HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314)

HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314) History

The modern Norwegian Navy commissioned five ships to form the Fritjof-Nansen-class guided missile frigates (the group was selected to replace the aging, outgoing Oslo-class). These were built to the same standards, except the fifth and final ship in the group, the HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314), which was equipped with two 8-unit Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) instead of the typical single mounted in the Aboard her sister ship.

The class lost a member in November 2018 when the HNoMS collided with a Malta tanker and was indefinitely decommissioned (she was later selected for scrap because she could not be salvaged). However, HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl continued in her role, fighting alongside the three remaining sister ships serving on the high seas under the Norwegian flag.

The ships of this class are all built at the Navantia (formerly Bazan) shipyard in Ferrol, Spain, and largely follow the form and function of the Spanish Navy's Alvaro de Bazan-class combat frigates described elsewhere on this site.

There are 120 crew members on board, but the warship can accommodate up to 146 people if required. A small air force was retained to manage a single NHindustries NH90 maritime helicopter, which was launched/collected from the stern helideck.

The system provides a key vantage point on the horizon and can also act as a scout, sub-hunter and rescuer as needed.

Sensors and processing systems include Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1F 3D Multifunction Radar, Reutech RSR 210N Air/Surface Search Radar, SAGEM Vigy 20 Series Electro-Optical (EO) Director and Sonar-Fit MRS 2000 Series in the airframe, CAPTAS Mk. II V. 1 active/passive towed sonar array and a pair of Mark 82 series fire control radar systems.

Terma DL-12T decoy launcher and LOKI torpedo countermeasure unit for electronic warfare (EW)/deception roles.

Armament is spearheaded by 2 x 8-cell Mk. 41 VLS launcher modules, supplied by 64 x RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) for short to medium range aerial threats. There are 8 Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launchers for countering surface threats, and 4 torpedo tubes supporting "Sting Ray" torpedoes for use against enemy warships, submarines and more. More conventional ballistically aligned weapons include the 76mm OTO-Melara "super-fast" automatic cannon, mounted in a trainable turret above the forecourt (which can be replaced by a 127mm/54mm OTO-Melara automatic cannon if desired). additional 76mm turret mounted). 4 x Sea Protector Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) provides a digital autonomous solution to incoming short-range air threats.

Up to 4 x 12.7mm Browning M2HB Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) provide the last line of defense. Also carries 2 LRADs (Remote Acoustic Devices).

The helicopters onboard the NJ90, when properly equipped, can also enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of warships.

Like the ships of her class and other modern warships in service today, the Thor Heyerdahl (F314) has a thoroughly modern appearance, with particular attention to radar attenuation and a shrinking silhouette along the horizon. Her main mast is fully enclosed and her funnel is integrated into the hull structure while maintaining a low profile design. The sides of the superstructure blend seamlessly with the hull line almost from bow to stern.

The stern structure is integrated with the hull, reducing external protrusions whenever and wherever. The main guns and turrets mounted on the bow can swing freely on the front and sides of the ship to strike targets at almost any angle.

The bridge section dominates aft and above the forward VLS fuselage, providing commanders with excellent forward and aft views.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing