MEKO 200
Encyclopedia
The MEKO 200 is a frigate
design by the Blohm + Voss
shipyard of Germany
, as part of the MEKO
family of warships.
Ten MEKO 200 frigates were built to the Anzac class design
: eight for the Royal Australian Navy
, and two for the Royal New Zealand Navy
.
The Australian Department of Defence
decided to upgrade their Anzacs even before all ships were completed, the upgraded configuration includes— RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles fitted in two quad launchers, Evolved Sea Sparrow
missiles quad-packed in VLS
enabling 32 missiles to be carried, four Nulka
active missile decoy bays, and the TSM 5424 Petrel
mine and obstacle avoidance sonar system. All upgrades and new builds are scheduled for completion by 2006.
In 2004 Tenix, Saab
, and the Australian Department of Defence formed a Private Public Partnership to upgrade the anti-ship missile defence capability of the Anzac class. This upgrade will include Sagem
Vampir NG IRST (infra-red search and track) capability, Saab Combat Management System upgrade and CEA Technologies
PAR 3D E/F band fixed active phased array radar and illuminator. A new main mast will be constructed to incorporate the CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT systems and maintain the existing 2D radar and electronic surveillance capabilities.
The Turkish variant, MEKO 200TN, is a modified MEKO 200 type multirole frigate.
The first order for the Turkish Navy
was signed during April 1983 with two MEKO 200TN built in Germany and two built in the Gölcük shipyards in Turkey
. The vessels are also known as MEKO 200TN Track I or Yavuz class
. Two more orders followed, each known as Track IIA Barbaros class
and Track IIB. The Yavuz class frigates have adopted the CODAD propulsion method with 4 MTU 20V Diesel engines, which require a substantial amount of maintenance. There were also questions over the selection of the Swiss manufactured Sea Zenith
, an advanced CIWS system that was never previously used on any naval platform, but there have been no negative reports regarding the system's performance from the Turkish Navy. The later Track IIA frigates have incorporated major improvements including the CODOG propulsion method with 2 MTU 16V diesel engines and 2 LM2500-30 Gas turbines, a greater displacement of 3350 (full load) and the replacement of the older Mk-29 Sea Sparrow launcher with the Mk-41 Mod 8 VLS.
These frigates are considered to be used not for naval superiority but rather as sea denying assets that will try to inflict maximum damage to the enemy, while trying to keep friendly casualties low. MEKO200TN Track I/IIA/IIBs have a maximum speed of 27/31+kts, with a range of 4000 nm and a speed of 20/22kts. Their armament includes the FMC Mk-45 127mm/54cb gun, 8 RGM-84 Harpoons, 2x3 Mk32 324mm torpedo tubes, and 8/16 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. Electronic equipment includes the DA 08/ AWS-9 surface/air surveillance radar, the WM 25/ AWS 6 tracking radar, the TM 1226/ 2690BT ARPA navigation radar, and STACOS TU/FD Tactical Command and Control System. The Turkish frigates are also equipped with WM25/ COSYS DDWCS Fire Control System, a DE1160 sonar, and Link 11/14 VESTA CDL2, MCS2002 communication systems.
The ship is divided into twelve self-sufficient watertight sections, which function almost independently of each other. Each compartment also has independent data transfer to the ship’s Naval Automation System, Nautos.
The four Hydra class frigates
of the Hellenic Navy
of Greece are 3200t frigates of the MEKO 200HN design. The first of the four, Hydra (F452) was built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg
and commissioned in 1992. The other three were constructed at the Hellenic Shipyards Co.
at Skaramagas
. Spetsai (F453) was commissioned in 1996, Psara (F454) in 1998 and Salamis (F455) in 1999.
Three Hydra class frigates were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2002–2003.
, a development of the MEKO 200 PN German concept, are major surface ships of the Portuguese Navy
. Portugal
operates three ships of this class, which were built in Kiel
by Blohm + Voss and later by HDW, using modular construction techniques.
The project for the construction of three frigates of this class was authorized by the Portuguese Government in 1985, five years after the request of the Portuguese Navy for the acquisition of new surface ships.
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
design by the Blohm + Voss
Blohm + Voss
Blohm + Voss , is a German shipbuilding and engineering works. It is a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems; there were plans to sell 80% of Blohm + Voss to Abu Dhabi Mar Group, but talks collapsed in July 2011.-History:It was founded on April 5, 1877, by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss as a...
shipyard of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, as part of the MEKO
MEKO
The MEKO family of warships was developed by the German company Blohm + Voss.MEKO is a registered trademark. The portmanteau stands for "Mehrzweck-Kombination" . It is a concept in modern naval shipbuilding based on modularity of armament, electronics and other equipment, aiming at ease of...
family of warships.
Anzac class (MEKO 200)
Anzac class frigate
The Anzac class is a ship class of ten frigates; eight operated by the Royal Australian Navy and two operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy...
: eight for the Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
, and two for the Royal New Zealand Navy
Royal New Zealand Navy
The Royal New Zealand Navy is the maritime arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...
.
The Australian Department of Defence
Department of Defence (Australia)
The Australian Department of Defence is a Federal Government Department. It forms part of the Australian Defence Organisation along with the Australian Defence Force . The Defence mission is to defend Australia and its national interests...
decided to upgrade their Anzacs even before all ships were completed, the upgraded configuration includes— RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles fitted in two quad launchers, Evolved Sea Sparrow
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is a US ship-borne short-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon system, primarily intended for defense against anti-ship missiles...
missiles quad-packed in VLS
Vertical Launching System
A vertical launching system is a system for holding and firing missiles on surface ships and submarines used by many navies around the world. Each VLS system consists of a number of cells, which can hold one or more missiles ready for firing...
enabling 32 missiles to be carried, four Nulka
Nulka
Nulka is an Australian designed and developed active missile decoy built by an Australian/American collaboration. Used aboard warships of the United States Navy , Royal Australian Navy , United States Coast Guard , and Canadian Forces, Nulka is a rocket propelled, disposable, offboard, active decoy...
active missile decoy bays, and the TSM 5424 Petrel
Thales Underwater Systems
Thales Underwater Systems , formerly known as Thomson Marconi Sonar, is an international defence manufacturer specialising in sonar systems for submarines, surface warships, and aircraft as well as communications masts and systems for submarines. TUS is a subsidiary of Thales Naval, part of the...
mine and obstacle avoidance sonar system. All upgrades and new builds are scheduled for completion by 2006.
In 2004 Tenix, Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
, and the Australian Department of Defence formed a Private Public Partnership to upgrade the anti-ship missile defence capability of the Anzac class. This upgrade will include Sagem
SAGEM
SAGEM was a major French company involved in defence electronics, consumer electronics and communication systems.In 2005, Sagem merged with SNECMA to form SAFRAN...
Vampir NG IRST (infra-red search and track) capability, Saab Combat Management System upgrade and CEA Technologies
CEA Technologies
-History:CEA Technologies was established in 1983, founded by two retired Royal Australia Navy personnel, Ian Croser and David Gaul. Employing over 260 employees, it is Australia’s largest majority owned Defence Company...
PAR 3D E/F band fixed active phased array radar and illuminator. A new main mast will be constructed to incorporate the CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT systems and maintain the existing 2D radar and electronic surveillance capabilities.
Yavuz/Barbaros class (MEKO 200TN)
The first order for the Turkish Navy
Turkish Navy
The Turkish Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the Turkish Armed Forces.- Ottoman fleet after Mudros :Following the demise of the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of World War I, on November 3, 1918, the fleet commander of the Ottoman Navy, Liva Amiral Arif Pasha, ordered all flags to be...
was signed during April 1983 with two MEKO 200TN built in Germany and two built in the Gölcük shipyards in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. The vessels are also known as MEKO 200TN Track I or Yavuz class
Yavuz class frigate
The Yavuz class are a group of four frigates that were built for the Turkish Navy. They were designed in Germany and are part of the MEKO family of modular warships; in this case the MEKO 200 design...
. Two more orders followed, each known as Track IIA Barbaros class
Barbaros class frigate
The Barbaros-class frigates are the most modern frigates in the Turkish Navy. They were designed in Germany and are part of the MEKO group of modular warships, in this case the MEKO 200 design. Two ships were built in Germany and two in Turkey with German assistance...
and Track IIB. The Yavuz class frigates have adopted the CODAD propulsion method with 4 MTU 20V Diesel engines, which require a substantial amount of maintenance. There were also questions over the selection of the Swiss manufactured Sea Zenith
Sea Zenith
Sea Zenith is an advanced four-barrelled 25 mm CIWS used by the Turkish Navy on their MEKO 200 frigates, like the Barbaros and Yavuz classes. It was developed in the 1980s by Oerlikon Contraves around their KBB gun and manufactured in Switzerland...
, an advanced CIWS system that was never previously used on any naval platform, but there have been no negative reports regarding the system's performance from the Turkish Navy. The later Track IIA frigates have incorporated major improvements including the CODOG propulsion method with 2 MTU 16V diesel engines and 2 LM2500-30 Gas turbines, a greater displacement of 3350 (full load) and the replacement of the older Mk-29 Sea Sparrow launcher with the Mk-41 Mod 8 VLS.
These frigates are considered to be used not for naval superiority but rather as sea denying assets that will try to inflict maximum damage to the enemy, while trying to keep friendly casualties low. MEKO200TN Track I/IIA/IIBs have a maximum speed of 27/31+kts, with a range of 4000 nm and a speed of 20/22kts. Their armament includes the FMC Mk-45 127mm/54cb gun, 8 RGM-84 Harpoons, 2x3 Mk32 324mm torpedo tubes, and 8/16 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. Electronic equipment includes the DA 08/ AWS-9 surface/air surveillance radar, the WM 25/ AWS 6 tracking radar, the TM 1226/ 2690BT ARPA navigation radar, and STACOS TU/FD Tactical Command and Control System. The Turkish frigates are also equipped with WM25/ COSYS DDWCS Fire Control System, a DE1160 sonar, and Link 11/14 VESTA CDL2, MCS2002 communication systems.
Hydra class (MEKO 200HN)
The MEKO frigates have high-level specifications for shock resistance, stiffness requirements for the fire control and radar systems, and blast and gas pressure resistance to retain the integrity of the on-board weapon systems. The hull is constructed of high tensile steel with a yield strength of 355 N/mm².The ship is divided into twelve self-sufficient watertight sections, which function almost independently of each other. Each compartment also has independent data transfer to the ship’s Naval Automation System, Nautos.
The four Hydra class frigates
Hydra class frigate
The Hydra class are a group of four frigates in service with the Hellenic Navy. They were designed in Germany and are part of the MEKO group of modular warships, in this case the MEKO 200 design. The programme was authorised in 1988 and partially paid for with FMS aid and previsioned for the...
of the Hellenic Navy
Hellenic Navy
The Hellenic Navy is the naval force of Greece, part of the Greek Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy has its roots in the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence...
of Greece are 3200t frigates of the MEKO 200HN design. The first of the four, Hydra (F452) was built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg
Hamburg
-History:The first historic name for the city was, according to Claudius Ptolemy's reports, Treva.But the city takes its modern name, Hamburg, from the first permanent building on the site, a castle whose construction was ordered by the Emperor Charlemagne in AD 808...
and commissioned in 1992. The other three were constructed at the Hellenic Shipyards Co.
Hellenic Shipyards Co.
Hellenic Shipyards is a large Shipyard in Skaramangas near Athens, Greece.Its origins are connected with a shipyard created in 1937 in order to build warships...
at Skaramagas
Skaramagas
Skaramagkas is a small town in the western part of Athens, Greece. It is part of the municipality of Chaidari. The town has a refinery and a neighboring shipyard and docks to carry oil production to other parts of the Mediterranean and the world. The bay area is one of the most productive...
. Spetsai (F453) was commissioned in 1996, Psara (F454) in 1998 and Salamis (F455) in 1999.
Three Hydra class frigates were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2002–2003.
Vasco da Gama class (MEKO 200PN)
The Vasco da Gama classVasco da Gama class frigate
The Vasco da Gama class is a class of frigates of the Portuguese Navy. Named in honor of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the ships are based on the German MEKO 200 design, and are Portugal's major surface ships...
, a development of the MEKO 200 PN German concept, are major surface ships of the Portuguese Navy
Portuguese Navy
The Portuguese Navy is the naval branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in cooperation and integrated with the other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the military defence of Portugal....
. Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
operates three ships of this class, which were built in Kiel
Kiel
Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, with a population of 238,049 .Kiel is approximately north of Hamburg. Due to its geographic location in the north of Germany, the southeast of the Jutland peninsula, and the southwestern shore of the...
by Blohm + Voss and later by HDW, using modular construction techniques.
The project for the construction of three frigates of this class was authorized by the Portuguese Government in 1985, five years after the request of the Portuguese Navy for the acquisition of new surface ships.
Operators
: 8 MEKO 200 (Anzac class): 8 MEKO 200TN (4 x Yavuz class, 4 x Barbaros class): 4 MEKO 200HN (Hydra class): 3 MEKO 200PN (Vasco da Gama class): 2 MEKO 200 (Anzac class)See also
- MEKO 140MEKO 140The MEKO 140 is a frigate design by the German Blohm + Voss shipyard as part of the MEKO family of vessels.- Concept and development :MEKO is a concept in modern naval shipbuilding based on modularity of armament, electronics and other equipment, aiming at ease of maintenance and cost reduction...
- MEKO 360MEKO 360The MEKO 360 is a class of five destroyers built in Germany for the Argentine and Nigerian Navies. The 360 was the first ship of the MEKO family of vessels built by Blohm und Voss.-Variants:...
- Brandenburg class frigateBrandenburg class frigateThe F123 Brandenburg class is a class of German frigate. They were ordered by the German Navy in June 1989, and then completed and commissioned between 1994 and 1996 to replace the Hamburg class destroyers...
- Sachsen class frigateSachsen class frigateThe F124 Sachsen class is Germany's latest class of highly advanced air-defense frigates. The design of the Sachsen class frigate is based on that of the F123 Brandenburg class but with enhanced stealth features intended to deceive any opponent's radar and acoustic sensors and incorporate also the...
- F125 class frigateF125 class frigateF125 is the project name for the Type 125 Baden-Württemberg class of frigates, currently in development for the German Navy by ARGE F125, a joint-venture of Thyssen-Krupp and Lürssen...
- MEKO A-200 ValourValour class frigateThe South African Valour class frigates are the major surface ships of the South African Navy. Their German manufacturer designates these warships as the MEKO A-200SAN class, member of its MEKO family of naval ships...
- Halifax class frigateHalifax class frigateThe Halifax-class frigate is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that have served the Royal Canadian Navy since 1992...
- Anzac class frigateAnzac class frigateThe Anzac class is a ship class of ten frigates; eight operated by the Royal Australian Navy and two operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy...
- Formidable class frigateFormidable class frigateThe Formidable class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate. The frigates are key information nodes and fighting units, and are described...
- La Fayette class frigateLa Fayette class frigateThe La Fayette class units are light multi-mission frigates built by DCN and operated by French Marine Nationale...
Sources
- http://www.turkishnavy.net/barbarose.htm
- http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/hydra/