Chilean navy Karel Doorman class frigate entering Pearl Harbor in 2006.
Source: US Navy -
© Public domain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1x 30mm Goalkeeper close-in weapon system located on top of hangar.
2x4 RGM-84 Harpoon subsonic anti-ship missile in Mk 141 quadruple launcher.
16x Mk 48 VLS on left side of hanger for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface to air missile.
2-4x 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun fitted for self-defense.
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