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Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR

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LIMA 2015 Online Show Daily - Thales STIR FCR
 
 
 
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR
 
While visiting the vessels present at LIMA 2015, Navy Recognition noticed that the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate RSS STALWART is fitted with a newly installed STIR Fir Control Radar (FCR). We asked Thales representatives the reason for which this new system was installed and its benefits.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR
Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 FCR freshly installed on board Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate RSS STALWART as seen during LIMA 2015
     
Thales representatives at LIMA 2015 told Navy Recognition that the main reasons for which the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) asked for the STIR to be fitted on the Formidable class was to provide an FCR for the 76mm main gun. In addition, the RSN wanted an FCR to be able to warn non-cooperative aircraft before taking ultimate action (firing an ASTER 15 missile). With the Herakles radar acting as fire control for the missiles, there are only two options: You either shoot or don’t shoot. With the addition of the STIR FCR, the crew can now illuminate an aircraft which would trigger alarms and let the pilot know it has been detected and is being tracked. While considered as an “act of war” in most rules of engagement, this brings a “last warning” option before effectively launching a surface-to-air missile.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCRThales STIR scale model on display at LIMA 2015
     
Finally the STIR FCR may be used the Formidable class crew as an Electro-optical sensor for surveillance and tracking. A Thales radar expert explained to us that the advantage of the STIR FCR over any multi-function radar is mainly against sea-skimming missiles: It avoids the mirroring effect induce by the sea surface thanks to its dual, I and K, band.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR Thales Stand showcasing from left to right Smart-S Mk2, STIR FCR and NS100 radars at LIMA 2015
     
STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 is Thales latest track radar for gun and missile fire control. Its high reliability and excellent stealth target detection capabilities support long missions. The STIR 1.2 is the first track radar with a full set of solid state transmitters for high reliability. Its design is optimized for stealth target detection in demanding littoral and ECM environments. A full EO suite complements the dual band radar for optimal performance.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR
Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate RSS STALWART as seen during LIMA 2015
     
STIR is easy to install on board. Most of its components are installed in the above-deck director. This results in a small below deck footprint and limited ship cabling.

STIR is a well-proven system. More than 150 systems have been sold and are operational. Eleven navies, amongst which are six navies of the NATO alliance, use these systems.

To learn more: Link to Formidable class Frigate technical datasheet