The Royal Norwegian Navy has signed an agreement with Navantia to perform lifecycle support work on Nansen-class (F-310) anti-submarine warfare frigates.
Under the framework agreement, Navantia will provide maintenance services for equipment, such as the integrated platform management system (IPMS), main engines and generators for a period of one year.
The agreement also includes an option for other equipment and ship platform system such as ‘on call’ support, onboard technical assistance, supply of spare parts, factory repairs, training and courses, as well as engineering changes, modifications and updates.
The Norwegian Navy and Navantia are also negotiating for a new long-term agreement expected to begin by the end of 2012 to enhance its capabilities, which will equip the frigates with the newest equipment and systems that emerge into the market during the operation life of the vessels.
Orders were placed by the Norwegian Navy with Navantia in 2000 for the procurement of five F-310 Class frigates.
The framework agreement is expected to boost ties between Norwegian Navy and Navantia, while enhancing the lifecycle of existing frigates to exceed 30 years, as well as future naval programmes.
Designed to support medium-sized helicopter landing, the anti-submarine warfare frigate features an electronic warfare suite, which includes CS-3701 tactical radar surveillance system (TRSS).
Additional features of the frigate include RSR210N X-band 2D pulse Doppler radar, sonar suite comprising CAPTAS mk2 V1 combined active / passive towed array sonar and the Spherion MRS 2000 hull-mounted sonar, as well as One Oto Melara SuperRapid 76mm gun.
The 133.25m-long frigate has a full-load displacement capacity of 5,130t and is powered by one GE LM 2500 19.2MW gas turbine and two Navantia Bravo 12V 4.5MW diesel engines.
Image: Royal Norwegian Navy’s Nansen-class frigate, Thor Heyerdahl (F-314) is powered by two Navantia Bravo 12V 4.5MW diesel engines. Photo: courtesy of Alberto Pereira Picado.
