Six Formidable Class multi-mission frigates are being built for the Singapore Navy. The first of class, RSS Formidable, was launched on 7 January 2004 at the Lorient dockyard in Brittany, France.

The Republic of Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) awarded the contract in March 2002 to DCN (now DCNS) in France for the design and construction of the frigates.

The contract includes a technology transfer program under which the construction of the first frigate is carried out in France and then five further frigates are built in Singapore by Singapore Technology Marine (STM) at the Benoi shipyard. The frigate programme is named Project Delta and is being managed by Singapore's state-owned Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

Following the launch of the RSS Formidable in January 2004, work started on fitting the combat and platform systems. The frigate arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, in August 2005 and was commissioned in May 2007. All six Formidable Class frigates will be in service by 2009.

As well as RSS Formidable (68), the class consists of: RSS Intrepid (69) constructed by STM, launched in July 2004 and delivered in July 2006; RSS Steadfast (70) launched in January 2005; RSS Tenacious (71), launched in July 2005; RSS Stalwart (72), launched in December 2005; and RSS Supreme (73), launched May 2006.

The frigates will replace the six Sea Wolf Class missile gunboats that entered service in 1972 and are approaching the end of operational life.


FRIGATE DESIGN
The Project Delta design is a smaller derivative of the French La Fayette Class stealth frigate with low radar, acoustic, infrared and electromagnetic signatures.

A high level of automation and closely integrated combat and ship management systems have been selected to allow the frigate to be operated with a crew of just 70. The overall length is 114.8m with a beam of 16.3m and draught of 6.0m. The full load displacement is 3,200t.


FRIGATE COMMAND AND CONTROL
The combat management system was developed by the state-owned DSTA with ST Electronics to meet the operational requirements of the Republic of Singapore Navy. DSTA also has responsibility for the combat systems integration. The standard operating common consoles, with 20in LCD displays, are supplied by Singapore Technologies Electronics, a subsidiary of ST Engineering.

The Integrated Communications System is also supplied by Singapore Technologies Electronics.


FRIGATE MISSILES
The frigate is armed with the Boeing Harpoon surface-to-surface anti-ship missile. The Harpoon missile has a range of 130km and uses active radar guidance. The missile is armed with a 227kg warhead.

The frigate is fitted with the DCNS Sylver vertical launch system with MBDA Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles. There are four eight-cell SYLVER A43 launch modules with 32 missiles. The two-stage Aster missile is a high-agility and high-manoeuvrability defence missile for deployment against incoming sea skimming anti-ship missiles which use evasive terminal manoeuvres and re-attack modes.

In anti-missile mode the Aster 15 has a range of 15km. Aster also provides protection against manned and unmanned aircraft to a range of 30km.


FRIGATE GUN
The main gun is the Oto Melara 76mm / 62 Super Rapid gun which fires 6kg shells to a range of 16km at a firing rate up to 120 rounds/minute.


ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE
The EDO Model 980 ALOFTS Aactive Low-Frequency Towed Sonar provides long-range detection and classification capability against submarines. ALOFTS comprises a Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) towed body with a towed array. The frigate has two triple-barrelled lightweight torpedo launchers and is armed with the Eurotorp A244S torpedo.


FRIGATE AIRCRAFT CAPACITIES
The frigate has the capacity to operate a single medium-size helicopter in the 10t class. The helicopter deck at the stern, approximately 22m x 16m (360m²), has a single landing spot. The hangar is fully equipped with helicopter support and maintenance systems. The frigate carries an additional 15 aircrew for helicopter flight operations.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force will fly the shipborne helicopter and helicopter mission crew will be from the Republic of Singapore Navy. In January 2005, MINDEF placed an order for six Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopters to operate from the frigates. Deliveries are scheduled from 2008-10.


FRIGATE SENSORS
The Herakles multi-function radar, supplied by Thales, is the frigate's primary surveillance radar. The phased array radar is a passive, three-dimensional, search and fire control radar operating over E- and F-bands. The radar, installed in a radome on top of the main mast, carries out long-range air and surface surveillance and weapon control. The Herakles radar is integrated with the Aster air defence missile system.

The frigates surface search and navigation radar is the Terma Scanter 2001, operating at I-band.


COUNTERMEASURES
The vessel's Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system is the Rafael C-PEARL-M radar intercept. C-PEARL-M is a lightweight ESM system consisting of two Line Replaceable Units (LRU) - an antenna unit and a receiver-processor unit - which provide automatic detection, data measurement and identification of threats.

Three Sagem Défense Sécurité (formerly EADS Defence & Electronics) New Generation Dagaie Systems (NGDS) are fitted. Each system consists of a pair of two-axis launchers with 12 infrared, radar or acoustic decoys.


FRIGATE PROPULSION
The frigate is powered by four MTU 20V 8000 diesel engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration. Each engine is rated at 8,200kW. The engines drive two shafts with constant pitch propellers.

The cruise and maximum speeds are 18kt and 27kt and the range is 7,200km (4,000nm).



Specifications - Formidable Class Multi-Mission Frigates, Singapore

Crew 70
Air Crew 15

Dimensions
Length 114.8m
Beam 16.3m
Draught 6.0m
Full Load Displacement 3,200t

Performance
Maximum Speed 27kt
Economical Speed 18kt
Range 7,200km (4,000nm)

Propulsion
MTU Diesel 220V 8000 4 x 8,200kW
Electrical System 4 x IFM V1708, AvK alternator, 800kW