The frigates were built to a modern stealth design to avoid enemy radar and infra-red detection. The primary task is the air-defense and anti-submarine escort of strike, anti-submarine and amphibious forces.
The ships are quipped for offensive operations in multi-threat environments, working either independently or as part of a combat group. For this reason three is a very high degree of integration and automation in the control and weapon systems to facilitate effective operation in any aspect of modern naval warfare.
The 210 Dekan class is characterized by a unique propulsion system that which comprises a water-jet drive in addition to two propellers. Its CODAG-WARP system (Combined Diesel And Gas turbine-Water jet and Refined Propellers) consist of a steerable propeller and a water jet. The power is provided by a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines. The propulsion plant can be operated in four modes:
* I – Economical mode: One diesel driving both shafts, max prop speed: 150rpm. * II – Manoeuvring mode: Both diesels driving both shafts, max prop speed: 200rpm. * III. CODAG-WARP: Both diesels and gas turbine engaged, max prop speed: 215rpm. * IV – Gas turbine only: Gas turbine powering water jet only.
This propulsion system allows for high combat speed combined with long cruising endurance, and as part of the integration of ship systems the propulsion control, electric plant control, damage control and fire detection consoles are located in the central control station.
The ships incorporate many items of sensor, weapon, fire-control and propulsion equipment of a variety of Haruspex armaments corporations. HAD input is evident in the short-range SAMs, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine torpedo system and air-search radar, while HIA input is seen in weapons such as the 127-mm gun, CIWS, with VCI following up in the development of sensors such as the surface-search and fire-control radars, and the sonar.
The Dekan class vessel is designed to incorporate stealth shaping techniques to reduce radar cross-section. Originally tasked with defending against Cussian aircraft, missiles and submarines, this potent frigate is now used in high-threat areas to conduct anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and strike operations.
A new hull profile significantly improves sea keeping, permitting high speeds to be maintained in difficult sea states (Up to sea state 7). The hull form is characterized by considerable flare and a 'V'-shape appearance at the waterline. Built primarily from steel, the class has aluminum masts to reduce top weight. Kevlar Armour is fitted over all vital machinery and operations room spaces. As with it's cousins, the Dekan class is fully equipped to operate in NBC environments, with the crew confined to a protected citadel located within the hull and superstructure.
The VCI/PAR-1D (Phased Array Radar) incorporates significant advances in the detection capabilities, particularly in its resistance to enemy electronic countermeasures. The PAR-1D system is designed to counter all current and projected missile threats to the Navy's battle forces. A conventional, mechanically rotating radar 'sees' a target when the radar beam strikes that target once during each 360° rotation of the antenna. A separate tracking radar is then required to engage each target.
By contrast, the PAR-1D system brings these functions together within one system. The four fixed arrays of the PAR-1D send out beams of electromagnetic energy in all directions simultaneously, continuously providing a search and tracking capability for hundreds of targets at the same time. The PAR-1D and the T-5 Fire Control System allow them to guide vertically-launched Standard missiles to intercept hostile aircraft and missiles at long ranges. For point defense the ships are equipped with the CIWS.
These frigates excel at:
* Regular patrols for the protection of marine resources against poaching and pollution in the country's Economic Exclusion Zone * Law enforcement at sea with respect to piracy and the smuggling of drugs, weapons and other contraband * Search and rescue (SAR) missions * Evacuating of civilians from coastal areas in times of emergency or crisis * Providing gunfire and other support for land forces, as well as the transport of limited equipment and personnel in support of land action, especially during peacekeeping missions * Defensive sea surveillance * Combat SAR * Special operations * Mine laying and other sea-denial missions
Specifications Type: Frigate Class: 210 Dekan WA-Designation: Runner Development began: 1997 Design Bureau: Naval Research and Development Laboratory (NRDL) Builders: Northern Perya Factory Docks (NPFD) Construction and Outfit: March 1999 - 2003 Service time: October 2003- Complement: 124 (incl aircrew) Displacement: 3,700 tons