A Look at the Exhibition Floor
The most noteworthy display at IMDEX Asia 2017 came from the home-based Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine), showcasing, amongst several other designs, its new “Vanguard” concept comprising four variants with multiple modular capabilities fitting into one design. Configurations include the 3,800t “Vanguard” 120 Frigate, the 2,500t “Vanguard” 105 OPV, the 2,300t “Vanguard” 95 Naval Research & Support design, and the 1,500t “Vanguard” 80 Patrol Vessel.
Another concept on display was its latest “Endurance” 170 LHD-design. At 170m, this 30.8m wide platform will displace approx.19.000t and feature a full length flight-deck of approximately 4200sqm with five landing spots and two deck elevators.
Apart from a core crew of 140 and an air crew of 150, the ship will be capable to embark up to 400 fully equipped troops. The well deck will accommodate up to 17 tanks and 16 30t vehicles. The ships will also feature a 1000sqm medical facility with 4 operating theatres, 10 intensive care beds and 17 wards.
DCNS was back this year. A long-term partner of Singapore, DCNS is willing to strengthen its cooperation with local industry. The company proposed its 4,000t Intermediate Size Frigate (Frégates de Taille Intermédiaire – FTI) and its GOWIND 2500 design.
thyssenkrupp Marine System displayed a model of their newly released Type 218SG concept submarine for the Republic of Singapore Navy.
On the first day of the IMDEX exhibition the Singapore Minister of Defence signed a contract for an additional two Type 218SG, which is a derivate of the Type 216 submarine design and which will be equipped with a comprehensive combat system provided by Atlas Elektronik GmbH.
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding presented its SIGMA portfolio, with vessels ranging from 59-105m and displacements from 600-2,500t respectively, as well as its CROSSOVER design.
Thales displayed its AUSS-A revolutionary hybrid drone and the SEA FIRE next-generation multi-function radar to be installed onboard the FTIs.
Austal exhibited a new model of its Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project. The Australian shipyard announced that there is a growing interest from an undisclosed number of Asian nations for this patrol boat. Nineteen PRBs are to be delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations between 2018-2023.
A highlight for Rafael was their new SPIKE missile mission module for its PROTECTOR USV, which the Israeli company announced last March it had successfully test-fired. This SPIKE test-firing concluded the operational integration process of the PROTECTOR.
iXblue, recognised worldwide for its innovative navigation solutions, displayed its WECDIS system based on an open software architecture.
Guy Toremans
