New Moroccan frigate sails through Sea Acceptance Trials

Recently, the third and last of the Royal Moroccan Navy’s new Sigma class frigates was subjected to its Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT). All Thales systems on board of the ship as well as the functional chains for Anti Air Warfare, Anti Surface Warfare and Electronic Warfare performed flawlessly. Tacticos, Thales’s Combat Management System is the first CMS in the world to have been successfully teamed with the MBDA VL MICA. The ship was commissioned in September 2012. Thales equipment on board of Allal Ben Abdallah includes the Tacticos Combat Management System, the SMART-S Mk2 surveillance radar, the LIROD Mk2 fire control radar, the Target Designation Sights, the UMS 4132 KINGKLIP Hull Mounted Sonar, the TUUM-4 Under Water Telephone, the EW Suite (integrated ESM Vigile 100 S & ECM Scorpion 2L), the integrated navigation system (INS), the Bathythermograph Mk21 and the integrated communication system. Mid 2011 and end last year, the other two ships of this class, Tarik Ben Ziyad and Sultan Moulay Ismail, were commissioned so that the program isnow concluded and in warranty phase. Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Nederland is proud of the excellent result: “This SAT demonstrates that our vast experience in sensor technology andCombat System Integration enables us to realize such a complex programme within the time frame agreed upon. This program reinforces our relationship with the Royal Moroccan Navy as well with Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.”

Russian Navy to Add 5 Ships Per Year

Russian shipyards will float out five combat and auxiliary ships for the Russian Navy each year in line with the existing shipbuilding program, Navy chief Adm. Viktor Chirkov said on Wednesday. “I think that we will be able to float out up to five warships and auxiliary ships every year,” Chirkov told reporters in St. Petersburg at the launch of the Igor Belousov sea-rescue ship, which is expected to be commissioned in 2014. The construction of the Igor Belousov started in 2005 at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg but has faced a series of setbacks. The ship is designed to perform a variety of missions, including the search, rescue and salvage of submarines in distress. It is equipped with advanced deep-sea search-and-rescue equipment, including a deep-sea diving system produced by the Scottish firm DIVEX. Igor Belousov is the first rescue ship built in post-Soviet Russia. The vessel is vital for the Russian Navy as it still lacks reliable means to rescue submarines in distress. According to Chirkov, the ships of this type will beput in service with all Russian fleets. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last year that the procurement of new ships and submarines for the Navy would be a priority over the next decade. The Russian government has allocated five trillion rubles ($156 bln) or a quarter of the entire armament procurement budget until 2020 for this purpose. In addition to at least eight Borey class nuclear subs, the Navy will receive 14 frigates, 35 corvettes, six Buyan class small artillery ships andsix Ivan Gren Class landing ships.

Coronado (LCS 4) completes main engine light-off

On October 5, 2012, Austal completed main engine light off of the two MTU 9,100kW 20V 8000 M71 propulsion diesel engines and the two 22,000kW GE LM2500 gas turbine engines on the 127-meter Littoral Combat Ship Coronado (LCS 4). The light-off of the main engines follows the fuel load and the testing of all four generators. The diesels are considered the highest power high-speed diesel engines in the world. Delivering up to 12,200 bhp (9,100 kW) of continuous power, MTU's Series 8000 offers a fuelconsumption of less than 190g/kWh, while achieving IMO MARPOL NOx emission certification. The GE LM2500 gas turbines each develop 29,500 bhp (22,000kW) and are the standard workhorse engines installed in almost all the U.S. Navy surface combatant ships. More than 750 of these gas turbines power the Navy’s fleet of surface combatants. The LM2500 marine gas turbine is GE’s most widely-used gas turbine. It powers more than 400 ships in 30 world navies, fast ferries, coast guard cutters, supply ships and cruise ships. In reaction to the success of this important event leading up to LCS 4 sea trials, Craig Perciavalle, Senior Vice President of Operations, commented, “This achievement could not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of the great employees here at Austal,as well as support provided by our Navy teammates. It’s always exciting to see a great war ship come to life and to witness the pride and passion of those making it happen.” Added Perciavalle, “This is a significant milestone in preparation for sea trials and subsequent delivery.” Austal USA is a full-service shipyard offering design, construction and high-speed vessel service and repair. As Austal USA continues to expand its service and repair capabilities, the company is well positioned for new business withengineering, test and trials, and a new waterfront facility all co-located on the Mobile Bay waterfront. Austal is currently under contract with the U.S. Navy to build nine 103-meter Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) under a 10-ship, $1.6 billion contract and five 127-meter Independence-variant LCS class ships, four of which are a part of a 10-ship, $3.5 billion contract. For the LCS and JHSV programs, Austal, as prime contractor, is teamed with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit ofGeneral Dynamics. As the ship systems integrator, General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s electronic systems including the combat system, networks, and seaframe control. General Dynamics’ proven open architecture approach allows for affordable and efficient capability growth as technologies develop. These two contracts will require Austal to increase its Mobile, Alabama workforce to approximately 4,000 employees in order to fulfil the contract requirements. “With almost ten percent of these workers expected to reside in the neighboring states of Florida and Mississippi,”said Leathers. “As Austal USA continues to establish its rightful place as one of the world’s premium shipbuilders, I am proud that we are an engine of regional growth for the Gulf.”

Russian Navy to Induct First Kamov Ka-52K Attack Helos in 2013

Source: Ria Novosti
The Russian Navy will receive the first batch of Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters for Mistral class amphibious assault ships in 2013, Kamov General Designer Sergei Mikheyev said.
“The first serial Ka-52K will be assembled in 2013,” Mikheyev said on Monday. “By the time the first Mistral enters service in 2014, we are ready to make as many helicopters as the Defense Ministry will order.”
Prototypes of the naval version of the Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter are under construction at the Progress plant in Russia’s Far East, he said.
The naval variant will feature a modified version of Zhuk-A phased array radar, folding rotor blades and anti-corrosion treatment to fuselage and on-board systems, which is necessary for any helicopter designed to operate from a ship.
The Ka-52K will reportedly be capable of launching anti-ship missiles.
Russia and France signed a $1.2-billion contract for two French-built Mistral class ships, including the transfer of sensitive technology, in June 2011. Two more ships are expected to be 80% built in Russia, 20% in France.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing vessels, 70 armored vehicles, and 450 personnel.
An air wing aboard a Mistral warship is expected to comprise eight Ka-52Ks and eight Ka-29/31 Helix assault transport helicopters.
The latter has been originally designed for the Soviet Navy and does not require design changes or modernization, making its adaptation for Mistrals less time-consuming and costly, Mikheyev said.
The French-built ‘Vladivostok’ and ‘Sevastopol’ Mistral class ships are expected to be put in service with Russia’s Pacific Fleet in 2014-2015.

Upgraded Indian Kilo class submarine Undergoes Sea Trials in Russia

 SourcE: Ria Novosti
An Indian Kilo class diesel-electric submarine that has been overhauled at the Zvezdochka shipyard in northern Russia has sailed for two-week sea trials, the company said.
INS Sindhurakshak, which was handed over to the Indian Navy in 1997, has been upgraded under a direct contract between the Zvezdochka shipyard and the Indian defense ministry, signed on June 4, 2010.
“The Indian submarine, which has been repaired and modernized at the Zvezdochka shipyard, sailed for sea trials on Monday,” the company said in a statement.
The upgrade program stipulated a complete overhaul of the submarine, including its hull structures, as well as improved control systems, electronic warfare systems, and an integrated weapon control system. The upgrade is reported to cost around $80 million.
The sub is expected to be delivered to India by the end of 2012, following a series of additional tests.
Russia has built ten Kilo class submarines for India and has already overhauled four of them: INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna, INS Sindhughosh, and INS Sindhuvijay.
The overhauled Indian submarines are equipped with 3M-54 Club-S (SS-N-27) anti-ship cruise missiles, the Indian-developed USHUS sonar, CCS-MK radio communications system and Porpoise radar.

US Navy Christened Its Newsest Submarine USS Minnesota

The Navy christened its newest submarine, the future USS Minnesota (SSN 783), Oct. 27, at Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News in Newport News, Va.

Minnesota's sponsor, Ellen Roughead, broke a ceremonial bottle of sparkling wine against the submarine's hull, officially naming the ship. Roughead, the wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. (Ret.) Gary Roughead, has been a tireless supporter of military families and continuing education initiatives for Navy spouses.

"We were honored to have Mrs. Roughead participate in such an important milestone for PCU (pre-commissioning unit) Minnesota," said Capt. David Goggins, Virginia class program manager. "The Virginia class is an outstanding platform and Minnesota builds on the stellar reputation of quality and success that the class is known for."

Minnesota is the 10th ship of the Virginia class and the last under the second, or block II, contract. The submarine is on track to deliver to the Navy in late spring 2013, ahead of its April 2014 contract delivery date. The ship will be commissioned shortly thereafter.

"When Minnesota delivers next year, every block II boat will have delivered early to its contract delivery date," said Rear Adm. Dave Johnson, program executive officer for submarines. "Added together, the shipbuilders delivered these submarines 42 months early and Minnesota is well on track to push that number into the 50s."

Minnesota's christening marks the final major milestone for the Virginia class in 2012. In May, the Navy took delivery of USS Mississippi (SSN 782) nearly a year early to its contract delivery date. Mississippi was commissioned on June 2. The Navy also began construction on PCU Colorado (SSN 788) and PCU Indiana (SSN 789) on March 2 and Sept. 2 respectively. Additionally, the Navy released the request for proposals for the block IV construction contract on Sept. 5.

Virginia class submarines are designed to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

DCNS SMX 26 Wheeled Submarine Concept

An artist’s impression of the SMX-26 submarine design concept unveiled by DCNS, showing its strut-mounted wheels in extended position and its retractable power pods. (DCNS image)

 

At this year’s Euronaval show, DCNS unveiled its new concept-ship, SMX 26, a small submarine designed for operation in very shallow waters, in littoral zones not usually accessible for conventional submarine operations.
SMX 26 can remain on the sea bed for long periods, continuously monitoring its environment, before attacking its target with the appropriate assets.
Its shape ensures precise, safe progress in very shallow waters, enabling operation in water less than 15 m deep. Its two shaft-lines and its four steerable and retractable azimuth thrusters give the SMX 26 extreme manoeuvrability and the ability to remain in a stabilized position near the bottom or just under the surface in swell.
The SMX 26’s capacity for long discreet surveillance is also noteworthy. It is capable of ‘landing’ very quickly on all types of sea bed thanks to a extendable wheeled ‘undercarriage’ system, and lurking on the bottom, deploying hoses to the surface for air and power. Its embedded and deployed sensors maintain a complete watch above and below the surface.
The SMX 26 can take rapid and effective action, including the deployment of six special forces divers at depth or at the surface for catching targets ‘in the act’. It also has two mast-mounted weapon systems: a 20 mm cannon for policing capability and missile launch container for anti-aircraft self- defence. Its main offensive armament comprises two heavyweight torpedoes and eight lightweight torpedoes with heavy warheads.

Rolls-Royce creates dedicated team focused on naval ship design

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has broadened its capability in ship design with the establishment of a new team dedicated to the development of naval ship designs.
Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of innovative ship design for nearly 40 years, designing over 800 vessels, used mainly in the commercial sector.
This new team will develop vessels for customers such as navies, coast guards and other maritime agencies. The new designs, which include variants of the award winning Environship merchant ship concept, will leverage innovative and cost effective technologies from commercial Rolls-Royce ship designs and products, adapted and integrated for the specific requirements of naval operations.
Garry Mills, Rolls-Royce, Chief of Naval Ship Design, said: "There has been a growing trend for commercial marine technology to cross over into the naval market, delivering cost reduction and proven capability. Governmental customers are looking for cost effective and innovative ships and with Rolls-Royce already hugely experienced in ship design, coupled to the world’s largest marine product portfolio, we can offer integrated ‘whole ship’ solutions suited to the demanding roles of the world’s navies.
"Naval vessels typically involve the integration of many disparate and complex technologies, into what tend to be unique ships. We have some exciting designs under development, bringing together world leading capability in propulsion, control systems and deck machinery into advanced hull forms."
One of the Rolls-Royce designs includes a replenishment ship for refueling and supplying naval fleets and is available in the 9,000 to 25,000 deadweight tonne range. The design is based on the Rolls-Royce Environship concept, featuring a wave piercing bow and hybrid electric propulsion system which increases operation efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.
The design team will focus on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), survey ships and support vessels, rather than combatant ships such as frigates and destroyers.

Rolls-Royce to develop mini water jet for unmanned craft

  
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, is to develop a new, highly efficient water jet to propel unmanned surface craft for the US Navy.

The new water jet will be the smallest Rolls-Royce design to date, with a diameter of just 100 millimetres, and will quietly propel the craft through the water on remotely controlled missions that include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Rolls-Royce will develop the water jet part of the innovative small propulsion system, part of a US Government funded Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project led by Candent Technologies Inc.

Dennis Duke, Rolls-Royce, Advanced Programs Director - Naval Marine Inc. added: “We are developing and adapting our world-leading water jet technologies as part of a highly efficient propulsion system which will enable these advanced craft to go about their duties criss-crossing waterways and oceans, often for months at a time. "Unmanned craft are a fast growing and exciting part of naval marine technology and we’re delighted to be working with Candent and the US Navy in developing this groundbreaking propulsion system."

Known as MUSCL, the US Navy’s Modular Unmanned Surface Craft Littoral, is an X class unmanned surface vessel, designed to reduce risk to manned forces and perform tedious and repetitive surveillance tasks. The water jets will provide thrust to move the craft at speeds in excess of 25 knots as well as sustaining a cruise speed of 15 knots.

Rolls-Royce manufactures a wide range of water jets that power craft ranging from small patrol boats, to naval ships and the world’s largest high speed ferries. Water jets provide high levels of manoeuvrability and efficiency and are particularly suited to vessels operating in shallow waters.

Britain Announces Additional £350m Funding for Next Generation Nuclear Armed Submarines

HMS Vigilant

The Defence Secretary has today announced an additional £350m worth of funding for the next stage of design work for Successor, the future generation of UK nuclear-armed submarines.

The investment will sustain 1,200 UK jobs and makes clear the Government's firm commitment to maintaining continuous at sea deterrence for future decades. The funding follows the initial £350m of design work announced earlier this year. This announcement comes as Philip Hammond visited the home of the UK's nuclear deterrent at Faslane on the Clyde and follows the successful firing of an unarmed Trident ballistic missile by HMS Vigilant during a test launch in the Atlantic Ocean last week.
HMS Vigilant is one of four Vanguard Class submarines which maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent and this firing, the first in three years, confirms the credibility of the deterrent.
The Vanguard submarines will be replaced from 2028 by the Successor which is currently being designed by British companies. As a result of today's announcement, BAE Systems will proceed with an additional £315m worth of work, with a further £38m at Babcock.