"The new Peruvian F-538 frigate" Topic

"At NAVDEX 2015 naval defense exhibition which was taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last week, Navantia unveiled the F-538 frigate design it is proposing for the Peruvian Navy. Navantia representatives at NAVDEX 2015 told Navy Recognition that this new Frigate design is based on the proven AVANTE 3000/2400 design. This new design incorporates lessons learned in building the Spanish F-100, Norwegian F-310 and Australian AWS destroyers.

The F-538 incorporates the Spanish Navy Combat Management System (CMS) foundand proven on board Spanish Navy LHD, replennishment vessel and Meteoro class OPVs. The new Frigate is fitted with the COMPLEX Integrated Platform Management System developed entirely by Navantia.

With a moderate displacement of about 3,800 tons, the F-538 is Navantia's answer to navies looking for mid-size frigates to conduct a wide range of missions…"

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Amicalement
Armand

needs more weapons. like all new ship designs. Its like the never expect them to ever have to fight in combat.

For a Frigate it looks capable enough.

The scale model on display at NAVDEX 2015 showed the F-538 fitted according to the Peruvian Navy requirements.
- 2x Rheinmetall Millenium 35mm gun systems
- 1x Raytheon RAM launcher (21x RAM block A1 missiles) between the two guns
- two triple torpedo launchers are fitted on top of the main structure
- A 76mm main gun by Oto Melara
- 16x Mk 41 VLS for Raytheon ESSM surface to air missiles located forward, behind the main gun
- 2x Hitrole 12.7 mm remote weapon system by Oto Melara fitted on top of the bridge
- 8x MBDA Exocet Blk III anti-ship missiles
- 2x RF/IR/acoustic decoy launchers
- A Smart-S Mk2 radar by Thales
- A Thales Sting 2.0 fire control radar
- A Thales Kingklip hull sonar

The helicopter deck and hangar can accomodate SH-3D or NH-90 helicopters. The F-538 was designed with great attention focused on low radiated noise, reduced radar cross section, low infra red signature, low magnetic signature and low electric signature. The propulsion system is CODAD type (Combined diesel and diesel). The requirement of the Peruvian Navy is for 5 frigates.

F-538 main characteristics:
Length overall: 113.2m
Maximum beam: 15.6m
Draught: 4.7m
Full load displacement: 3800 t
Max. Speed: 30 kn
Range: 4000 nm

Seems very well armed for something that really isnt tht large (roughly on par with our own LCS ships, which as you know really arent well armed at all), although the configuration of the defensive armament to me seems to leave a pretty significant blindspot towards the front end of the ship.

Apart from the 76 and ESSM….. :)

Can the 76 and ESSM be used as CIWS?

ESSM is really a short-ranged AA/anti-missile system, as opposed to a CIWS. But it's still a defensive system with a secondary offensive capability.

The RAM and Millennium guns are the CIWS.

"Needs more weapons"? It's not like modern ships are covered in guns like WW2 ships. It's got a pretty decent self-defense AA suite, ASW capabilities, and even some extra protection against small boats. The only place where I think it really falls short against WW2 standards is the single 76mm gun.

Have Peruvians gotten that little in recent years?

Dan