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Saab MCMV 80: Next Generation Multi-Function Mine Counter Measure Vessel

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Focus - Saab Kockums MCMV 80
 
 
 
 
Saab MCMV 80: Next Generation Multi-Function Mine Counter Measure Vessel
 
Swedish Defence and security company Saab (with its naval branch Kockums) continues to refine its MCMV 80 vessel design. The MCMV 80 was first unveiled at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2017 exhibition in May.
     
Saab MCMV 80 KockumsArtist impression of an MCMV 80 underway with an airborne SKELDAR UAV. Saab image.
     
According to Saab, the "mine counter measure vessel 80" is a next generation MCM vessel featuring operational flexibility and adaptable configuration, designed to meet current and future challenges of modern navies.

The MCMV 80 can be tailored to a wide range of different missions. Containerized mission modules allow the end-user to conduct operations both in the minefield (as a dedicated MCM platform. Saab calls this the "current approach") and outside the minefield (as a mothership for remotely operated or autonomous minewarfare systems. Saab defines this as the "future approach").
     
Saab MCMV 80 Kockums 4Saab MCMV 80 Kockums 5MCM current approach compared to future approach (with MCMV 80) according to Saab. Saab images.
     
We were explained that the design is so adaptable that it can truly be multi-function and fit the role of a full fledged offshore patrol vessel (OPV). Saab Kockums draws on years of experience in designing, building and supporting MCM vessels for the Swedish Navy (renowned for their experience in minewarfare: The navy is constantly involved such operations since to date, over 50,000 sea mines remain in the Baltic sea) as well as its expertise in low signatures, composites vessels (such as the Koster-class MCMV, the famous Visby-class corvettes and even the superstructure of Singapore's Littoral Mission Vessel).
     
Saab MCMV 80 Kockums familyThe MCMV 80 is part of a broader new family of "corvettes" (here seen as an OPV, it corresponds to the mid-range). Saab image.
     
MCMV 80 is part of a broader new family dubbed "Next Generation Corvettes" designed by Kockums with future Swedish Navy needs in mind. The hull profile actually shares some similarities with the Visby and LMV classes. However, if a customer prefers a non-composite hull, Kockums can offer the vessel with a steel hull.
     
Saab MCMV 80 Kockums 2Stern view of Saab's MCMV 80. The vessel can be fitted with ISO containers. RHIBs and USVs can be easily launched and recovered thanks to the stern ramp.
     
A helicopter flight deck and UAV hangar can be added to the design for logistic and reconnaissance operation capabilities. Two stern ramps and a launching crane enables the launch of unmanned surface vehicles (USV, several designs of which Saab unveiled to us during our tour), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV such as the AUV62), remotely operated vehicles (ROV, such as the MuMNS Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System) and RHIB's or interceptors. According to Saab, these features combined makes the MCMV 80 the perfect platform for a wide range of manned and unmanned operations.

The arrangement of the MCMV is focusing on supporting lean operations. For example, the operator room and the bridge are integrated in one 360° 'superbridge' to facilitate communication and enhance situational awareness operator, the navigation and optionally the flotilla command.
     
Our video interview on Saab's MCMV 80 design at UDT 2017.
     
The MCMV 80 is a new design following Saab's evolutionary design approach, meaning that innovative ideas are introduced step by step, together with proven designs. This enables Saab to provide completely new solutions with low technical risk, without having to include obsolete technology or ideas.

The MCMV 80 can be delivered with different levels of signature management. From lower MCM signatures and less stringent requirements up to the highest shockproof requirements and stealth capabilities. Similar to the Visby class corvettes, MCMV 80 benefits from the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the hull superstructure.

Saab's MCMV 80 has a length of 80 meters, a displacement of 1,250 tons, a speed 15 knots and crew complement of 40 to 60 sailors.

Navy Recognition learned during UDT 2017 in June that Saab is proposing its MCMV 80 design to the Belgian and Netherlands navies for their MCM vessel replacement program. We learned during our visit that Saab has now briefed the Belgian navy about the design.
     
Saab MCMV 80 Kockums 1Saab's MCMV 80 scale model during Navy Recognition's recent visit of the Kockums facility in Karlkrona, Southern Sweden.
     
Navy Recognition learned during UDT 2017 in June that Saab is proposing its MCMV 80 design to the Belgian and Netherlands navies for their MCM vessel replacement program. We learned during our visit that Saab has now briefed the Belgian Navy about the design.

Belgium is the lead nation for the joint procurement of next generation MCM vessels to replace the Tripartite-class ships of the Belgian Navy and Netherlands Navy. The two countries signed an MoU one year ago. According to our information, the Belgian Navy is very much sold to the idea of using its future MCM vessels as motherships to deploy unmanned systems. A test and evaluation campaign was conducted last summer with many key players in the industry.

The Swedish Navy will also be replacing its Koster-class MCM vessel in the next 10 years and Saab is anticipating that its MCMV 80 design will answer the Swedish Navy needs.
     
UDT 2017: Saab Rolls Out its MCMV 80 Scale ModelSaab's MCMV 80 scale model at UDT 2017. This configuration shows a 57mm main gun, a large helicopter deck and an integrated mast (similar to the LMV one) hosting several advanced sensors.
     
UDT 2017: Saab Rolls Out its MCMV 80 Scale ModelSaab's MCMV 80 scale model in a lighter configuration with an MSI Defence 25mm main gun, a smaller helicopter deck for VTOL UAVs and a simpler, more traditional mast. Also visible are two ISO containers, RHIBs and a USV.