Alvaro de Bazan (F101)

History of Alvaro Debazin (F101)

In the 1980s, the Spanish Navy needed a new, state-of-the-art guided missile frigate - the Alvaro de Bazon class (also known as the "F100" class) would eventually meet this requirement). There are six proposed ships in the series, piloted by Alvaro de Bazan (F101) himself and his sisters Almirante Juan de Borbon (F102), Blaz de Lezo (F103), Mendez Nunez (F104) and Cristobal Colon (F105).

However, two members of the group, Roger de Lauria (F105) and Juan de Austria (F106), ended up being abandoned businesses (Cristobal Colon adopted the name F015 when joining the group).

The origins of the Alvaro de Bazon class can be traced back to a NATO program in the 1980s involving eight major powers trying to develop "joint" warships deployed between them. This is part of the "NFR-90" program of which Spain is one of the contributors. However, in 1989, the plan failed and the Spanish Navy had to pursue indigenous designs, so the F100 class was faked. Specifically designed as a guided-missile frigate, the team is equipped with inherent capabilities to cover hunt, airspace denial and combat support roles.

The local Spanish industry would of course benefit from the demise of the NATO initiative.

The result is a technologically advanced warship capable of countering modern threats and projecting Spanish naval power in the region. A CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion option was chosen, including 2 GE LM2500 marine gas turbines and 2 Navantia Caterpillar 3600 marine diesel engines.

Power is driven by 2 axles and can reach speeds of up to 29 knots and up to 4,500 knots.

Internally, the warship will have up to 250 personnel, including up to 48 officers. The main system on board will be the powerful Aegis combat system promoted by Lockheed Martin (its AN/SPY-1D 3D multifunction radar family fits). In addition, the ship is equipped with a Raytheon SPS-67(V)/4 surface search radar, a Raytheon DE116-LF active/passive sonar unit and 2 x ARIES systems - the latter aiding in navigation.

To disrupt incoming threats, 4 FMC (Sippican Hycor) SRBOC Mk 36 Flare/Chaff Launchers were added, as well as the SLQ-25A "Nixie" system for torpedo threats.

The armament becomes a free combination of conventional projectile and missile installations, led by a single 5"/54 caliber Mk 45 Mod 2 series and turret deck gun mounted above the forecourt. 1 x 48 cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System ( VLS) provides long-range missile capability in support of the standard SM-2MR Block IIIA missile family and RIM-162 "Evolution Sea Sparrow" anti-aircraft guided missile frigates for surface threats and 4 x 324 mm Mk 32 Mod 9 twin torpedo launchers (supports 12 x Ho The Nivel Mk 46 Mod 5 torpedo) offered hope against enemy submarines.

Also prepared for a single 20mm FABA Meroka 2B close-in weapons system (CIWS).

Added a helipad to the tail to support a Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk (equipped with LAMPS III) naval helicopter. This could be used to extend the warship's over-the-horizon capabilities and meet its anti-submarine requirements, since helicopters carry both sonar and missiles.

There are also plans to eventually incorporate Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout helicopter drone.

External measures have been taken in the design to facilitate inherent stealth features, such as the B. board side of the superstructure, which is well integrated with the hull lines and where possible intentionally limited many prominences throughout the ship part. The stern superstructure features a low profile design and also includes a funnel shell, reducing the vessel's radar signature and overall side profile.

However, the main mast is uncovered and arranged like a mast.

Alvaro de Bazan was built by the Spanish shipyard NAVANTIA-IZAR, officially launched in October 2000, officially put into production in September 2002, and is currently in service (2017). The Royal Australian Navy has also ordered three similar ships built to the F100 standard.

Although the class is classified as frigates, some sources describe them as destroyers.

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