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Karel Doorman class



Overview


Karel Doorman class

Chilean navy Karel Doorman class frigate entering Pearl Harbor in 2006.
Source: US Navy - © Public domain

Origin
Netherlands
Type
Frigate
Entered service
1991
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1980's
Developer
Netherlands - De Schelde
Production
1986 - 1995
Producer
Netherlands - De Schelde
Number produced
8
Designations
M-class / Multipurpose class (nickname)
Notable users
Netherlands
Chile
Belgium
Portugal

Description


Introduciton

The Karel Doorman class is a class of frigates of Dutch origin. The Karel Doorman class is a multipurpose frigates. It was developed in the mid 1980's to replace the two Jacob van Heemskerck class frigates and several Kortenaer class frigates. The Karel Doorman class is considered one of the finest Cold War style (non-stealth) frigates.

Layout

The Karel Doorman features a conventional layout. The gun and bridge are located at the front. The sensor mast, funnel and command center in the middle. The engines, hangar and helicopter deck are at the rear. The Karel Doorman has reduced radar and IR signatures, but cannon be classified as a stealth ship. Over time the ships have been subject to various updates. From 2009 to 2012 a mid life update is carried out.

Firepower

Surface targets can be engaged with the Harpoon anti-ship missile and 76mm Super Rapid dual purpose gun. Sea Sparrow missiles in the unusual Mk 48 launchers at the left side of the hanger are used against air targets. Submarines can be engaged by the two twin Mk 46 torpedo launchers and the Lynx helicopter. A 30mm Goalkeeper CIWS and two 20mm Oerlikon are fitted for self-defense.

Sensors & electronics

The Karel Doorman is fitted with the SEWACO VII combat data information system. The SMART surface and air search radar is mounted on top of the sensor mast. An LW08 air search radar is fitted on the hangar. Two STIR fire control radars are used with the Sea Sparrow missile. A PHS-36 hull mounted sonar and a towed array are used for detecting submarines. Countermeasures include a torpedo decoy, SRBOC and ECM systems.

Mobility

The Karel Doorman is fitted with a CODOG system that consists of two Spey gas turbines and two Wärtsilä diesels that power two shafts. The maximum speed is 30 knots. The maximum range is 5.000 nm at 18 knots.

Users

A total of 8 ships were build for the Netherlands navy. Due to the introduction of the De Zeven Provincien class destroyers and end of the Cold War the number has been reduced to only 2. Chile, Belgium and Portugal each acquired 2 ships. The Karel Doorman class is expected to remain in service for many years to come.

Media


Details


Facts Karel Doorman class
General
Origin
Netherlands
Type
Frigate
Complement
156 incl 16 officers, plus 7 spare bunks
Dimensions
Displacement
3.320 t full load
Length
122.3 m overall
114.2 m waterline
Beam
14.4 m
Draft
4.3 m
Propulsion
Arrangement
CODOG
Engines
2x Spey SM1C gas turbine
2x Stork-Wartsila 12SW280 diesel
Power output
33.800 hp for gas turbines
9.790 hp for diesels
Propulsion
2 shafts
Mobility
Speed
30 kt
Range
5.000 nm at 18 kt
Sensors
Air search radar
LW-08
Surface search radar
SMART
Surface search radar
Scout
Fire control radar
STIR
Sonar
PHS-36 hull mounted
Sonar
DSBV 61 towed array
Systems
Combat data management
SEWACO VII
Datalink
Link 11
Decoy
2x Mk 36 SRBOC
Decoy
SLQ-25 Nixie towed torpedo decoy
Guns
Dual purpose gun
1x 76mm Super Rapid
CIWS
1x 30mm Goalkeeper
SSM
Subsonic anti-ship missile
2x4 RGM-84 Harpoon
SAM
Launcher
Mk 48 VLS
Short range SAM
16x RIM-7 Sea Sparrow
ASW
Torpedo tubes
2x2 Mk 32 Mod 9
Torpedo type
Mk 46
Aircraft
Facilities
Hangar and landing pad for 1 helicopter
Supported aircraft
Lynx or NH-90

Subsystems


76mm Compatto

1x 76mm Super Rapid dual purpose gun on bow.

30mm Goalkeeper

1x 30mm Goalkeeper close-in weapon system located on top of hangar.

RGM-84 Harpoon

2x4 RGM-84 Harpoon subsonic anti-ship missile in Mk 141 quadruple launcher.

RIM-7 Sparrow

16x Mk 48 VLS on left side of hanger for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface to air missile.

Mk 46

2x2 Mk 46 lightweight torpedo in Mk 32 Mod 9 launcher.

Browning M2HB

2-4x 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun fitted for self-defense.

FN MAG

4-6x 7.62mm MAG medium machine gun fitted for self-defense.