New Carbon Fibre Trimaran Launched for Indonesian Navy

North Sea Boats Ltd on August 31 launched a new 63 metre long trimaran warship for the Indonesian Navy, at Banyuwangi, in the Republic of Indonesia.

The vessel will be named KRI Klewang - after a traditional Indonesian single edged sword. It features a wave-piercer trimaran hull form, constructed exclusively of infused vinylester carbon fibre cored sandwich materials for all structural elements, with external stealth geometry and features intended to reduce detection.

The result of a 24 month research, design and development collaboration with New Zealand naval architects, LOMOcean Design Ltd, the ship represents a significant step forward in the use of advanced warship building technologies in countries outside of Europe and the United States, North Sea Boats said in a statement.

Offering stability and shallow draft, the vessel is designed for patrolling the littorals. The hull shape is intended to permit high speeds to be maintained and thus maximize crew operational capability in the short, steep seas characteristic of the coastline around the Indonesian Archipelago. The design borrows elements from previous trimarans from the same designer, including the 24 m Earthrace (later Ady Gil), holder of the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by a power boat.

The underwater sections have been optimized for extended range at fast patrol speeds; the length, transverse and longitudinal positions and immersion of each of the three hulls have been carefully tailored for least resistance using both slender body analysis and towing tank testing. Powering and propulsion is courtesty of multiple MAN V12 diesel engines, coupled to MJP 550 water jets, located in both the centre hull and each of the two side hulls for maximum propulsive thrust and manoeuverability.

The structural design was subject to third party approval by Germanischer Lloyd in Hamburg, using design and approval methodologies tailored specifically for the unusual geometry of a large, wave-piercing trimaran. The extensive use of carbon fibre offers multiple benefits, including reduced weight (laminated carbon fibre has a density nearly half that of aluminium alloys), reduced maintenance (carbon composites cannot corrode and exhibits extremely high fatigue limits), tailorability of radar cross section (true flat panel geometry can be attained due to no distortion during assembly), extremely high geometrical accuracy (permits as-built hull shape to remain faithful to theoretical optimums), nil magnetic signature, reduced thermal and acoustic signatures etc.

Accommodation is provided for a complement of twenty nine (officers and crew) on three internal decks (including bridge and combat control centre), with facilities and equipment also provided for deployment of special forces troops, including an 11m high speed 50 knot RIB, also manufactured and supplied by North Sea Boats.

Trimarans offer very stable weapons platforms, and can carry various Missile systems; including Type 705 (up to 8), RBS15, Penguin or Exocet, and 40-57mm Naval Guns, or a CIWS (Close In Weapon System). These can be mounted high on the superstructure, giving better range and firing arc. Sensors can also be installed high up without concerns for stability. This first ship will carry a turn-key system delivered by CSOC and CPMIEC China, including rapid fire CIWS, combat control and missile systems. The exact configuration of this system is still classified.

Completion will take place after launching, and extensive sea trials and tests will commence in October. KRI Klewang is expected to be fully operational in 2013.

(Defence Web)