Singapore Navy Commissions Final Three Littoral Mission Vessels

31 Januari 2020

Final three LMV of RSN number 20, 21, and 22 (photo : Straits Times)

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo officiated at the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) RSS Fortitude, RSS Dauntless and RSS Fearless at Tuas Naval Base today. The commissioning of the final three LMVs marks a significant milestone for the RSN as all eight LMVs are operationalised, strengthening the Navy's capabilities to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its Sea Lines of Communication and contribute to regional peace and security.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Teo congratulated the RSN and her partners for the successful completion and operationalisation of all eight LMVs within a short span of just four and a half years since the launch of the first LMV, saying that this was an outstanding feat. She also commended the RSN's ability to turn constraints into opportunity, successfully achieving significant manpower savings. "The LMVs will play a vital role in strengthening the RSN's ability to defend our everyday… They are quintessentially Singaporean, being designed and built in Singapore by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans. Testament to our people's determination to defend our way of life despite our constraints, the vessels are ingeniously designed to overcome manpower limitations," she said.

All eight Littoral Mission Vessel of RSN (photo : Sing Mindef)

Designed and built locally, the Independence-class LMVs are equipped with smarter technology and sharper capabilities to enable the RSN to operate more efficiently and effectively. The ship pushes the boundaries of engineering and design to deliver a more capable, faster and mission-flexible ship. Besides advanced radars and sensors, and improved sense-making systems to enhance situation awareness and accelerate decision-making, the concept of ‘design for support' was incorporated upfront. For example, the mast of the LMV is designed to house the ship's sensors internally to shield them from the harsh maritime environment and provide easier access for maintenance. The design change has halved the workload for maintenance compared to the Patrol Vessels they replaced, enabling the LMVs to be manned with a leaner crew.

RSS Fortitude, RSS Dauntless and RSS Fearless are the final three LMVs that will replace the ageing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, which have been in service for more than 20 years. The LMVs have participated in inter-agency operations, such as security operations for the DPRK-US Singapore Summit, and the recent rescue efforts of the merchant vessel Hoyu when it caught fire in November 2019. In addition, the LMVs were involved in overseas exercises, such as the inaugural ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise in Thailand in 2017, as well as local exercises such as Exercise Highcrest.

Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces.

(Sing Mindef)

Ka-32 Ready for First Mission

31 Januari 2020

Kamov Ka-32 helicopter of DPPM (photo : TAF)

The Army featuring the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPPM) of Thailand has brought 2 KA-32 Disaster Relief Helicopters, which are in the 2563 Wildfire Control training during 27 - January 31, 2020 support the operation to solve wildfires and smog, including reduce the amount of dust in northern areas. It will be supported until the situation unravel. The helicopter has arrived to the 41 Chiang Mai Province.

Sending helicopters to the mission is according to the collaboration program between Army and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Thailand, which is going to be recorded together this week.

(TAF)

The Vietnamese Navy's Pohang 20 Guard Ship is on Duty with Kh-35 Missiles

31 Januari 2020

Pohang 20 and other warshps of VPN (all photos : VietDefense)

After testing with Kh-35 missile, the Pohang 20-class guard ship was in the combat squad.

In early November 2019, the first image of a 20-class Pohang-class submarine hunting guard ship, which was supported by the Korean side to the Vietnamese Navy, was integrated with KT-184 launchers of anti-ship cruise missiles Kh-35 Uran-E.

Thus, from a battleship specializing in underground hunting, firepower mainly relied on artillery and torpedoes, Ship 20 has "transformed" into a true versatile protection guard.

However, there were many opinions that the ship only ran sea tests to check the balance after attaching anti-ship missiles and new weapons not yet integrated into the ship's combat management system, by not seeing the appearance of guided radar.

However, there are other opinions that it is not necessary to add the Garpun Bal fire control radar to the roof of the commanding cabine, but Ship 20 is still capable of deploying Kh-35 Uran-E anti-ship missiles in a way, exactly.

Specifically, in the case of firing missiles at a distance not too far, the ship can get target parameters via shore radar stations, reconnaissance aircraft, or even from other warships located in the border.

After identifying the target, the ship will load the coordinates into the missile and launch, the inertial navigation will send the bullets flying to the intended area and then use the active probe to lock the object to destroy.

The fact also shows that even in the Navy, there is a BPS-500 guard ship which is not integrated with Garpun Bal fire control radar, it only uses Pozitiv-E reconnaissance radar.

Most recently in the "New Year's Story" reporter broadcast on Channel VTV8, Ship 20 was seen as part of a naval task force, showing the process of integrating anti-ship missiles was completed and the ship ready to do the task.

In addition to anti-ship missiles, the other detail of interest is the 324 mm light submarine-hunting torpedo tubes that remain, indicating that we still use this weapon instead of changing to the 400 mm type as the previous predictions.

(KienThuc)

Penandatanganan Kontrak Joint Production Mission System PTTA Elang Hitam

31 Januari 2020

PTTA Elang Hitam (photo : SindoNews)

Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak (PTTA) jenis Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) yang mampu terbang terus menerus 24 jam merupakan wahana yang diperlukan untuk menjaga kedaulatan NKRI dari udara. Pengembangan PTTA MALE dimulai sejak tahun 2015 dengan disepakatinya rancangan, kebutuhan dan tujuan yang akan dioperasikan oleh TNI AU. Pada tahun 2017 telah terbentuk perjanjian bersama berupa Konsorsium Pesawat Terbang Tanpa Awak (PTTA MALE) dengan anggota yang terdiri dari Kementerian Pertahanan RI yaitu Ditjen Pothan Kemhan dan Balitbang Kemhan, Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT), TNI AU (Dislitbangau), Institut Teknologi Bandung/ITB (FTMD), LAPAN, BUMN yaitu PT Dirgantara Indonesia dan PT Len Industri.

Mission system PTTA Elang Hitam (photo : Airspace Review)

Empat Tahapan

Pada hari Kamis (30/1/2020), Ditjen Pothan Kemhan yang diwakili Sesditjen Pothan Kemhan Brigjen TNI Aribowo Teguh Santoso, S.T., M.Sc., dan PT. Len Industri (Persero) yang diwakili oleh Dirops II PT. Len Industri (Persero) Ir. Adi Sufiadi Yusuf, M. Eng, menandatangani Kontrak Program Joint Production PTTA Mission System Klas MALE TA. 2020. 

Program ini dibagi menjadi 4 tahapan dimana TA. 2020 merupakan tahapan ke-2 penguasaan teknologi Mission System PTTA Klas MALE yang meliputi dokumen Detail Design Engineering, Dokumen Technology Acquisition, Hardware In The Loop System (HILS) Document Review and Supervision, dan Ground Control Station (GCS) yang akan diintegrasikan ke platform PTTA Klas MALE “Elang Hitam” pada tahun 2023.

Dalam sambutannya Sesditjen Pothan Kemhan menyampaikan kepada PT. Len Industri (Persero) yang mendapatkan penugasan melalui program Binpotekindhan TA. 2020 ini agar melaksanakan tugas tersebut sesuai dengan rencana yang telah disepakati bersama melalui pentahapan yang benar serta mendokumentasikan sesuai ketentuan. Diharapkan dengan penguasaan teknologi kunci PTTA MALE tersebut dapat mewujudkan kemandirian Industri Pertahanan dalam memproduksi PTTA MALE guna mengisi kebutuhan TNI AU dalam menjaga kedaulatan NKRI melalui udara.

(Kemhan)

PHL Navy Eyeing to Acquire 2 More Anti-Submarine Helicopters for New Corvettes

31 Januari 2020

PN's AW159 ASW helicopter (photo : Frances Mangosing)

The Philippine Navy is eyeing to acquire 2 more anti-submarine warfare helicopters as it also plans to acquire two new corvettes under the Second Horizon of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said.

“We will also be acquiring two additional anti-submarine warfare helicopters to provide extended range patrol for the two corvettes that we will be acquiring in the future,” Vice Admiral Empedrad said as quoted by Inquirer.net during the decommissioning ceremony of Navy’s “legacy” assets on January 29.

“‘Yong corvette may provision ‘yon na need ng anti-submarine warfare helicopter. So sinama namin sa Horizon 2, we will program that. Pagdating ng corvette may kasama din na AW159 every time that she goes on patrol,” he said.

In November 2019, the Department of National Defense (DND) and South Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) singed an understanding “for the design and construction of new patrol combat corvette the Philippine Navy is going to acquire next year.”

The Philippine Navy has in its possession two AW-159 anti-submarine warfare helicopters. These helicopters were presented in June 2019. These helicopters will complement the two Jose Rizal-class frigates currently being completed by HHI.

Earlier this month, Vice Admiral Empedrad said that the anti-submarine warfare capability of the two AW-159 helicopters will be in full operation later this year.

(Mintfo)

RAAF F-35A Aircraft to Conduct Low-Level Training

30 Januari 2020

RAAF F-35A Lightning II (photo : newcastle airport)

The Department of Defence is advising residents in the Mudgee area that F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle will conduct flying training between Friday to Monday, 3-6 February and 10-13 February.

Thirteen F-35A Lightning II aircraft are now based at RAAF Base Williamtown, and are gradually replacing the aging F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft.

Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tim Alsop, said local residents might be surprised to see different fighter jets conducting low flying activities in the area.

Number 3 Squadron attack training will include some low level flying as part of developing air to surface tactics.

"Number 3 Squadron aircrew are all experienced pilots who have been flying the F-35A aircraft in the United States since 2015, and in Australia since their introduction in December 2018," Air Commodore Alsop said.

"Developing skills in low level attacks are an important part of Defence training - and we need to test the F-35A capability as part of verification and validation process for its initial operating capability."

Fighter jets will operate over the ocean well off the Hunter and Great Lakes coasts for 70 per cent of their training.

The remaining 30 per cent of operations are conducted to the west and north of RAAF Base Williamtown and other parts of Australia.

"Air Force is committed to ensuring every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to residents living in these areas and the ongoing support of local communities is appreciated," Air Commodore Alsop said.

Similar low-altitude training will occur at Merriwa and Tamworth.

(MudgeeGuardian)

PHL Awards Contract for 2 Large Japanese Patrol Vessels

30 Januari 2020

94-meter class patrol vessel (photo : AS Kevin)

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has awarded Mitsubishi Shipbuilding a contract to design, build, and deliver 2 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The contract has an amount of JPY 14,550,000,000.00. According to the document shared to MaxDefense Philippines, the Notice of Award was signed January 17, 2020.

The acquisition is funded through a loan provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Phase II.

“The project involves the acquisition of two (2) heavy weather, high endurance 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs), to provide the PCG with vessels with a cruising range capability of 4,000 nautical miles, can be used in Sea-State 6 (wave height of up to 6 meters) in rough sea condition, and are capable to conduct continuous maritime patrol up to 15 days at 15 knots,” NEDA said.

MSCIP for PCG Phase I, also funded by Japanese soft loan, provided 10 44-meter MRRVs to PCG.

(Mintfo)

Mantan Danskadron 11 Akui Rafale yang Diminati Prabowo Sangat Superior

30 Januari 2020

Anton “Sioux” Pallaguna pernah menjajal pesawat Rafale (photo : TNI AU)

Indonesia dikabarkan berminat membeli 48 pesawat jet tempur Rafale dari Perancis untuk memperkuat TNI Angkatan Udara (AU). Kabar ini diwartakan situs berita Perancis, La Tribune pada 17 Januari lalu.

Media itu menyebutkan bahwa minat pemerintah Indonesia terhadap jet tempur multiperan pabrikan Dassault Aviation diutarakan Menteri Pertahanan, Prabowo Subianto saat melakukan kunjungan ke Paris pada 11-13 Januari lalu.

Menurut sumber internal La Tribune, pembelian ini bakal diwujudkan dalam kesepakatan antar-pemerintah Perancis dan Indonesia, yang diharapkan bisa terwujud dalam waktu dekat.

Dassault Rafale merupakan jet tempur bermesin ganda dengan ciri khas sayap delta dan canard (sayap kecil) di bagian bawah kokpit, yang sangat efektif untuk menghasilkan gaya angkat dan menambah kelincahan bermanuver.

Jet tempur yang teleh teruji tempur ini tercatat telah dua kali mampir ke Pangkalan Udara Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta Timur. Terakhir kali kali, jet tempur ini datang ke Indonesia pada 18 Mei 2019. Saat itu tujuh Rafale varian M (maritim, untuk kapal induk) Angkatan Laut Perancis melakukan pendaratan darurat di Lanud Sultan Iskandar Muda, Aceh Besar, lantaran cuaca buruk.

Sementara kehadiran pertamanya pada Maret 2015 lalu, AU Perancis (Armée de l’Air) sempat mendemonstrasikan kebolehan manuver jet tempurnya itu di langit Halim.

Rafale melaksanakan air refuelling (photo : DefenseNews)

Kemudian pada 19 Agustus 2018, tiga Rafale varian B (kursi ganda) AU Perancis kembali singgah di Halim Perdanakusuma, bersamaan dengan pesawat angkut berat Airbus A400M yang kabarnya juga diminati oleh pemerintah RI.


Kedatangan empat pesawat tersebut merupakan bagian dari misi Misi Pegasus 2018 untuk mengunjungi beberapa pangkalan udara negara sahabat yang ada di daratan Benua Asia. Melalui misi ini, AU Perancis bermaksud ingin membuktikan kemampuan-kemampuan tempur pesawat dengan ekor sirip tegak tunggal dan elevons (bagian bergerak dari ujung sayap delta) besar ini kepada TNI AU.

Pada kesempatan ini, dua pilot senior TNI AU berkesempatan duduk di kursi belakang untuk mengulas langsung keandalan jet tempur eksotis ini pada 21 Agustus 2018. Lalu, bagaimana impresi pilot tempur TNI AU usai menjajal langsung jet tempur generasi 4,5 tersebut?

Kedua pilot tempur TNI AU yang menjajal pesawat itu adalah Letkol Pnb Muchtadi Anjar “Beagle” Legowo, pilot senior F-16 Fighting Falcon dan Letkol Pnb Anton “Sioux” Pallaguna, pilot Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker yang saat itu menjabat Komandan Skadron Udara 11.

Pesawat beregistrasi 4-FO yang diterbangkan Capt. Vincent “Dingo” bersama Anton “Sioux” berperan sebagai Flight Leader. Sementara pesawat dengan registrasi 4-FN yang diterbangkan langsung Komandan Skadron Udarnya, LtC. Moko bersama Anjar “Beagle” berperan sebagai Wingman.

Area udara di selatan Pelabuhan Ratu (bravo area) dipilih sebagai lokasi demo karena memang wilayah ini steril dari lalu lintas penerbangan sipil. Berbagai manuver misi penyerangan dilakukan di lokasi ini, dan bermain mulai dari ketinggian 0 hingga 40.000 kaki di atas permukaan laut.

Rafale menenteng rudal jelajah Scalp (photo : spmrf)

Hampir selama 2 jam kedua penerbang senior TNI AU itu diberikan kesempatan untuk menerbangkan langsung Rafale B. Sesuai dengan permintaan, berbagai misi dilaksanakan untuk merasakan superioritas pesawat ini.

Diungkapkan Anton kepada penulis, karena Rafale merupakan pesawat jet tempur yang superior secara avionik, makanya ia pun minta demo BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air-to-air combat kepada AU Perancis. Alasannya, bicara teknologi, maka demo BVR yang perlu untuk diketahui bukan dogfight (pertempuran udara dengan manuver jarak pendek). Karena menurutnya, pesawat Sukhoi sudah rajanya soal dogfight.

“Dia (Rafale) superior saat Pitch Black (2018) kemarin, karena radarnya sudah AESA (active electronically scanned array),” ujarnya.


Demo BVR atau pertempuran jarak jauh (di luar jarak pandang) menjadi cicipan pembuka. Secara berturut-turut, demo misi atau pertempuran udara lainnya yang dijajal Anton dan Anjar adalah close combat (pertempuran jarak dekat), simultaneous multiple DPI surface attack (serangan ke beberapa sasaran permukaan secara bersamaan) dan tactical contour flying (terbang rendah mengikuti permukaan bumi).

Belum berhenti sampai di situ, kemampuan lain Rafale yang dicoba selanjutnya adalah TFR, optronic operation (demo fungsi sensor optik dan elektronis), targeting dynamic target (memilih dan menyerang beberapa sasaran bergerak), aerobatik, ground mapping menggunakan radar SAR, data link operation secara terbatas, formasi jarak dekat, hingga tactical break-off pada saat mendarat.

Usai menjajal seluruh kapabilitas yang dimiliki jet tempur tersebut, Anton mencatatkan beberapa hal menarik sebagai resensi. Menurutnya, Rafale mampu mengusung berbagai peran mulai dari reconnaisance, deliberate strike, anti-ship strike, air policing, air supremacy, deterrence, hingga ground force support.

Rafale bermuatan penuh (photo : Armee De l'Air)

Dari sisi rancang bangun, menurut Anton, jet tempur ini memiliki load capability yang dilengkapi dengan 14 store stations, 5 heavy/wet points dan 9,5 ton external load.

Sementara dari sisi teknologi, pesawat ini di dukung dengan berbagai sensor dan data fusion, kemampuan electronic warfare, sistem radar AESA RBE2-AA buatan Thales Group, advanced MMI concept, dan integrated testability covering all system (self-diagnosis available).

Anton menjelaskan, selain itu, pesawat ini juga memiliki integrated sensor suite yang cukup kompleks, sehingga pesawat dapat berbagi informasi melalui data link dengan pesawat AEW dan ground station. Rafale juga dilengkapi dengan integrarted passive optronic identification dan spectra integrated electronic warfare suite.

Dia menyebutkan, khusus untuk imaging data fusion; seluruh data dari semua sumber (radar AESA, IR missile, EWS spectra, data link, sistem IFF, optronics FSO+IFF, C4ISR/C2, data pesawat wingman) tergabung dan diolah dalam satu komputer inti yang menghasilkan tracking system. Output-nya dapat dilihat melalui display dan network.

Soal keunggulan taktis dalam pertempuran udara, kata Anton, Rafale untuk misi dibekali rudal MICA RF dan MICA IR untuk menghajar objek lawan pada jarak dekat maupun jarak jauh. Terintegrasinya sistem sensor dan senjata menjadikan Rafale memiliki kemampuan untuk melakukan mengunci banyak target dan menghajarnya sekaligus serta memiliki kemampuan off-boresight.

Kokpit Rafale (photo : Paulino Mota)

Tak hanya mampu bertempur dengan target lawan di udara, Rafale juga mampu meninju lawan-lawan yang ada di darat. Pesawat ini mampu melakukan serangan baik berupa deliberate maupun dynamic targeting dengan extended range, fire and forget, all weather strike, meter class precision, dan menyerang 6 sasaran sekaligus dalam sekali lewat.

Terakhir, untuk kemampuan misi antikapal, Rafale mampu mendeteksi, mengidentifikasi, serta menyerang sasaran dari ketinggian sangat rendah dalam segala kondisi cuaca.

“Kemampuan misi anti kapal; mampu untuk mendeteksi, mengidentifikasi, dan menyerang sasaran untuk all weather very low level flight capability, data fusion, passive target discrimination, integrated EW suite,” paparnya.


Jet tempur Rafale AU Perancis yang dilengkapi dengan segala jenis avionik dan persenjataan modern, menjadikan pesawat ini mampu melaksanakan supremasi udara (air supremacy), interdiksi atau pencegatan (interdiction), pengintaian udara (aerial reconnaissance), dukungan darat (ground support), serangan mendalam (in-depth strike), serangan antikapal (anti-ship strike), hingga misi pencegahan nuklir (nuclear deterrence mission).

Dengan segudang kemampuan jet tempur berpostur tubuh kecil ini, tidak berlebihan bila AU perancis menyandangkan gelar ‘Omnirole fighter aircraft’ kepada Rafale. Tak heran bila pesawat generasi 4,5 dengan dua mesin Snecma M88-2 ini menjadi perhatian dalam laga Pitch Black yang berlangsung pada 27 Juli – 17 Agustus 2018.

Dengan segudang kemampuannya tersebut, pantaslah jika AU Perancis mempercayakan Dassault Rafale untuk mengemban berbagai misi operasi. Selain kesohor di Perang Libia, Rafale juga telah tampil di medan panas lainnya, yakni Afganistan, Irak, Mali, dan Suriah.

(IndoAviation)

Vietnam Orders $350M Combat Training Jets From Russia – Vedomosti

30 Januari 2020

Yak-130 to replace L-39 aircraft in the VPAF (photo : Rostec)

Vietnam has signed a $350 million deal last year to buy a dozen combat training aircraft from Russia, the Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday.

Russia is the biggest arms supplier to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s fleet deploys Russian-made fighters jets, surface ships and submarines, according to the state-run TASS news agency. 

The 2019 deal covers at least 12 Yak-130 combat training jet purchases, Vedomosti cited two unnamed Russian defense industry executives as saying. The publication did not indicate when the jets would be delivered to Vietnam.

Intended for training pilots of advanced fighter aircraft, the Yak-130 can also be equipped with air-to-surface weapons including guided missiles and bombs.

Vietnam would be the sixth country to import the Yak-130, according to Vedomosti. Russia has previously sold the jets to Algeria, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos and Belarus.

Neither Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport nor the federal military cooperation service commented on the report that Vietnam had ordered 12 Yak-130s last year.

The contract paves the way for the purchase of more advanced jets from Russia, including the Su-30SM and the Su-35, military expert and Arms Exports magazine editor-in-chief Andrei Frolov was cited as saying.

Vietnam has been one of the world’s most active arms importers in recent years, according to Reuters. Hanoi stepped up its imports amid China’s increasingly aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea, where the neighbors have long-standing rival claims.

(The Moscow Times)

MAN 175D Selected for 2 New Royal Thai Navy 41m Patrol Vessels

29 Januari 2020

New 41m Patrol Vessel for Royal Thai Navy (image : Marsun)

MAN Energy Solutions has won the contract to supply the main propulsion engines for two new 41m patrol vessels for the Royal Thai Navy. Each vessel will be powered by 2 × MAN 16V175D-MM, IMO Tier II engines, each rated at 2,960 kWm at 1,900 rpm. Marsun Shipyard in Thailand will construct the newbuildings with delivery scheduled for August 2020.

The Royal Thai Navy already operates MAN Energy Solutions engines on its Krabi-class Offshore Patrol Vessels; a second such vessel was commissioned last September.

Lex Nijsen, Head of Four-Stroke Marine Sales – MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We are delighted to expand our presence in the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet with the addition of these two new vessels. The 175D is rapidly establishing itself in Governmental applications, due to its excellent performance and efficient operating costs.”

Due to its comprehensive engine portfolio, MAN Energy Solutions SE can provide propulsion solutions to cover a wide range of naval and governmental applications, from fast patrol craft to large amphibious and auxiliary vessels.

About the MAN 175D engine

MAN Energy Solutions developed the MAN 175D engine range to supplement and complete its product portfolio in the maritime sector. 12, 16 & 20-cylinder variants of the engine are available with outputs ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 kW and these are optimised for propelling ferries, offshore supply vessels, tug boats and other, working vessels.

Specialist model versions have also been developed for other market segments, such as superyachts and naval marine applications. The MAN 175D is also an extremely eco-friendly engine, being designed from the outset to comply with the latest, as well as future, exhaust-gas-emission requirements. The engine utilises a very compact and flexible SCR system, which enables vessel designers to optimise space on board.

About Marsun Shipyard

Established in 1980, Marsun Public Company Limited is strategically located near Bangkok at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River and has delivered over 300 vessels of various types, including naval and civilian vessels. Marsun also provides consultation on design, construction and repair for both domestic and international customers.

(MAN)

More Details on KD Keris

29 Januari 2020

KD Keris arriving at the Sepanggar naval base jetty for the welcoming ceremony (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

SHAH ALAM: KD Keris is the first RMN vessel to be fitted with the MTU 4000 series engines, says its commanding officer, Commander Mohd Zulkarnain Mohd Rawi. Although he did not say it is likely that the other three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) are also fitted with the same engine.

30mm CS/AN3 RWS (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

Keris is also the first RMN ship to be fitted with two diesel engined boats which launched and recovered from the stern of the ship while it is moving. The boats could fit 10 sailors at one time.

One of the two 12.7mm machine gun in the deck area behind the bridge (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

It must be noted that most of the RMN fleet including the missile and gun boats and also the Lekiu and Kasturi class frigates are also equipped with MTU engines. Even the two oldest vessels in RMN service, KD Sri Perlis and KD Sri Johor are also fitted with MTU engines, though these are likely around 55 years old already.

(photo :  Malaysian Defence)

The two MTU 4000 series engines on Keris, powered two fixed pitch propellors to a maximum speed of 22 knots. The ship is also fitted with three diesel generators and a single emergency diesel generators.

Mohd Zulkarnain, 39, is a former CO of KD Todak, an FAC (Gun) ship said the Keris is armed with a single 30mm CS/AN3 remote control gun. It is also fitted with two 12.7mm gun mounted on the deck area of the bridge. He spoke to the media after the welcoming ceremony for Keris at Sepanggar naval base, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on January 17.

The sensor on top of KD Keris (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

The 30mm gun could be fired manually from the mount or remotely from the combat information centre. Keris‘s CIC is located behind the bridge, a layout similar to the Kasturi class frigates. Keris’s bridge equipment are a mixture of China and European with pinyin and English markings.

Sensors on top the bridge of KD Keris (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

According to the RMN’s handout, the ship’s equipment include an air/surface radar, navigation radar, an eletro optical tracking system (EOTS), a combat management system (CMS) and an eletronic support measure (ESM). The air/surface radar, EOTS, CMS and ESM are manufactured by China’s Jiangsu Automated Research Institute (JARI). The navigation radar and scanner radar are from Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine.

Sabah Governor Tun Juhar at the bridge of KD Keris (photo :  Malaysian Defence)

Keris was built at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industrial Group at Wuhan, China. Her first steel was cut on July 31, 2018, launched on April 15, 2019, delivered to RMN on December 31, 2019. She was commissioned into service on January 6, 2020.

For the moment, she will be home ported at Sepanggar naval base.

(Malaysian Defence)

Australia Proves Out Aviation Training Vessel’s Disaster Relief Capabilities

29 Januari 2020

MV Sycamore working with HMAS Choules during Operation 'Bushfire Assist' (photo : Australia Gov)

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is proving out the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities of its aviation training vessel, MV Sycamore , during its deployment with Operation 'Bushfire Assist'.

The operation is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) contribution to the government's ongoing bushfire-related rescue-and-recovery operations across the states of New South Wales and Victoria.

The Damen-built civilian registered Sycamore is normally utilised by the RAN as a platform to train its personnel in helicopter-related operations including deck landings and take-offs, helicopter in-flight refuelling (HIFR), and air traffic control.

But the 94 m ship is also equipped for secondary tasks such as torpedo and mine recovery operations, navigation training, dive support, and target towing, and has a large storage capacity suitable for providing HADR assistance.

Sycamore has thus far helped to evacuate more than 1,400 civilians from Mallacoota, Victoria while working with the RAN's Bay-class amphibious landing ship HMAS Choules , according to information published by the RAN's Navy Daily on 24 January.

(Jane's)

KRI Alugoro-405 Menyelam Hingga 251 Meter

29 Januari 2020

KRI Alugoro-405 dalam uji-selam di perairan Banyuwangi (photo : PAL)

Pagi itu, 20 Januari 2020, di Pelabuhan Banyuwangi Jawa Timur, muncul kesibukan. Tampak kapal selam pertama buatan anak bangsa, KRI Alugoro-405, sandar di pelabuhan. Juga hadir Direktur Utama PT PAL Surabaya, Budiman Saleh, bersama para insinyur PT PAL di sana dan siap melaksanakan uji selam KRI Alugoro-405.

Kapal selam yang diluncurkan pada 29 April 2019 lalu, siap melaksanakan uji-selam perdana. Tidak tanggung-tanggung Sang Dirut PAL sendiri ikut dalam uji-selam ini. Padahal uji-selam perdana dinilai memiliki risiko tinggi. Bagaimana bila setelah menyelam kapal ini tidak bisa timbul ke perairan.

Banyuwangi dipilih karena memiliki kedalaman yang memadai, hingga sekitar 800 meteran. 

Bergerak dari dermaga, KRI Alugoro-405 berlayar menuju lokasi yang telah ditentukan dan operasi penyelaman dimulai. Kapal menukik ke dasar laut dan semua awak kapal menjaga keseimbangan dengan memiringkan badan berlawanan arah menukik kapal selam.

Secara perlahan KRI Alugoro-405 terus menyelam, tercatat kedalaman 50 meter, turun lagi ke kedalaman 75 meter, terus turun lagi ke kedalaman 100 meter. Beragam uji-selam dilaksanakan termasuk tightness test, test pump primer 1 dan 2 untuk menaik-turunkan kedalaman kapal, test bilge pump dan kemudian membuang keluar air yang ada di dalam tabung kapal selam sehingga kapal bisa naik ke atas lagi. 

Dirut PT PAL Budiman Saleh, yang ikut menyelam, memperlihatkan alat ukur kedalaman, echosounder, di KRI Alugoro-45 mampu menyelam hingga 251 meter dan masih ada 152 meter lagi untuk mencapai dasar laut. Semua sistem beroperasi secara Prima (photo : Sains Indonesia)

Uji-selam dilanjutkan ke kedalaman 150 meter, terus ke kedalaman 200 meter dan berhenti pada kedalaman 251. Tampak di alat ukur kedalaman, echosounder, yang menandakan kedalaman 251 meter dan tampak pula dasar laut perairan laut Banyuwangi yang masih 152 meter lagi dari titik lokasi selam KRI Alugoro-405.

Semua peserta uji-selam bernafas lega, uji-selam berlangsung sukses. Kapal selam adalah kapal paling canggih dari semua jenis kapal perang yang ada di dunia. Hanya segelintir negara di dunia yang mampu membangun kapal selam. Cita-cita Letnan J. Ginagan, seorang perwira muda ALRI, yang pada tahun 1947 berupaya membangun kapal selam buatan dalam negeri akhirnya bisa terwujud. Sejarah mencatat, kala itu Ginagan muda yang lulusan Akademi Angkatan Laut Belanda di Den Helder, membangun sebuah kapal selam mini secara mandiri untuk menghancurkan kapal perusak AL Belanda. Cita-citanya membangun kapal selam, yang benar-benar bisa menyelam, akhirnya diwujudkan oleh generasi penerus Ginagan. 

Berita sukses uji-selam KRI Alugoro-405 sampai ke istana. Pada 27 Januari 2020, Presiden Jokowi bersama para menteri bertolak ke PT PAL Surabaya guna meninjau hasil uji-selam kapal selam kita ini. Ini sesuai dengan harapan Presiden bahwa Alutsista TNI semaksimal mungkin harus diproduksi di dalam negeri. "Ini adalah awal kemadirian Alutsista Nasional," tegas Presiden Jokowi.

(Sains Indonesia)

RAAF 4SQN Receives PC-21s

28 Januari 2020

Three 4SQN PC-21s arriving at RAAF Williamtown (photo : Aus DoD)

The RAAF’s 4SQN based at Williamtown has received the first three of its Pilatus PC-21 advanced trainers.

Formerly called the Froward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU), 4SQN provides training for RAAF and Australian Army joint terminal attack controller (JTACs),

The PC-21s replace three specially-configured PC-9/A(F)s which were retired in September 2019. The higher performing PC-21s are yet to be configured with an underwing stores capability, but this will be done to ensure they can carry external auxiliary fuel tanks, smoke rockets, and other training stores.

“The PC-21 will assist in preparing the next generation of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), supporting Forward Air Control and Air Surface Integration across a broad spectrum of operations,” Commanding Officer 4SQN, WGCDR Sean Jobson said in a release. “The arrival of the new aircraft will ensure personnel have the opportunity to continue to execute kinetic effects in real time scenarios.” 

Like the PC-9/A(F)s, 4SQN’s PC-21s are painted in a gloss grey scheme with low viz national markings. Acquired under Project AIR 5428 Pilot Training System, these aircraft were amongst the last of the 49 PC-21s on order to be accepted into service in late 2019.

(ADBR)

Vietnamese Coast Guard Visits John Midgett WHEC 726

28 Januari 2020

Vietnamese delegation visits John Midgett (photo : BaoDatViet)

Vietnam Coast Guard was welcomed by the crew of Midgett, guided to visit the control room, engine room, learn the details of the ship.

Recently, DVIDS website of the US Army reported that members of the Vietnam Coast Guard had a visit to the patrol boat John Midgett (WHEC 726) of the US Coast Guard on January 14 in Seattle, Washington state, USA.

The members of the delegation were welcomed by the officer and crew of Midgett, guided to visit the control room, engine room, learn the details of the ship. The Vietnamese side is expected to receive this ship right after US Coast Guard celebrates the removal of the ship's border in March 2020.

Earlier, on November 20, 2019, during an official visit to Vietnam, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the US would provide Vietnam with the second largest patrol boat by 2020 to help Vietnam strengthen maritime protection capabilities.

Vietnam received from the United States a patrol boat named Morgenthau (WHEC 722) at the end of 2017. This ship is currently serving in the Vietnam Coast Guard with serial number CSB 8020.

John Midgett WHEC 726 (photo : Jack Kelly)

The addition of a Hamilton-class large-sized patrol boat will greatly enhance the capacity of the Vietnam Coast Guard in law enforcement on sovereignty waters, while waiting for the DN-400 larger patrol boat was build.

The patrol boat John Midgett has a displacement of 3,250 tons full load; length 115m; width 13m; draft of 4,6m; 160 crew crew (20 officers, 140 crew members).

WHEC 726 is equipped with a combination of two diesel engines and two gas turbines, with a maximum speed of 29 knots (53.7 km/h), a range of 14,000 nautical miles (22,531). km), time for 45 days to keep on the sea.

The equipment of WHEC 726 includes 2D AN/SPS-40 air reconnaissance radar, 76.2mm Oto Breda gunboat, and 20mm Phalanx CIWS close-range defense system.

In addition, the ship also has a M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon 25 mm, heavy machine gun M2 Browning size 12.7mm and light machine gun M240 caliber 7.62mm.

However, based on the configuration of the CSB 8020, after handover the ship only retained the Oto Breada 76.2mm cannon and fire control radar.

Hamilton-class large patrol boats generally function to patrol territorial waters, search and rescue, survey the ocean, and can operate in all seas around the world, withstand strong winds and high winds, so this ship class also known as a high endurance cutter.

(BaoDatViet)

Contract for Upgrade of Navy Base in Cebu Awarded

28 Januari 2020

Masterplan for the development of Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (photo : MaxDefense)

The Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded the joint venture of WTG Construction and Development Corporation and AM Oreta & Co. contract to develop and improve Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The contract has an amount of PHP838,698,976.57. The approved budget for contract was PHP 1 billion.

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the Notice of Award on December 27, 2019.

The project includes dredging, reclamation, putting up road networks, slope protection, wharf, beaching ramp, berthing area, water supply system, electrical distribution, and riprapping.

(Mintfo)