JLRC escreveu:Launch of Second Locally Built Frigate
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Jan. 28, 2005)
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) third frigate, RSS Steadfast, was launched on 28 Jan 2005, by Mrs Tony Tan Keng Yam, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for Security and Defence Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, at Singapore Technologies Marine yard. DPM Tan officiated at the launching ceremony.
The launch of RSS Steadfast, the second locally built frigate, is an important milestone in the RSN’s frigate programme. The RSN’s stealth frigates will be equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems, and have enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
When the RSN’s frigates come into service from 2007 onwards, the Navy’s ability to undertake a wider spectrum of missions and carry out its missions of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) will be enhanced.
The ceremony was witnessed by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, MINDEF and SAF officials.
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JLRC escreveu:Launch of RSN's Fourth Frigate
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued July 15, 2005)
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fourth frigate, RSS Tenacious was launched on 15 July 2005, by Mrs Lalitha Jayakumar, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Law, Prof S. Jayakumar, at Singapore Technologies Marine yard. Prof Jayakumar officiated at the launching ceremony.
The launch of RSS Tenacious marks another milestone for the Formidable-class frigate programme. She is the third frigate to be built locally. In the next phase, RSS Tenacious will undergo harbour and sea trials.
The RSN stealth frigates’ sophisticated sensor and weapon systems are concurrently undergoing shore-based integration testing while the ships are being built. This will mean significant time savings. With their enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the frigates will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and more effectively carry out its mission of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
Minister for Manpower and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, and other senior MINDEF and SAF officials were also present at the launch.
BACKGROUND NOTES:
--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 had designed and built the French Navy’s low signature La Fayette-class frigates. Under the technology transfer arrangement, DCN designed and built the first ship while the other five are built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine. These Formidable-class frigates will replace the RSN’s Missile Gunboats, which would have been in service for more than 25 years.
--The new frigates are highly capable warships. They are stealthy and equipped with advanced combat systems. They also have longer endurance, being able to stay at sea for longer periods. Each frigate is designed to carry a medium-class helicopter which can complement the ship in Anti-surface and Anti-submarine warfare. By leveraging on a high level of automation and enhanced work processes, each frigate requires a crew of only 71.
--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. These systems include the Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR), the MBDA Aster SAM System, the EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) system, the Eurotorp A244S torpedo and the Boeing Harpoon missile system. There is an indigenously developed Combat Management System (CMS) for command and control of the various sensor and weapon systems.
--The platform characteristics, the combat systems configuration and a computer-aided design picture of the RSN’s Formidable-class frigates are detailed in the appendix to this fact sheet.
--The frigate programme is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are in various stages of construction. Three have already been launched and are now in the final phases of construction.
--In tandem with the frigates’ construction, the combat system integration effort has also gradually intensified over the course of this year. The Shore Based Integration Centre (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate the exchange of information over the local area network, which closely replicates the one on the ship. The laboratory environment of the SBIC allows the integration team to run the required sequence of tests and to initiate trouble shooting and rectification measures before testing on board the ship commences.
--The frigates’ systems are also being put through various operational scenarios for extensive testing employing simulators. The shore-based integration testing approach will shorten the time taken for integration and help bring forward the delivery of the frigates by almost a year.
--The frigate programme represents the continuous effort of the RSN to improve its capabilities and enhance the operational effectiveness of the SAF.
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http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/