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Main>Articles>Military Stuff>NGPV
NGPV (New Generation Patrol Vessel)
In the late 1990s, the RMN placed a order for the
first flight of 6 OPVs from a projected fleet of 27 ships. The OPVs, tentatively
designated as NGPV (New Generation Patrol Vessels) are constructed from
the MEKO A200 design, developed by Blohm und Voss Gmbh of Germany. The
first two vessels are being fabricated in Germany and will be shipped
to PSC Naval Dockyards in Lumut for assembly and outfitting. The remaining
six will be fully constructed in Malaysia.
A unique feature of the NGPV project is that the
ships will be built in flights of six, thus enabling different flights
to be built to perform different tasks. For example, one flight can be
built for ASW and another for ASuW whereas another flight can be optimized
for Anti-Air Warfare. As of now, the roles for the first flight have yet
to be known with any certainty, though there are rumours that they will
be optimized for anti-submarine operations.
Powered by 2 Caterpillar 3616 diesel powerplants,
the NGPV can cruise for up to 11,205km at 12 knots, with a dash speed
of 27 knots. Suitable for conducting extended patrol missions in the vast
EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of Malaysia, the NPGV carries a crew complement
of 75. The ship is around 90 meters long and has a displacement of around
1,650 tons.
Although by designation a patrol vessel, the RMN's
NGPVs are well suited for combat. They have an extensive electronics suite
including an EW and ESM suite from Thales. The radar to be used by the
NPGV, the TRS-3D multipurpose 3 dimensional radar can seek out air and
surface targets, is a state-of-the-art system developed by EADS. Meanwhile,
underwater targets will be detected by means of a STN Atlas ELAC Nautic
MDS3060 hull-mounted sonar. The NGPV will also carry the TMX and TMEO
optronic fire control systems from Oerlikon Contraves. All the sensors
and weapons of the ship are managed by the COSYS 110 M1 combat management
system. For self-defense, the NGPV will carry the Sippicon ALEX decoy
control and launching system.
Under a modular weapons suite concept, the NGPV
will only mount guns for typical peacetime patrols. These guns include
an OTOBreda 76/62 Super Rapid gun as the main gun and an OtoBreda FSAF/Mauser
30mm MN 30 GS as a secondary gun. For combat situations, however, a crisis
fit of a single 21-round RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) launcher can be
fitted on a pedestal mounted behind the main gun. In addition, 2 quad
launchers for MM40 Exocet Block II anti-ship missiles can also be carried
amidships. Finally, 2 triple torpedo launchers are carried as a standard
outfit for anti-submarine engagements. The customizeable armanent of the
NGPVs will provide the RMN with greater flexibility in responding to threats
of varying degrees. There are also unconfirmed reports that the RMN might
have changed its mind and has requested for the NGPVs to be delivered
with a complete weapons suite.
A helicopter deck is located at the rear of the
NGPV, with a hangar to house the helicopter. It is expected that the RMN
will order an additional 6 Lynx 300 helicopters for the NGPVs. These helicopters
be used to hunt hostile submarines and to provide OTH (Over The Horizon)
targetting for missiles launched from the NGPV. The Lynx 300 can also
launch its own SSM, the Sea Skua with a range of 25km. The Lynx is also
armed with torpedos and depth charges to persecute submarines.
With the NGPV set to enter service by 2005, the
RMN is set to be one of the most technologically advanced navies in South
East Asia.