Tuesday, August 28, 2012

North Sea Boats X3k Trimaran formally launches




via Defense Studies Blog...
The new 63 metre long vessel is a cutting edge trimaran design that it cosidered to be the most advanced naval vessel of its type ever built in South East Asia. It incorporates a radical wave piercing hull form for improved seaworthiness and stability, and has been built from full carbon fibre composite materials, utilising the vacuum infusion process and vinylester resin. This method results in a structure that has increased strength, but also offers the benefits of lower operating, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.

In 2009 PT Lundin signed a contract to build a one of the most advanced “stealth” warship for TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy). This was the result of an intensive Research and Development programme conducted by PT Lundin Industry Invest (North Sea Boats) and TNI-AL that commenced in 2007. Construction commenced in early 2010, but due to the advanced design and construction methods, the project has been kept largely confidential until now.

Members of the press are invited to attend this significant event. The launching ceremony will be held on Friday 31st August, 2012 at PT Lundin’s shipyard facility in Banuwangi, East Java. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries and senior officers of TNI-AL during which a briefing and Press Conference and interviews will be conducted.
I wonder about this ship.

I wonder about its seakeeping....its armament...its endurance and its overall combat effectiveness.

I don't wonder about its looks. 

It looks cool. 

But it doesn't look right.  So while its certainly futuristic it doesn't meet the standard --- if it looks right it is right.
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5 comments:

  1. shugyoshaTuesday, August 28, 2012 6:14:00 AM

    Sol,

    I've been wondering about similar thoughts for a while, and I'm no longer sure I agree. I think it depends a lot on what you expect a ship to be. If you expect multiple 8" mounts and antennae all around, an AEGIS is "not right". I'm not sure we shouldn't be changing some ideas about ships. Some wave piercing bows looks way off from a classic military POV, but I'm not sure they can't prove effective.

    So, when does "not right" make things "righter"?

    Take care.

    Ferran

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  2. FelixA9Tuesday, August 28, 2012 8:01:00 AM

    All it needs are weapons modules. ;-)

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  3. Stuckey421Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:12:00 AM

    Range 2knm, standard armament only 2 anti-ship missiles and a few machine guns, cant find anything on the main turret in this pic, but it cant be more than a small 57mm. I dont think there is a helo-pad as the first pic indicates, however. Not much, but it will be interesting to see how these new hull materials turn out.

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  4. SpudmanWPTuesday, August 28, 2012 10:25:00 AM

    It's 4 AShMs, 2 per side. The 57mm is a good choice as it allows for S2S, S2A, and CIWS duties in a small package.

    That rear area is definitely not a helo pad, more like a flat surface to lower guys onto.

    http://www.northseaboats.com/63m_fast_missile.htm

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  5. shugyoshaTuesday, August 28, 2012 10:25:00 AM

    http://www.northseaboats.com/63m_fast_missile.htm

    For what it's worth. Notice, also, that it's te 3rd of a family of designs. And where it's likely to be used.

    Take care.

    ReplyDelete

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