SHAH ALAM: ON Friday, Singapore Defence Minister launched Independence, the RSN’s first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV). Seven more LMVs will be built to replace the Fearless-class patrol vessels (PVs), which have been in service for 20 years.
Among the key features of the LMV according to a release is the Integrated Command Centre where the ships Bridge, Combat Information Centre and Machinery Control Room are co-located.
Normally they are placed in the different areas of the ship, one reason for which is to allow the ship to function even after suffering battle damage. However for a small ship like LMV putting all the main control functions in one area would allow better cordination and moreover free up space below decks for other functions.
According to the release, the LMVs also have greater endurance than the Fearless-class vessels and are able to stay at sea for up to 14 days (3,500 nautical miles). The LMVs ability to respond rapidly to maritime security incidents is further enhanced with its faster speed in excess of 27 knots and the ability to support a medium-lift helicopter.
The vessels will be fitted with 12 VL MICA surface to air missiles. There is no mention of the SSMs. Perhaps this capability is a Fitted For but Not Equipped With for the first vessel.
Based on the specifications published, it appears that the LMV has some of the equipment fitted on RMN’s own LCS. Apart from the VL MICA, both shared the same main radar, the Thales 3D radar and both are probably housed in the same stealthy mounting.
Of course, RMN’s LCS is much bigger, some 2500 tonnes compared to the much smaller LMV. The LMV is actually slightly bigger than the missile corvettes proposed by Daewoo of South Korea.
However, unlike that project, funds for the LMV has been allocated and probably by the time we decide to recapitalise the RMN patrol fleet, RSN will have another batch of vessels already to go.
So what is the cost of an LMV? There is no official announcement but ST Marine – the builder of the LMV – secured a US$880 million to build four 75 metres PVs for the Royal Oman Navy in 2012. Based on that contract we can assume that the LMV will cost at least US$200 million (RM833 million) each.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (50)
Marhalim,
Janes's defense seem to suggest that the vl-mica has been selected above the rim-162 essm.
http://www.janes.com/article/52757/malaysia-singapore-order-vl-mica-naval-variant
first i think we wont get new vessel from southern neighbor but we should think about their Fearless-class patrol vessels... it should be in cheap price right + upgrade to suit RMN requirement? just place them at north selat melaka and also sulu sea...
The lmv was supposed to have only small multi purpose missiles such as the sea venom instead of conventional asm such as harpoons.
The lmv is designed specifically for low intensity security type of missions. To ensure the safety of waters around singapore, against non state actors such as pirates, and against small facs and corvettes.
first i think we wont get new vessel from southern neighbor but we should think about their Fearless-class patrol vessels... it should be in cheap price right + upgrade to suit RMN requirement? just place them at north selat melaka and also sulu sea...
It not fitted for but not with method. It depend on module install like anti-surface or anti mine or anti lanun or anti submarine. Modules can be mix and match too like combine anti lanun with anti submarine.
The weapon sistem on Independence is baseline model and will be on board no matter what module install. Any other extra weapon is module based.
The LMV will not carry heli but carry UAV or VTOL UAV for long range targeting.
Remember this is RSN new patrol vessel. It not corvette or frigate. So comparing it to LCS is apple to orange. But it can be in light frigate configuration depending on module install. But you will not see it unless RSN feel the threat level is high. That is the trick RSN not letting you see.
@ .....
The devil is in sensor and network node capability. The thales radar more then sufficient to lunch and fire a harpoon missile. You need to know how SAF operate. it seldom show offensive weapon sistem. To know what they intend to put as offensive weapon, look at sensor. you do not need such sensor for simple anti lanun or maritime protection effort.
But like I say this ship is replaces the Fearless class patrol ship. It main purpose is patrol. It not frigate or corvette though it can be one depending on module.
"That is the trick RSN not letting you see." Over to Malaysia it is "now you see it, now you don't" or "chipsmore".
I thought dat we r going for essm... very frustating. LCS is a very capable platform but the system equiped similar to the smaller LMV
The LMVs will perform the same peacetime roles as the Fearless class; the main difference of course is that the LMVs offer much more flexibility and will be better suited for peacetime threats/challenges. In times of war, the LMVs will perform stuff like limited sea denial, escort duties, etc, enabling the Formidable class to concentrate on more demanding stuff.
I would not be surprised if there are also plans in place to get anti-mine modules for the LMVs. The RSN has 4 Bedok class MCMVs; this is well known. What is not well known is that only 3 are permanently manned and put to sea regularly. The 4th is kept at ready status, moored at Changi, ready to be put to sea if the situation demands it - things may have changed but this was the situation up to early last year.
Hmmm..... not bad. Speaking of Naval Ship stuff, i went to defencenews website that they have post a photo of M4A1+ for US Army and it's beautiful.
Here u go:
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/07/04/m4a1plus-army-carbine-industry/28161275/