Kedah class OPV

The Kedah class is a class of offshore patrol vessels (OPV) of the Royal Malaysian Navy and named after the lead ship of the class, 171 KD "Kedah". The Kedah class is based on the Meko A-100 design by Blohm + Voss. A total of 27 ships was planned, with only six having been ordered from Malaysian builders. Since it is result of the New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) programme, it is also referred to as "New Generation Patrol Vessels" or "NGPVs".

History

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in the 1990s identified the need to replace the Vosper Thornycroft built patrol boats that were being used, as these inshore patrol boats were not competent for the future and tend to age after a service life of 30 years. These Vosper built boats are 103 foot built patrol crafts commissioned in the 1960s. They were armed with 2 x 40mm HA 70 Bofors guns mounted fore and aft, powered by Maybach Diesel engines with a design speed of 27 knots.

The RMN proposed the Next Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) programme as the replacement of the old boats. After received approval from Malaysian Government, the RMN ran a competition for the design of the new class of patrol ships in 1996. The German Naval Group consortium was adjudged the winner, beating off final competitors, the Australian Transfield Group [http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/01/15/ships.t.php] and British Shipyards Vosper Thornycroft and Yarrow Shipbuilders.

A contract for a batch of 6 vessels was signed in 2003. Terms of the contract specified that the local shipyard company PSC-Naval Dockyard as the prime contractor, the German Naval Group (GNG) as the main sub-contactor. First 2 ships were to be built in Germany, with the remainder to be built by PSC-Naval Dockyard in Malaysia. PSC Naval Dockyard also signed a RM24 billion contract to build 27 offshore patrol vessels over 10 years for the RMN, together with foreign partners led by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp.

Progression delay

The progression has been plagued by technical problems and delays. The first hull (later named KD "Kedah"), completed by PSC-Naval Dockyard, failed to pass pre-delivery sea trials due to technical problems and quality issues, causing a major set back of the programme. The crisis continued until the Malaysian government replaced a new management team [http://besonline.rtm.net.my/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=34273&mode=mode=thread&order=0&thold=0] , the programme was then back on track. However the scandal had discouraged the Malaysian Government to invest in the programme. Many had expected the programme to stop at 6 vessels as oppose to the initial plan of 27.

In June 2006, the Royal Malaysian Navy finally commissioned KD "Kedah", which was delayed for 18 months, followed by a second hull, KD "Pahang", in August of the same year, and a third hull, KD "Perak", on November 12, 2007. The remainders were also reported to be in good progress; KD Terengganu, the fourth hull was launched on December 6, 2007, anticipating the programme to be complete by 2009, the initial deadline set at the beginning of the contract. As a result, the Malaysian government regained interest to continue with the initial plan of a total of 27 vessels. [http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/12/nation/20071112190043&sec=nation]

Design

The MEKO 100 based Patrol Vessels are designed to have low radar detectability, low noise, low heat dissipation and have an economical cruising speed. Advanced control systems is used to monitor and control the platform machinery of the ships, including propulsion, electrical, damage control and auxiliary machinery and systems.

Due to the small ship complement, the design relies on a high degree of automation for improved operational effectiveness and survivability of the ships. The design uses intelligent electronics and sensors interconnected by multiple data buses. This enables monitoring and control of machinery from several shipboard locations. The ship has redundant systems to improve survivability.

The modular design of the MEKO allows for the fitting of ships systems without the actual fixture of armaments and other combat equipments. This is akin to the concept of “Plug and Play” in modern day computers. Systems can be added on by installing the required modules as the situation warrants, and once installed, the new systems platform can be used without further work on the ships controls system.

Breakdown of modules:

:2 weapon modules :6 electronic modules :6 pallet modules :4 ventilation modules

hips of the class

All ships of the class so far named were named after states in Peninsular Malaysia (Kedah, Pahang, Perak, Terengganu, Kelantan and Selangor). KD "Pahang" replaces the former KD "Sri Pahang", a Vosper Thornycroft built 30m patrol boat, which has been decommissioned.

imilar designs

Valour Class MEKO A-200 - Four Valour Class anti-air frigates have been delivered to the South African Navy

K130 corvettes (based on the Meko A) for the German Navy began building in July 2004 - 5 are to be built for the German Navy by Blohm + Voss, 2 Thyssen Nordseewerke and will enter service between May 2007 and November 2008.

External links

* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/meko/ MEKO A Class Corvettes / Frigates, Germany]
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/meko/specs.html Specifications - MEKO A Class Corvettes / Frigates, Germany]
* [http://www.bharian.com.my/m/BHarian/Saturday/Keselamatan/20060819083018/Article/]
* [http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?prod=26546&session=dae.22448802.1156217892.ROp8I8Oa9dUAAEyhe6o&modele=jdc_1 CAE IPMS]
* [http://thestar.com.my/maritime/story.asp?file=/2006/7/31/maritime/14976468&sec=maritime The Star: RAM missile]