REPOST
SHAH ALAM: IN the first installment of the MMEA’s NGPC project, I suggested that the boat was probably too small for its intended duties. Some readers concurred with me.
I now admit that I was wrong to doubt the MMEA’s specifications. As mentioned previously the NGPC is supposed to be between 43 to 45 metres in length, a displacement of not more than 250 tons and with embarkation for 30 crew and 10 extra personnel (when the need arises). An endurance of 7 days at 12 knots and a maximum speed of more than 25 knots are also specified.
It must also has enough deck space to launch and recover a catapult launch UAV and be able to embark a 10 feet x 10 feet container at one time (two be supplied) for SAR and pollution control operations. MMEA also stipulated that the NGPC be built in a local shipyard.
Actually we do not have to look far for a similar spec-ed vessel, in-fact just across the Malacca Straits with the Indonesian Navy. The TNI-AL is operating eight Clurit class FACs which were built by two Indonesian shipyards, PT Palindo Marine and PT Citra, both located on Batam Island.
The first four of the class were originally fitted with a manually operated 20mm gun and several GPMGs but KRI Clurit and KRI Kujang had since been fitted with a AK-630 CWS and the two launchers for the Chinese made C-705 anti-ship missiles.
From the Wikipedia entry of the Clurit class (I know its not the most authoritative source), the boats are 44 metres long with a beam of 8 metres and a displacement of 250 tons. Janes meanwhile reported that the class has a top speed of 30kt and a crew of 35. It has a large after deck, apparently big enough to fit four SSM launchers, a crane and a RHIB.
According to a report by Jakarta Post datelined Dec 23, 2013, there were plans to export the vessel to neighbouring nations though it did not mention any particular country. The same report also stated that the Clurit class boats cost US$5.97 million (RM19.5 million) each, excluding the weapons.
I am pretty sure MMEA officials were aware of the Clurit class though its unlikely that they wanted that particular boat for the NGPC project. However as the NGPC project had been re-tendered who knows maybe the Clurit class will be in the mix.
— Malaysian Defence
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AM says:
October 27, 2014 at 11:05 am
If you want design maturity, X3K is among the last of a sea of good options. Anyway, it was designed for something larger than MMEA’s needs.
However, the composite construction was designed to be quick and economical to build in Indonesia.
H says:
October 26, 2014 at 11:59 am
Multihull is a terrible idea if MMEA is looking for a budget choice that they expect it to do everything they throw at it. Within 40 miles is all good, but beyond that good luck with the roll. And for that crew number, prepare for an out of proportion boat. Btw, Klewang the is the classic example of western worshiping. Composite is good and all, but it has to match the flammability of those conventional material. There is a reason why composite remains a niche in the large hull market.
kunyit says:
October 25, 2014 at 11:45 pm
clurit class seems to be a good option, klewang beside too long, it is not yet a proven design.
D.W says:
October 25, 2014 at 8:51 pm
@ rock
Saab & North Sea Boats are working together in building the new Klewang Class.
1 ship is currently being constructed out of 4 ordered.
Anyway there is an interesting article about Klewang Class & Visby Class written by Tyler Rogoway.
“Dear US Navy: The Futuristic X3K Is What Littoral Combat Ships Should Be”
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/dear-us-navy-the-futuristic-x3k-is-the-littoral-combat-1644205558
D.W says:
October 25, 2014 at 6:33 pm
@ Zaidi
Indonesian Search & Rescue Agency (Basarnas) recently received new Catamaran Patrol Ship. The ship has a helicopter deck like what you mentioned.
http://www.basarnas.go.id//assets/ckfiles/KATAMARAN.JPG
Well iam sure Malaysian could built such ship.
rock says:
October 25, 2014 at 5:44 pm
Any news for OPV procurement by RMN? and talk about Indo I think klewang class is good enough because the ship actually designed by Swedish that experienced in building stealth ship and Indo act as shipbuilder only.
rock says:
October 25, 2014 at 1:37 pm
why dont we use samudera class that build by our local NGV Tech?with the length 70m is that too over?
http://sediaberkorban.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/kapal-latihan-tldm-kd-gagah-samudera/
Reply
Bro, NGV Tech has gone bankrupt…read Malaysian Defence archives…