Valour class
MEKO A200 for South Africa
Overview
Valour class
South African navy SAS Isandlwana moored in Cape Town in 2011.
Source: Eschaper -
© CC BY-SA 3.0
Germany - Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft
Description
Introduction
The Valour class is a modern era South African class of frigates. These are based on the German MEKO A-200 design pattern. For political reasons these were called corvettes at first. Four ships are built and an option for a fifth was not exercised. Two German shipyards built these vessels. The Valour class frigates are named in honor of acts of distinguished bravery in South African military history, but none of these is called Valour itself.
Design
The Valour class is based on the German MEKO A-200 design, which has an emphasis on stealth and infrared signature reduction. These vessels use a rather unique CODAG propulsion system called WARP. This has the two diesel engines powering the two shafts. In between the shafts there is a waterjet that is powered by a LM2500 gas turbine. Maximum speed is 28 knots. Sensors include a Thales MRR-3D NG multi-mode surveillance radar with a maximum range of 140 km against air targets. The fire control radars have a 60 km range and secondary optronic tracker. Aviation facilities are a hangar and flight deck. Two Super Lynx can be supported. Alternatively an Oryx transport helicopter, a Rooivalk attack helicopter or two drones can be carried.
Firepower
Armament consists of a 76mm Compact dual purpose naval gun on the bow. Short range air defense is provided by the domestic Umkhonto IR missiles. These are located in a 32-cell vertical launch system on the bow, of which normally on 16 cells are filled. A domestic 35mm Dual Purpose Gun on top of the hanger acts as a close in weapon system. The MM40 Exocet Block 2 provide anti-shipping capability. Various systems are slated to be upgraded in the future. These include longer range Block 3 Exocet missiles, an improved or larger caliber main gun and longer range variants of the Umkhonto missile. Also there is room for torpedo tubes, which are not yet fitted.
Users
Multiple nations acquired MEKO A-200 frigates. Each has their own configuration of subsystems and armament. South Africa acquired four MEKO A-200SAN variants with quite some local equipment and weapon systems. All four were commissioned in 2006 and 2007 and remain operational. Maintenance and refit was carried out on one vessel, with the other three having a questionable operational status. The proposed upgrades in armament are also yet to be financed.
Details
Armament
76mm Compatto
1x 76mm Compatto on the bow. Candidate for upgrade to Super Rapid or 127mm L/62 in the future.
MM40 Exocet
2x4 MM40 Block 2 amidships. Possibly upgraded to Block 3 in the future.
Umkhonto
32-cell VLS for Umkhonto-IR Block 2 short range surface to air missiles.
35mm Dual Purpose Gun
1x2 35mm Dual Purpose Gun above hangar serves as close-in weapon system.
12.7mm Reutech Rogue
2x 12.7mm M2HB in Reutech Rogue remote weapon systems.
Media
Valour class
South African navy SAS Isandlwana seen at sea around 2006.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Valour class
Close-up of the bridge area of a Valour class frigate. Note the 32-cell VLS for the Umkhonto missiles seen in 2012.
Source: Flash 285
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Valour class
South African name SAS Mendi moored in Simonstown in 2022.
Source: Jordanroderick
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0