Fridtjof Nansen (F85) class PROJECT 6088 NEW FRIGATE
The program comprises delivery of 5 multipurpose frigates to the Royal Norwegian Navy. Each frigate will be equipped with one medium size organic helicopter. The delivery schedule reads one new frigate each year from 2005
The BAZAN NF project is a 130 m long monohull antisubmarine frigate, with a displacement of 4,600 t, a maximum transit speed of 27 knots, steel hull and superstructure, a CODLAG propulsion plant, an electric plant working in parallel or split mode, provided with helicopter and medical facilities, excellent seakeeping characteristics and enhanced survivability features, with special emphasis on minimising the underwater signature to obtain the most feasible silent frigate. Special emphasis has been paid in the design to ship automation, human factors, ship supportability, life cycle cost and the use of commercial off the shelf equipment, which have been considered as leading factors in the design process.
An extensive use of local (Norway) manufactured equipment has been envisaged in the project.
The vessel is an antisubmarine frigate primarily designed to detect, identify, engage and attack hostile submarines, also provided with anti-air, anti-surface and electronic warfare capabilities, offering significant potential for non combat tasks in peace time, such us to conduct sovereignty tasks. The platform design has been established to accommodate the Combat System dimensional fit, which represents the envelope of the complete set of sensors, weapons and C3I elements required to fully satisfy the requirements stated by the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The hull lines, based on the results of the BAZAN´s own hydrodynamic research programmes, have proven excellent stability, seakeeping and manoeuvrability. Hull appendages and propellers will be designed for low hydrodynamic noise, based on F-100 frigate experience.
The project is a five deck concept ship, subdivided in thirteen watertight compartments and two superstructure blocks above the level 01, being both, ship´s hull and superstructure, of welded steel using hybrid structural concept, where a mix of commercial and naval practices are applied.
The propulsion plant is a CODLAG cross connected type, having one gas turbine of 22200 kW, two AC propulsion electric motors of 2500 kW each, one gears set and two shaftlines each one driving a fixed pitch propeller. The ship has two Main Engine Rooms, separated by a Central Auxiliary Machinery Room. Additionally, an Aft Diesel Generator Sets Room is located astern the Aft Main Engine Room.
The gas turbine is installed in the Forward Main Engine Room. The gears set, installed in the Central Auxiliary Machinery Room, consists of a cross connecting primary gear and two secondary gears, linked by elastic couplings, being each secondary gear fitted with a clutch and a thrust bearing. Finally, the propulsion electric motors, located in Aft Main Engine Room, are mounted directly on the propeller shafts. The motor speed control is carried out by frequency converters.
In the quiet sailing mode, up to 16 knots, the gas turbine and the gears set are disconnected, being the propulsion electric motors capable of driving the ship ahead up to the cruise speed. For boost propulsion, the gas turbine and the propulsion electric motors run together.
A retractable bow thruster for improving the ship manoeuvrability in confined areas has been provided. This equipment can be used as an auxiliary propulsion unit in case of emergency, when the main propulsion is damaged.
The Engine Rooms will be unmanned according with the DNV rules. During normal working conditions, the propulsion plant will be remotely operated via the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) from the Engine Control Room (ECR) or from the Bridge. Local control will also be possible from the machinery spaces.
An alternative CODAG propulsion plant is also offered based in a gas turbine and two diesel propulsion engines driving two controllable pitch propellers.
The electrical plant will be capable of supplying the electric power required by the propulsion electric motors and all ship auxiliaries. The generators will supply electric power at 690 V, 60 Hz, 3 phases to two Main Switchboards, that supply power to the propulsion electric motors, specific ship auxiliaries and the Ship Service Distribution Main Switchboards through two 690/450 V transformers.
The electrical generating plant is composed of four main diesel generator sets, two of 3000 kW and other two of 1100 kW. Two main diesel generator sets, one of each size, are located in the Forward Main Engine Room and the other two are arranged in the Aft Diesel Generator Sets Room. These rooms are separated by two watertight compartments and one damage control zone.
Two Main Switchboards (MSB) of 690 V and two Ship Service Distribution Main Switchboards (SSMSB) of 450 V are located on the second deck, being arranged one of each type in the same main watertight compartment than the Forward Engine Room and the Aft Diesel Generator Sets Room. Each 690/450V transformer, 2000 KVA size, will be able to supply the required power to all ship service loads with the other one as stand by. Main Switchboards (690 V and 450 V) are interconnected in a ring configuration. The propulsion electric motors will be fed from both Main Switchboards (690 V) and the ship vital loads will receive double power supply from the Main Ship Service Switchboards (450 V).
The plant will incorporate facilities for automatic starting and synchronisation and parallel connection of the main generators. The plant can work in parallel or split modes.
The BAZAN´s project, has been designed with the objective of achieving a high degree of survivability. Survivability is defined as being a combination of two basic elements, which are the susceptibility and the vulnerability.
Susceptibility is the likelihood of being hit and is associated with the ship stealthiness, i.e. with a controlled signature management plan and with its own self-defence capability. Signature reduction measures are useful to decrease the chance of being detected and classified. A carefully design of the top side and the underwater hull, as well as the implementation of special devices, as acoustically hooded equipment, resilient mounting equipment, flexible elements in the noisy flanking paths, infra-red suppression system, prewetting system, degaussing system, active shaft grounding equipment etc, lead to minimise the underwater acoustic signature, to reduce the radar cross section and to offer an small infra red signature and an low magnetic signature.
Vulnerability is the resistance to damage and is associated with hardening, system separation, redundancy, damage prevention and damage control management. The following features minimise the vulnerability, assuring the highest probability of survival during combat : shock resistant, ballistic protection of main operational rooms, four damage control stations, Neuclear Biological Warfare defence, mobility with two compartment flooded, electric power supply ensured with three compartment flooded, two shaft lines, retractable emergency propulsion unit, casualty power supply system, etc.
A baseline Integrated Weapon System is offered based on rotating radar acting BAeSEMA as IWS Subcontractor. Anti Air Warfare sensors consist of a three dimentional rotating radar with electronic stabilisation and a long range two dimentional radar, providing good performances in detection of sea skimming missiles. Two combined radar and electro-optical trackers fitted with Continuos Wave Illuminator provide Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles guidance, for long and medium range anti air defence as well as gun fire control. Short range anti air defence is covered by infrared guided missile-based Close-In Weapon System. Passive air and surface surveillance is provided by a two band Infrared Search and Tracking System.
An alternative Integrated Weapon System is also offered based on Lockheed Martin's AEGIS Combat System, designed around the multifunction phased array radar Spy-1F, that provides simultaneous missile and gun fire control tracking of several targets while volume and horizon search and track of additional targets. Its instantaneous beam steering minimises also reaction time against any air threats. Two Slave Illuminators provide final guidance for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. Passive target tracking is provided trough the electro-optical and infrared tracker.
Both options include a Hull Mounted and an Active Towed Array sonars. They provide the ship with short, medium and long range antisubmarine detection. Antisubmarine target engagement is accomplished with Ship or Helicopter Launched Torpedoes, and depth charges. The anti submarine warfare is prepared to incorporate Ship Surface Torpedo Defence system and sonobuoys.
Anti aircraft defence surveillance capabilities are completed in both options by the incorporation of an Electronic warfare suite, comprising electronic support measure systems in the radar and communication bands.
Likewise, IWS includes two modules of four Launchers for the Norway's New Anti-ship Missile under development. Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles will be launched from an eight cell Vertical Launching System, with the capability of up to 32 missiles (4 per cell). Torpedoes will be launched from two twin magazine torpedo launchers. Electronic warfare will include two off-board active decoy launchers as well as two trainable chaff/infra red launchers.
Finally ship's internal and external communication systems are managed by an Integrated Communications Control System.
Bazan usually provides to the Spanish Navy and other foreign Navies the Logistic Support Resources for all naval units built in its shipyards.
Based on its previous experience, Bazan is in the position to offer to the Royal Norwegian Navy a tailored Logistic Support, based on Defence Standard 0060 standard, containing all initial logistic support with the aim to provide fully outfitted vessels, with appropriated trained personnel and the required maintenance resources, as well as the necessary data to manage the Logistic Support of the NF class during their life cycle.
Since the early 90's BAZAN has been applying the Integrated Construction Technology for its naval vessel construction with proven successful results in quality, productivity and delivery period. The integrated construction concept, also known as construction by zones and stages, is a real re-engineering process of the shipyard. It consists in carrying out the construction of a ship by simultaneously performing in a detail planned manner and in due time, the structural mounting, coating and pre-outfitting by zones. In this way, the final product (the ship) is generated as a set of several intermediate products (blocks, modules, finishes, tests, etc.)
One of the most interesting features of the integrated construction process, which makes it different from any previous building procedure (traditional construction and construction by blocks with pre-outfitting) is that the construction process is planned and documented from the very first stage of the project, in accordance with the building strategy. This technique implicitly carries along the implementation of Group Technology and the use of concurrent engineering. In this way, multifunctional work groups are created in all the Departments, starting from the Technical Design Office and all the way through to the Production Department itself. These multifunctional work groups perform the work in teams specialised in products (types of zones and processes).
With Integrated Construction, a spectacular productivity improvement is achieved, based on the working conditions are improved, as most of the work is carried out in the workshops instead of onboard, the total design and construction period is substantially shortened, as hundreds of tasks can be performed in parallel, quality is improved, since each task is accomplished at the appropriate moment and, finally, the total costs are reduced, as a consequence of the previous factors.
The integrated construction method allows and extensive participation of the Norwegian Industry in the construction phase.
Bazán is committed to contributing to national know-how by producing modules of vessels and assembling complete vessels at Norwegian yards; by having the development and production of the anti-submarine systems done by Norwegian defence industry; and by a number of specific offset arrangements in various sectors of Norwegian industry. The offset agreement ensures substantial orders for Norwegian industry, both directly related to the frigate project and to other projects and products. It fully satisfies the Norwegian requirements for offset arrangements.
A number of major Norwegian companies have entered into agreements with Bazán and Bazán's sub-contractors. These can be described as partnerships that secure long-term co-operation and enables the companies to be strategic suppliers of sub-systems, components and equipment. For the companies concerned, the agreements will open markets that in general have very limited access for Norwegian industry. Further, Bazán is committed to allocate NOK 1000 million to small- and medium-sized firms, particularly in the "new" areas of materials, maritime technology, information and communication systems and medical technology. Another part of the offset agreement is that Spanish authorities have confirmed that they will procure the Norwegian ground based air defence system NASAMS and the Penguin anti-ship missile from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The offset agreement contains clauses specifying fines in case of Bazán's non-fulfilment, and arrangements to ensure that certain projects and obligations must be fulfilled before those with a lower agreed priority are allowed to be entered as fulfilment of offset arrangements. The assigned priorities are in accord with the existing offset guidelines. The agreement has a satisfactory balance between allocations to the defence suppliers and to general suppliers, as well as ensuring that in accordance with priorities of the Norwegian government, Norwegian shipbuilders receive substantial orders. Significant Norwegian companies involved all confirm that the agreement will provide strategically important long term contracts, and that it will strengthen their position in the international markets.
The work on the offset agreements for this project have been undertaken in accordance with the overall objectives for Norwegian military offset arrangements. This implies that the Norwegian Ministry of Defence has given priority to technological aspects, the relative importance for Norwegian defence, and general political priorities for industry in accordance with the ministry's industrial strategy. In addition, maritime sub-contractors and Norwegian shipbuilders have been particularly important because of the nature of the procurement and the general state of affairs in this industry. This is in accordance with the government's conclusions after parliamentary scrutiny of White paper no. 65 (1998-99).
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has overall responsibility for establishing and implementing offset arrangements. Advisory bodies have been HQ Defence Command Norway, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, , The Norwegian Industrial and Regional Developement Fund (SND), The Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO)/Norwegian Defence Industry Group (NFL) and Federation of Norwegian Manufacturing Industries (TBL). The advisory bodies and the relevant firms have continuously provided the ministry with evaluations and suggestions.
Bazán is legally bound to offset 100% of the frigate procurement contract within 10 years. In both agreements between Bazán and the Norwegian Defence authority, on frigate procurement and offset arrangements, there is a specific penalty clause. If there is a "substantial breach" of the offset agreement, the procurement contract can be terminated. Fines apply in the case of less substantial non-fulfilment: 10% non-fulfilment results in a fine of 1% of the total procurement sum, at 20% non-fulfilment, the fine is 2%, etc. Payment of the fine does not excuse Bazán from fulfilment of the obligation concerned. This is a severe penalty clause compared to a majority of previous offset agreements.
The value of the direct offset share of the total offset arrangements (slightly less than NOK 5000 million, i.e. approx. 50% of the total) is substantially larger than convention would specify. An unusually large share of the total offset arrangements is already confirmed, because the direct offset mostly consists of agreements/contracts between Bazán and Bazán's major sub-contractors and Norwegian firms. These will be effective immediately if the frigates are procured from Bazán. It is important to note that no offset is accepted as such unless there is an invoice or other documentation from the Norwegian firm to prove that the offset project has been completed.
The potential identified surpasses Bazán's liability by more than 100%. An imbedded characteristic of offset arrangements is that many of them will be carried out, some will be changed and some will be cancelled and replaced by new ones, so that Bazán will be able to fulfil the legal offset commitment in the 10-year period. There are additional mechanisms to ensure the completion of this offset agreement. The ministry is also of the opinion that it would not be right to cement 100% of the offset arrangements by entering into specific contracts today. The future will bring new possibilities for Norwegian industry that cannot be identified today.
An important aspect of every offset agreement is the possibility for the sale of defence systems or sub-systems developed or produced in Norway (this is in accordance with the national strategy for the defence industry as approved by the Norwegian parliament). This also applies to the frigate procurement project, and Spanish authorities have confirmed that they will procure the Norwegian ground based air defence system NASAMS and the Penguin anti-ship missile from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The offset value of these two products will be more than NOK 1000 million.
[F310 Fridtjof Nansen ordered] [F311 Roald Amundsen ordered] [F312 Otto Sverdrup ordered] [F313 Helge Ingstad ordered] [F314 Thor Heyerdahl ordered]
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