SAAB and PT Lundin introduce their redesigned Stealth Fast Attack Craft Trimaran

Compared to the original KRI Klewang, the redesigned stealth FAC includes a raised bridge, modified wave-piercing hull and a higher mast. The new Sea Giraffe 1X 3D radar is placed higher up in the mast for better radar coverage and less range limitation because of the curvature of the Earth. Picture: Saab

Jakarta : During Indodefence 2014, the international defence exhibition held in Jakarta in November, SAAB and local shipyard PT Lundin presented a redesigned Stealth Fast Attack Craft (FAC) trimaran. The first hull of the original project called KRI Klewang 625 (solely designed and built by PT Lundin) was destroyed in a fire in Septembre 2012 shortly after its launch. The new project, presented by SAAB as a turnkey system solution, incorporates many modification and improvements.

The Stealth Fast Attack Craft (FAC) is a high-speed multi-role missile ship, the result of a collaborative joint venture between Saab and their Indonesian partner, PT Lundin. The vessel combines innovative hull design and construction including Saab’s renowned 9LV Combat System solution - A ship to dominate the littorals while still being affordable to procure and operate.

Innovative ship design  

The ship is 63 meters, long with a draft of only 1.2 meters, which makes the ship ideal for the littorals and “brown water” operations. The low weight due to the composite construction makes it cruise leisurely, even in rough sea states.The stability and the high mounted sensor suite gives this FAC a sensor range comparable to a frigate, making this vessel ideal to detect and counteract smuggling, piracy and terrorist threats. The four water jets can propelher to even more than 30 knots.

TNI AL's sealth FACs are likely to be fitted with the latest sensors, weapons and CMS from Saab

TNI AL's sealth FACs will probably be fitted with the 40Mk4 40mm gun system from BAE Systems Bofors (The scale model is seen here on display during Indodefence 2014)

On the original FMPV design, the main gun was going to be installed on top of the bridge. On the new Stealth FAC design, the 40Mk4 gun will be fitted forward of the bridge, inside a stealth cupola

High-end combat system solution  

While trimarans of the original FMPV design were to be fitted with combat management system, sensors and weapons of mostly Chinese origin, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) future stealth FACs will be fitted with Saab systems.

The Saab combat system solution comprises of the 9LV CMS/FCS, the brand new Sea Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, the long range Anti-Ship Missile RBS15 Mk3,the Radar ESM (SME 150), the Ceros 200 fire control director and the Bofors 40Mk4 Naval Gun with full CIWS capability through its 3P Programmable Ammunition.This combat system solution gives the FAC an outstanding capability to perform a wide range of missions.

The RBS15 anti-ship missile (seen here in a scale model at Indodefence) will be the main surface to surface weapon system onboard the Stealth FAC

The 9LV FCS provides rapid and reliable defence against potential threat in any environment, including advanced sea-skimming missiles and asymmetric surface threats. It has a world class acquisition speed, excellent tracking and precision features, combined with the supporting software modules to outsmart any threat. It provides extremely efficient all-weather fire-directing capability for the Bofors 40Mk4 Naval Gun.

The ability to deal with the demands of multiple incoming targets and tight timeline constraints, this sets the 9LV FCS apart from the competition. The system is compact, easy to use and easy to integrate, as well as being fully capable for Air and Surface Defence Coordination. It is in operation within many Navies and in many different environments and performs well in all conditions. The Stealth FAC provides outstanding capabilities for defending own units as well as protecting high-value assets.

The Stealth Fast Attack Craft scale model on display on the joint Saab/PT Lundin stand at Indodefence 2014.

According to Saab, the philosophy behind the system is simplicity in all aspects. The turnkey concept enables the customer to keep a slim organization and still to obtain a fast and versatile vessel using high technology at a cost effective price. This is achieved by Saab managing the shipyard and all the subcontractors, providing the customer with a ready to use operational solution.

Partnership

The solution is the outcome of a partnership agreement between Indonesia and Saab. The partnership will allow for extensive technology transfer and industrial cooperation. When it comes to stealthy littoral combat ships, Sweden and Saab has more than 25 years of experience in designing, building and operating composite stealth ships including the mono-hulled Visby Class Corvette that is currently in operation with the Swedish Navy. The Visby is radically different in shape, but the Stealth FAC will possess similar combat capabilities,

Sweden has a long coast line with more than 200 000 islands, hence the Swedish based defense contractors have developed strong strategies for operations in the littoral environment. Saab has also optimized its Naval Sensors, weapon and Combat Management Systems to the littoral conditions.

The Stealth FAC is designed to optimize life cycle cost. Support and service is offered locally throughout its entire lifetime. The Stealth FAC will be affordable to procure and operate.

The Stealth Fast Attack Craft scale model on display on the joint Saab/PT Lundin stand at Indodefence 2014

According to John Lundin, CEO of PT Lundin, the first redesigned Stealth Fast Attack Craft for TNI AL should be launched in the water in about 14 months and will start navigation sea trials right after. Sensors and weapon systems will be installed later on in parternship with Saab. We learned during DSA 2014 in Kuala Lumpur that the current order from TNI AL is for 4 vessels, but overall close to 30 units could ultimately be produced for TNI AL alone.  

Sumber : Navyrecognition