Feature 3
supply, with Thales Nederland supplying its extended patrols.
TACTICOS combat management system, A wide range of measures are
SMART-S Mk 2 E/F-band medium- incorporated to reduce radar signature. For
range surveillance radar (integrated with example, the hull and topside structures
a Thales TSB2525 IFF interrogator), have been shaped to reduce radar cross
STING EO Mk 2 radar/electro-optical section (RCS), and all upper deck
fire control director, and Link Y Mk 2 equipment is either shielded by bulwarks
datalink terminal. Other Thales divisions or of low-RCS construction. Mooring
supply the Vigile 400 ESM system and the equipment is hidden within an enclosed
integrated communications suite. foredeck. Measures have also been taken to
MBDA is equipping the ‘Khareef ’ ships reduce infrared (IR) signature, with an IR
with its VL MICA local area air defence suppression system is installed on the main
system (each vessel is equipped with two engine exhaust uptakes.
six-cell VL MICA launchers forward of Handover of Al Shamikh was originally
the bridge). Other weapon systems include scheduled for early 2010, with subsequent
MBDA’s MM40 Block 3 Exocet surface- vessels planned to follow at six-month
to-surface guided weapon system, a single intervals thereafter. However, the ‘Khareef’
Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid gun and programme has slipped by several months
two MSI-Defence Systems DS 30M Mk 2 as a result of delays incurred in transitioning
30mm guns. Soft-kill defence is provided the shipbuilding programme from detailed
by the Rheinmetall MASS decoy system. design into production.
Main propulsion is provided by two Project ‘Khareef ’ is the RNO’s first major
9.1MW-rated MTU 8000 diesel engines procurement in a decade. Its last major
driving controllable-pitch propellers along acquisitions were three 54m patrol craft
twin shafts. This arrangement enables the delivered by French shipbuilders CMN in
corvette to meet a speed requirement of 1995-96 under Project Mawj, and two 83m
25knots, and delivers a range of 3500nm at corvettes built by VT under the auspices of
an economical cruising speed of 16knots. rNOV Al Shamikh was officially named Project Muheet and delivered in 1996-97.
An electric slow-speed drive provides an and launched on 22 July. In fact, the association between the
economical loiter capability. Sultanate of Oman and BVT, through its
Imtech is supplying its UniMACS 3000 antecedent companies, goes back over 35
integrated bridge suite for the Khareef ships Another key element of the design years, when the first of five 75ft coastal
(this will include the Kelvin Hughes KH2007 is the high standard of crew living and patrol craft were built for the Royal Oman
and Sperry Bridgemaster E navigation recreational spaces. Accommodation is Police. In the 1980s what was then Vosper
radars). It will also supply the ships’ integrated provided for a complement of up to 103 Thornycroft built four Province class 56m
platform management system. (including an embarked joint staff) with fast strike craft for the Sultanate, all of
The hydrodynamically efficient living quarters outfitted and temperature which remain in service with the RNO to
hullform, evolved from BVT’s earlier controlled to ensure crew comfort during the present day. WT
corvette programmes, further benefits
from a slim bulb bow which delivers
MsI-Defence
improved fuel economy and enhanced
systems Ds 30M
seakeeping. An active fin stabilisation
Mk 2 30mm guns
system is fitted to provide reduced
are fitted on either
motions, thus enhancing the effectiveness
beam.
of both the crew and ship systems.
Particular attention has been paid to both
helicopter and small boat operations. The
flight deck and hangar have been designed
for the embarkation and support of a
medium-sized helicopter (normally a Royal
Air Force of Oman Super Lynx) providing
a comprehensive organic capability. The
flight deck is capable of receiving an aircraft
of up to 12tonnes in weight, with provision
made for a full suite of landing aids and
AVCAT fuelling facilities.
Warship Technology October 2009 23
WT OPVs OCT09.indd 23 17/09/2009 10:55:37
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