Holland-class blue water capable offshore patrol vessel with a hanger and deck for medium size helicopter. Could this be the right combination for anti-piracy and coastal patrol operations? The Dutch think so.
Designed for global operations this patrol vessel would be ideal for all operations except full engagement with a missile launching naval ship.
- 3,750 tons
- 108 meters long
- Hanger and deck for a NH-90
- 2x MAN 12V28/33D diesel engines
- 2x electric propulsion for low speed
- Top speed 21 knots
- Endurance 21 days
- Crew 54 with space for additional 40
- Slipway under helideck
- 76 mm Oto Melara cannon
- 30 mm Oto Melara Marlin rapid cannon
- 2×12.7 mm Oto Hitrole remote stations
- 2×12.7 mm M2HB remote machine gun
- 6×7.62 mm machine guns/mounts
- 2 water cannons
The Holland-class uses a Sea Master 400 air warning radar, a Watcher100 active phased-array and an optical surveillance system. These systems are all tied into a command and control center. It does not carry any missiles and is lacking counter measures.
These vessels are very cost effective and free up frigates for other duties.
The oceans of the world are big places and more vessels are needed to fill in the gaps. Not always do you need a heavily armed and costly to operate frigate.
image sources
- holland_class_OPV: Kees Torn, CC BY-SA 2.0