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HNoMS Skjold (P960)

1999 MODERN NAVY

History

Due to budget constraints and other factors, Norway's navy is not particularly strong compared to world powers such as the US, UK and France. With this in mind, the Royal Norwegian Navy has been compelled to invest wisely in some important high-quality projects to develop a viable naval force while providing the country with coastal defense.

Its main naval armament consists of advanced frigates supported by modern submarines, in addition to the usual mine warships, support ships and various squadrons to deal with most incoming naval threats.

When considering upgrading the then fleet of high-speed patrol ships, the Navy adopted an advanced stealth model as part of the SMP 6081 program. The result is a sleek fiberglass/carbon composite boat with low-drag, high-speed performance in a catamaran-style hull configuration.

The design's stealth comes from applying radar absorbing material (RAM) through an "anechoic" (non-reflective) coating. In addition, the ship's appearance relies on many aspects of its use - a feature of stealth vehicles developed and popularized such as the US Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter.

This approach led to an advanced scoring model that was introduced in late August 1996, followed by a period of extreme testing. The trials required a steeper bow as it was thought her seaworthiness could be improved.

In addition, the initial propulsion equipment included 2 German-built MTU 123 cruise diesel engines, these were quickly removed, while the control deck was enlarged to accommodate more technical and crew workstations. The forecastle was reinforced to carry larger caliber weapons in the powered turret and improved survivability by modifying the hull construction process.

Dimensions of the finished product include a length of 156 feet, a beam of 44 feet and a draft of 3.3 feet - the latter distinguishing feature allowing the vessel to operate in extremely shallow waters, such as being visible close to the shoreline. The boat is equipped with four engines, including 2 Pratt & Whitney ST18M engines and 2 Pratt & Whitney ST40M turbines, and when paired with a catamaran hull, was tested at speeds in excess of 60 knots. The range is about 920 miles.

A typical operator has about 14 employees.

In addition to its impressive appearance, the ship has some of the more traditional design features found on other patrol boats of this size: the bridge is raised high above her superstructure so that the Man was impressed to see the action around, and was pierced by her clearly visible row of large radar-reflecting window panes. A ladder-like biped mast is erected behind the real bridge, which has a curved appearance.

Before the superstructure, guns and turrets were installed, but aside from these obstructions, the ship's upper deck remained largely clean, free from the usual protrusions and obstructions of patrol boats - in fact, even access hatches and windows Also made flush to match the inherent 'stealth'" of the boat.

The class was eventually adopted as the Skjold class, which would consist of six ships in total. The first, known as the Skjold (P960), was launched on September 22, 1998, and officially entered service on April 17, 1999.

At the time of writing (2015), all ships in Skjold and her small class remain active duty in the Royal Norwegian Navy inventory. The class follows the outgoing Hauk-class surface ships that appeared from 1977 to 2001, with 14 patrol boats eventually entering service.

Boats in the Skjold class are built by Umoe Mandal AS, a manufacturer from Mandal, Norway.

In addition to stealth characteristics, Skjold is also known for his impressive weapons. Its arsenal is spearheaded by eight Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) systems, stored in internal compartments (four mounted aft of the bridge) prior to launch, providing effective long-range countermeasures against enemy surface ships In addition to the traditionally mounted hardware - namely the Italian made OTO-Breda "Super Rapid" 76mm turret deck gun. In addition, the ship carries a pair of 12.7mm Browning Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) for ultra-close range operations. Airborne threats can be countered by the operator's portable shoulder-fired MBDA Mistral surface-to-air missile (SAM), with additional defense from the installed M151 Protector Long Range Weapon System (RWS).

It is a local design (Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace) with the support of the French Thales Group. RWS fittings are located on top of the bridge.

Onboard processing systems and sensor equipment are electro-optically guided by Thales MRR-3D-NG air/ground radar systems, Celsius Tech Ceros 2000 FC (fire control) units and Sagem Vigy 20 series sensor suites.

Skjold (P960) is on duty with her sisters: Storm (P961), Skudd (P962), Steil (P963), Glimt (P964) and Gnist (P965).