History of the CN Almirante Riveros (FF-18)

In April 2007, the Chilean Navy commissioned the CN Almirante Riveros (FF-18), a then modern 3,300 ton multi-purpose frigate . The battleship is HNLMS Tjerk Hiddes of the former Dutch Navy Karel Gatekeeper class, built in October 1986, launched in December 1989, and commissioned with the Royal Netherlands Navy in February 1993. Sailed in this form until decommissioning in February 2006 and eventually sold to Chile with HNLMS Abraham van der Hulst (F832) - who became CN Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15) in 1993.

CN Almirante Riveros is still in service with the Chilean Navy at the time of writing (Dec 2021). In her original form, it was built by the shipyard at Koninklijke Schelde Groep in Wiesingen in the southwest of the Netherlands.

She spent most of her time supporting the Dutch Navy's operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean, eventually becoming a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014) after 9/11.

The service currently (2021) deploys a total of eight frigates covering multi-mission, anti-submarine and air defense missions. The oldest unit is Almirante Williams, ex-Royal Navy, commissioned in 1988.

Almirante Riveros, the newest member of the force, entered service in 2007, two years after Blanco Encalada and its two home ports outside Valparaiso.

Riveros has a displacement of 3,320 tons, an overall length of 401 feet, a beam of 47 feet, and a draft of 14 feet. It has a shallow draft and can work close to the coast.

Power is provided by 2 Rolls-Royce Spey 1A series gas turbines, each rated at 16,700 hp, linked to 2 Stork-Werkspoor diesel engines, each rated at 4,895 hp. These are used to power the 2 axles below the stern, allowing the boat to reach speeds of nearly 30 knots.

The propulsion scheme employs CODOG - a blend of diesel or petrol - to ensure maximum fuel efficiency for the required maneuvers (fast sprint maneuvers or general cruising).

There is a crew of 174 on board, while an Air Force detachment can fly a Navy helicopter from the stern helipad. An additional hangar allows the rotor system to be supported at sea.

As a multi-mission frigate, Riverros carries a variety of weapons, including ballistic and missile weapons. This was carried above the forecastle by a turret-mounted 76mm OTO-Melara deck gun. A single goalkeeper system provides point defense against aerial threats, and the vessel is also equipped with 4 x 324mm Mk. 32 torpedo tubes (Mark 46 torpedo series) for repulsing surface and submarine threats.

Airborne helicopters can also support anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare (AS&ASW) operations and provide over-the-horizon (OtH) and maritime resupply support.

Structurally, these warships are rather anachronistic compared to modern frigates: the inherent stealth characteristics are not evident in the hull design, as the ship originated in the Netherlands in the late Cold War. Deck guns and turrets received acceptable firing angles from the forecastle, and the bridge section was located on top of its usual forward hull structure. The main mast is integrated into the bridge section, although this assembly is exposed. The smoke funnel has a flat closed design and is located in the middle of the boat. A second hull structure can be seen from the stern, which contains more excellent sensors and processing systems.

The helicopter hangar and associated auxiliary facilities are also located in this section. The hangar leads to an unobstructed helipad above the stern.

Almirante Riveros participated in the joint national operation "Exercise UNITAS Atlantic" in 2015.

CN Almirante Riveros (FF-18) Specification

Basic

Year of Service

2007

Origins

Chile

Status

In service

supplement

174

staff

SHIPBUILDER

Koninklijke Schelde Group - Netherlands

Class information

Class

Carrel Doorman Class

Class Size

2

ships

Class

CS Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15); CS Almirante Riveros (FF-18)

Carrier

Chile

Characters

Sea Bombing

Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Land Assault

Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence

Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Distinctive Features

Flatten

The hull of the vessel is designed to operate in coastal/shallow water environments.

Air Defense

Airborne systems warn and protect ships from airborne and low-altitude ballistic and/or missile threats.

On the horizon

The ship is granted over-the-horizon combat capability, usually provided by a launched fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft.

Torpedo

Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

401. 1 ft

122.26m

Ray

47. 1 ft

14.36m

Draft

14. 0 feet

4.27m

Shift

3,320

t

Power and Performance

Installed Power:

CODOG (hybrid diesel or gas): 2 x 16,700 hp Rolls-Royce Spey 1A gas turbines and 2 x 4,895 hp Stork-Werkspoor diesel engines; 2 x Wave.

Surface Velocity

29. 0 nodes

(33.4 km/h)

Area

4,345nm

(5,000 miles | 8,047 kilometers)

kts = nodes | mph = miles per hour | nm = nautical miles | mi = miles | km = miles 1 kts = 1.15mph | 1 nautical mile = 1.15 kilometers | 1 nautical mile = 1.85 kilometers

Weapons

1 x 76mm OTO Melara deck gun with turret. 1 x Goalkeeper Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). 4 x 324mm MK. 32 torpedo launchers (Mark 46 torpedo series).

Aircraft

1 x Navy Helicopter Operated/Supported by Helical Helipad/Hangar Section.

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