber: 25 mm (1 inch). |
| Guidance System: Mod 1: N/A, manually trained and elevated. Mod 2/3: Stabilized, remote control with electro-optic fire control system and auto-tracking capability |
Source navy.mil
The remote gun mount on the bow of Harry DeWolf – halifaxshippingnews.ca
Propulsion and performance details
The power plant of the Harry DeWolf-Class patrol vessels will consist of two 4,500kW main propulsion motors and four 3,600kW generators. A bow thruster will be installed in the bottom of the vessel enables berthing or manoeuvring without using tugs. The retractable active fin stabilisers will reduce the roll motion of the ship.
The vessel will have an open water speed of 17k and endurance of 120 days, and will reach a range of 6,800nm at a speed of 14k. It will be capable of operating in 1m-thick ice.
Contractors involved with the AOPS project
BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Irving Shipbuilding to deliver six modified 25mm MK 38 machine guns, spare parts and support services for the AOPS in August 2015.
Irving Shipbuilding awarded an implementation subcontract to Lockheed Martin Canada to integrate command and surveillance system into the AOPS.
Irving Shipbuilding also awarded subcontracts to GE Canada for the integrated propulsion system, Lloyd’s Register Group for classification of the vessels, Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) for marine engineering and naval architecture, and Fleetway for integrated logistics support.
Main material source naval-technology.com
Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated
Main image mapleleafnavy.com
Revised Dec 14, 2017
Updated Nov 14, 2019
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