Damen introduces the new "2nd Generation OPV" to meet demand for multi-mission platforms

Damen's 2nd Generation OPV
Picture: Damen

Versatility has been reinvented by three newly developed multi-mission locations–namely the bridge, hangar and bay. The Multi-Mission Bay (MM Bay) can be equipped with dedicated mission modules (e.g. mission containers) for missions such as counterpiracy, counter-drug operations, anti-mining warfare (AMW), search-and-rescue (SAR) etc. The MM Bay is also equipped with a nine metre RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat), which can be launched over a dedicated slipway through the rear of the vessel while the OPV is sailing. In the Damen-built Holland Class Ocean Patrol vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy this system has already proven to be safe in operationsup to SS 5 conditions.

Unlike other OPVs, the command-and-control centre (C2 Centre) is located directly behind the bridge. Damen calls this development their Multi-Mission Bridge (MM Bridge). Both spaces can be separated by means of a blinded sliding wall. OPVs are less likely to take part in combat situations such as those faced by a frigate. During a mission,when lowering the sliding wall, situation awareness in the C2 Centre is improved, allowing C2 Centre officers to observe the situation immediatelywith their own eyes.

Damen's 2nd Generation OPV
Picture: Damen

Mr Van Rooijcomments: “Today OPVs don’t engagein combatsituationsas often as frigates do, however, fast and effective coordination during a ‘chase’ is essential for an OPV.”

The Multi-Mission Hangar (MM Hangar) is capable of storing an 11-tonne NH-90 helicopter and aUAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) such as the Boeing ScanEagle®. The MM Hangar has been designed so that the OPV crew can deploy either the helicopter or the UAV without having to move either one.Furthermore,there is space for a spare parts store and workshop for both the helicopter and UAV.

The Damen OPV 2nd generation is available as a standard in four series [sizes]:
• 75 meter – 1400 tonnes
• 85 meter– 1800 tonnes
• 95 meter– 2400 tonnes
• 103 meter – 2600 tonnes

Multi Mission Bridge
Picture: Damen

The Bridge directly adjoins the Command & Control Centre (C&C Centre), ensuring easy and fast communication. Depending on the mission and the situation, the C&C Centre can be separated from the Bridge by means of a blinded sliding door. This will ensure that the C&C crew can fully focus on their tasks without being distracted, for instance during the tasking and planning phases of a mission.
When creating the recognized service picture, the C&C Centre will be in charge of collecting all necessary data. When targets on the radar cannot be identified, the C&C Centre officers
can directly deploy an RHIB to visually identify the unknown target.
The actual engagement phase or ‘chase’, requires a lot of coordination and thus the number of activities per minute on the bridge normally is very high. On the new Damen OPV, the C&C officers will be able to see the situation with their own eyes directly from the C&C Centre, after the blinded sliding door has been lowered, taking away communication moments. This reduces the workload on the crew involved, which is beneficial for the operation.

Multi-Mission Bay
Pictures: Damen

“Take what you need and leave the unnecessary.”
This approach makes the OPV-2 versatile and mission focused. Missions can be related to such like humanitarian aid, counter-piracy, -terrorism and -drugs, anti-mining warfare (AMW), oil spill recovery, fishery inspection, search & rescue (SAR) and also everyday border security. For these missions different types of equipment is necessary.
The Multi-Mission Bay makes it possible to store dedicated equipment for the mentioned multifarious missions and even more. Mission modules (dedicated containers) can be lifted into the Multi-Mission Bay, through the helicopter deck.
If necessary, equipment stored in the mission modules (ROV, sonar, etc.), can be lowered into the water through the two PS and SB stern hatches.
Also one of the two 9 meter RHIBs is stored in the Multi-Mission Bay. A small slipway makes ultrafast RHIB deployment possible, while sailing.
Also quick recovery of the RHIB in sea states up to 6 BF is possible. A quick connecting hook takes in the RHIB quick and efficiently. A painter line is superfluous.

Damen's 2nd Generation OPV is fitted with multi mission bridge, hangar and bay
Picture: Damen

Today’s high-tech and pioneering OPVs have “eyes in the sky”.
Surveillance from the sky is essential for taking situation awareness to a higher level. Apart from a large helicopter, the Multi-Mission Hangar can store an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) like the Boeing ScanEagle. Inside the Multi-Mission Hangar, the UAV can also be maintained in a dedicated UAV-workshop. Launching and recovery of the UAV is carried out from the helicopter deck. Constant communication between the UAV and the Multi-Mission Bridge assures that all details in the area are spotted. The new OPV can handle helicopters up to 11 tons, like the NH-90. The hangar is large enough to store large helicopters and also to execute maintenance. Also the hangar is equipped with a helicopter spare parts store and workshop.