“The ASW-system is probably still close to state of the art,” Furu says. “We are still implementing our ASW capabilities on the ships, and have just received highly capable Stingray mod 1 ASW torpedoes.”
The frigates have an eight-cell vertical launch system (VLS) for the Evolved SeaSparrow missile, which can be carried four to a cell in in quad-packs. Nansen fired two ESSMs during RIMPAC 2014.
“Aegis is the most challenging part for a small Navy to be able to conduct good enough technical support to the ships and the training of the crew,” Furu says. “In both areas we have received excellent support from the U.S.”
The 76mm Oto Melara gun is able to use a variety of ammunition, and is the same gun as used on Norway’s Skjold-class fast missile boats.
The Royal Norwegian navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F 310) transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. The frigate employs automation to reduce crew size, but mounts an Aegis system, 76mm gun, vertical launch missile tubes, a naval helicopter, and other weapons on a little over 5,000 tons. Royal Norwegian Navy photo by Sergeant Marthe Brendefur
During RIMPAC, Nansen also launched a Norwegian-built Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) at the ex-USS Ogden, which served as a target.
“It’s a rather unique ship combining the robust, capable and battle-proven Aegis system with a sophisticated ASW-package and the very capable NSM,” Furu says.
“We are running a 5,500-ton frigate with a crew of 123, including the helo-detachment personnel,” Furu says.
There are refueling stations for replenishment at sea and a boat that can be launched quickly with a davit. “We have a requirement to pick up a man in the water in six minutes.”
The ship has a well-equipped sick bay with a small skilled medical team that can be augmented with a larger surgical team taken up from civilian hospitals. The hospital also has teleconferencing for reach-back, and X-Rays or other data can be transmitted back home for consultation with specialists.
The Royal Norwegian navy frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F 310) launches an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) in a live-fire exercise during RIMPAC 2014. Royal Norwegian Navy photo by Sergeant Marthe Brendefur
The frigate features a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) propulsion system with a single GE LM2500 21.5 MW gas turbine and a pair of BAZAN BRAVO 12V 4.5 MW diesel engines and two shafts with controllable pitch propellers. Furu says the retractable 1 MW Brunvoll azimuthing bow thruster is extremely useful when mooring and getting underway.
Furu says a great deal of effort went into the design and construction to minimize signatures, such as sound isolation for machinery and insulation to keep heat inside.
Automated systems
To achieve a reduced crew size, automation is required throughout the ship.
The machinery control room is back aft and is manned around the clock. Virtually all engineering functions are accomplished from the main engineering control station. Watchstanders can easily monitor all systems: power, fuel, as well as fresh water, firemain and grey water. Damage control systems can be activated, to include foam to smother oil fires, and Co2 to flood the generators.