Friday, June 29, 2012

Singapore Navy stealth frigate reveals new defensive aids


The Singapore navy stealth frigate, RSS Formidable (68), shows off two new structures atop her hangar during a port call in Hawaii on 27 June 2012.

Weatherproof coverings which conceal the structures from inquisitive eyes probably drap defensive aids, possibly an unknown type of anti-torpedo decoy. The twin launchers are thought to be able to discharge their munitions to protect the 114-metre long warship against attacks by wake-homing torpedoes. The size of each launcher suggests that it comprises a multi-tube configuration which is designed to ripple fire anti-torpedo munitions in a set pattern to catch incoming torpedoes.


The primary anti-submarine weapon for the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) six Formidable-class warships is the S-70B Seahawk, one of which is embarked on each stealth frigate.

RSS Formidable is in Hawaii to join 41 warships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel from 41 other nations at RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific naval warfare exercises which stretch from 29 June till 3 August 2012. The play area is centered around the Hawaiian islands.

The stealth frigate's participation in RIMPAC takes on from RSS Supreme's assignment at RIMPAC 2010, where she participated in maritime exercises within the littoral zone.

All images: United States Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey

8 comments:

  1. If you were to see the photo set in the Us Pacific Fleet flickr account, there is also an additional set installed below the bridge.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/compacflt/7461316730/in/photostream/

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  2. Wow, money to spend to send our Navy to Hawaii for R and R.

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  3. the newest RSN ships are awesome.

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  4. RIMPAC usually involves a photocall with all participants sailing in company.

    Am hopeful Sierra Six Kilo India will pull off the wraps soon.

    Continue monitoring open source imagery. Thank you.

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  5. http://www.rafael.co.il/Marketing/289-1049-en/Marketing.aspx

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  6. From the vague outline, my guess would be the French SLAT anti-torpedo system.

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  7. If anonJuly4 is correct, and it's the "SLAT anti-torpedo" - i found this webpage with pic (model of SLAT 7th pic from the top):

    http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot.sg/2012/02/type-26-and-modern-european-frigates.html

    Looks like our collaboration with DCNS is giving us access to weapons and systems found on the newer FREMM frigates.

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  8. RSS Formidable and other ships arriving at Rimpac 2012

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxqP_QDJzyY

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