Lead ship of the Fridtjof Nansen class seen in the port of Oslo in 2006.
Source: Zorrolll -
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The Fridtjof Nansen class is a Norwegian class of frigates built in Spain. They are modern multipurpose frigates with a balanced set of armament and high quality sensors and systems. All five ships are named after Norwegian explorers. A single ship was lost in a night time collision with a tanker in 2018.
The design of the Fridtjof Nansen class is based on the Spanish Alvaro de Bazan class. It is a conventional modern frigate with a reduced radar signature design. The main gun and VLS are mounted at the front. The forward superstructure houses the bridge and SPY-1 radar system. The engines and funnel are mounted in the middle and the hanger and helicopter deck are at the rear.
Against surface targets the 8 NSM missiles or single 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid main gun can be used. Protection against aircraft is provided by an 8-cell Mk 41 VLS with 32 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. A 40mm anti-aircraft gun / CIWS can be installed, but is not fitted. Submarines can be engaged by two twin Stingray lightweight torpedo launchers. Four M2HB heavy machine guns are installed for self-defense. A single NH-90 NFH helicopter is carried for utility and anti-submarine warfare duties.
The EAGIS combat data system is the main system on the Fridtjof Nansen class and is connected to a SPY-1F radar and various other sensors. A Link 11 and Link 16 system is fitted for information exchange. The sonar system is a combined active/passive array consisting of MRS 2000 hull mounted sonar and Mk 2 CAPTAS towed array.
The main machinery is a CODAG system consisting of two Bravo diesel engines and a single LM 2500 gas turbine. These power two shafts with controllable pitch propellers. This setup is capable of a maximum speed of 26 knots and a 4.500 nm range at 16 knots. A retractable bow thruster improves maneuverability.
The Fridtjof Nansen class is only used by Norway, which took delivery of 5 vessels. They replaced the older Oslo class and make up the entire Norwegian frigate force. Four of these remain in service, with one vessel scrapped due to a collision.
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