REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVYS (RSN) FRIGATE PROGRAMME
INTRODUCTION
In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with Direction des
Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of six
frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). DCN is a
reputable shipyard that designed and built the French Navys low
signature La Fayette-class frigates. Under the technology transfer
arrangement, DCN will design and build the first ship while the
remaining five will be built locally by Singapore Technologies
Marine. The six new frigates will replace the RSNs Missile
Gunboats which have been in service for more than 30 years.
SHIPS CAPABILITIES
The new frigates are highly capable warships designed to be
stealthy and are equipped with advanced combat systems. They also
have longer endurance and are able to stay at sea for longer
periods of time. With a length of 114m, the frigates possess better
sea keeping qualities. Each frigate is powered by four MTU1 diesel
engines that can provide speed in excess of 25 knots. Stealth
technology has been incorporated in many features of the ships
design. This ensures that the frigates have low radar cross section
signatures and increased survivability. Each frigate is designed to
carry a medium-class helicopter capable of complementing the ship
in Anti-surface and Anti-submarine warfare.
Each frigate will be manned by a crew of 70. To support the lean
manning, a high level of automation is necessary. The Integrated
Bridge System (IBS) and the Ship Management System (SMS)
incorporate many advanced features to enable safe and effective
monitoring and control of the various machinery and systems
onboard. This is an example of how the RSN leverages on technology
to improve our work processes onboard.
The frigates will be equipped with advanced state-of-the-art combat
capabilities allowing them to perform a wide spectrum of missions
and to deal with various threats in all dimensions of naval warfare
surface, air and underwater. Surveillance is provided by the
Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR). As a three-dimensional
search and fire control radar, the MFR is able to perform all
round, long range air and surface surveillance, while
simultaneously controlling weapons and missiles against hostile
targets. The MFR is integrated with the Aster Anti-Missile Missile
(AMM) system. Supplied by MBDA2, the Aster AMM System is designed
to meet the air defence needs of the frigate against aircraft and
sea skimming anti-ship missiles. The Aster is a two-stage missile
with a powerful thrust and aerodynamic control to enable high
agility and manoeuvrability.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability of the frigate is
provided by the EDO3 Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS)
system and the Eurotorp A244S torpedo. The Active Low Frequency
Towed Sonar system provides the ship with long range underwater
detection and classification capabilities, while the A244
lightweight torpedo is designed to counter submarine threats
operating in the littorals.
The frigates will also be equipped with the Harpoon anti-ship
surface missile system and the OTO Melara 76mm naval gun. Both
systems are currently in service onboard other RSN ships. The
Integrated Communications System (ICS) is provided by CET of
Singapore Technologies Electronics.
Command and control of the various sensor and weapon systems
onboard each frigate is achieved via an indigenously designed
Combat Management System (CMS). Developed by DSTA and in close
co-operation with RSN and DSO-NL, the CMS is the first system
designed with embedded intelligence for track management,
identification and weapon assignment functions. All combat systems
will be operated using Standard Operating Common Consoles supplied
by SES of Singapore Technologies Electronics. These operating
consoles are located in the Combat Information Centre of the ship,
where the command team will direct and orchestrate all warfare
activities.
The platform characteristics, the combat systems configuration and
a computer-aided design picture of RSNs new frigates are detailed
in the appendix to this fact sheet.
PROGRAMME STATUS
The frigate programme is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are
in various stages of construction today. The first frigate, RSS
FORMIDABLE, will be launched on 7 January 2004 at DCN Lorient,
France. The launch of RSS FORMIDABLE will mark a significant
milestone for the frigate programme. The frigate will then be
fitted with combat systems and platform equipment before undergoing
sea trials in December 2004 in Lorient. The first frigate is due to
sail back to Singapore in early 2005. Local construction of the
remaining five frigates in Singapore at Singapore Technologies
Marine is also progressing well. The plate cutting for the sixth
frigate took place in September 2003, while the keel for the third
frigate was recently laid in November 2003.
The frigate programme represents the continuous effort of the RSN
to improve its capabilities in order to complement and enhance the
operational effectiveness of the SAF.
1MTU Friedrichshafen is a business unit of DaimlerChrysler. It is a
worldwide leading manufacturer of large diesel engines and complete
drive systems.
2MBDA is a missile company that was formed after the merger of
Matra Bae Dynamics, European Aeronautic Defence and Space
Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Alenia Marconi Systems.
3EDO is an American military defence company that was formed in
1925.
PLATFORM DESIGN AND SYSTEMS CONFIGURATION
Dimension
Length114.8 metres
Beam16.3 metres
Draught 6.0 metres
Displacement 3,200 tonnes
Speed
Maximum 30 knots
Cruising 18 knots
Range/Endurance 4,000 nautical miles
Platform Systems
Propulsion System4 x MTU 20V 8000 M90, 8200 kW (CODAD
Configuration)
Electrical System 4 x IFM V1708 with AvK alternator, 800kW
Helicopter/
Ship-Heli Interface
Support 1 Medium-class helicopter
Heli-Visual Approach System
Complement 70 crew
+ Air detachment of about 15 personnel
FRIGATES COMBAT SYSTEMS CONFIGURATION
Search Radar
Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR)
Navigation Radar
Terma Electronic Navigation Radar
Surface Missile
Harpoon Block 2 Surface Missile System
Anti-Missile Missile
MDBA Aster Anti-Missile Missile System
Naval Gun
OTO Melara 76mm Gun
Sonar
EDO ALOFTS Active-Passive Sonar
Torpedo
Whitehead A244S System
Communications
ST (Elect) CET Integrated Communications System
Gun Fire Control System
EADS4 Gunfire Control System
Command and Control
DSTA in-house developed Combat Management System (CMS)
Standard Operating Common Consoles
ST (Elect) SES