Republic of Singapore Navy upgrades to Missile Corvettes and Stealth Frigates result in addition of mystery objects

"I was the more deceived." Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 1

Object of desire: An unspecified object on Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Victory-class Missile Corvettes (Valiant pictured above) appears to be the same kind of device installed aboard selected Formidable-class stealth frigates (Intrepid seen below).

Aboard RSS Vengeance, 9 May 2013: She had been displayed fully exposed on several previous occasions. But the Navy wouldn't give us the pleasure of seeing her uncovered today.

Under radiant sunshine and perfect sailing weather, she stayed cloaked and tightly wrapped under her spray cover. An mysterious implement of dilution distraction range gate stealing seduction, so near yet so far.

Edging past her at the edge of the bridge wing aboard the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Missile Corvette (MCV) RSS Vengeance, one couldn't resist an accidental side swipe that brushed one's open palm and curious fingers on The Object.

It was the kind of grope you would sometimes plant on the butt of your almost-girlfriend to see what reaction it would evoke. A slap on the face? Complaint to HR? A warm grin that signalled she was up for more? Hrmmm...

The effect of that side swipe was electrifying. One could feel her through the protective cover that was her shield against prying and inquisitive eyes. Her beautifully contoured form, her smooth and well finished stealth mounting, vented exhaust ports were all purposely designed to keep her signature as small as possible.

The thought of getting her zipper undone to gently tease and ease off her spray cover to show The Object in her full undressed glory for some up close and personal touchy feely was most tempting indeed. Fingers would first get to work on the zip fastener, coaxing it to expose a breach in which one's palm could slide inside to feel, firsthand, the handiwork of the Lxxxxxx factory in (country deleted) which made the countermeasure dispenser.

So beautifully designed, the Lxxxxxx launcher is a work of art. A piece of fine craftsmanship that is a joy to read about and marvel over what she can do in various tactical scenarios involving range gates, dog-leg flight paths and emitters.

That first touch would be so special. It would put to rest oodles of speculation on what lies beneath those spray covers and what her tubes can take.

That minor incursion would be exploited if her warners weren't vigilant - the RSN minders were. But problems would of course snowball if one got caught (likely!) red-handed with hands where they were not supposed to be.

And so, being well behaved guests, we didn't molest what was not meant to be touched and definitely banished the attempt to mount the Lxxxxxx mount on the high seas.

But who says we won't go beyond mentally undressing the Lxxxxxx launcher and do it for real, if given half the chance at the Navy Open House this weekend. :-)