Introduction to the 30FFM Frigate
The 30FFM, also referred to as FFM and previously referred to as 30DX, is the following generation multi-mission frigate currently being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). At Sea Air Space 2019, MHI showcased a singular feature of the 30FFM: an enormous, 360° wall placed contained in the Combat Information Center (CIC) and featuring augmented reality.
Design and Features of the 30FFM
MHI was not showcasing the frigate design for the primary time, however it is the primary time that the Japanese shipbuilder showed details of the very advanced Combat Information Center (CIC). The CIC of the 30FFM incorporates a circular arrangement and comprises an outer rim with 14 multi-function consoles, a central helm station, 4 more multi-function consoles, and a couple of large horizontal tactical tables. The CIC incorporates a giant 360° wall and 14 + 4 multi-function consoles + 2 large tactile tables.
Advanced Integrated CIC
Named the “Advanced Integrated CIC” by MHI, this feature fulfills many roles. It could be used to display the direct surroundings of the frigate, fusing the feed and data from the numerous electro-optical, infrared, video, and even radar sensors onboard. The augmented reality technology will greatly help the crew in the sector of navigation, asymmetric warfare, and even within the phase of launch and recovery of unmanned surface vehicles.
Capabilities and Operations
The 360° giant screen can display any kind of data typically displayed on multi-function consoles. The information from the engine control room can now be displayed within the CIC due to the video wall. Tasks corresponding to engine control, damage control, and fire fighting control can now happen from contained in the CIC. This recent 360° video wall feature by MHI offers maximum flexibility to the crew of the longer term frigate, making the operation of the frigate safer and offering interesting options by way of redundancy and back-up.
Specifications and Requirements
The 30FFM will feature a BAE Systems Mark 45 5-inch (127mm) important gun and 16x VLS on the bow. According to MHI, the 30FFM multi-mission frigate can have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters and a beam of 16.3 meters. It can have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots. The crew complement might be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board. The important requirements that drove the design of this future ship are a really low radar cross section, very high speed, reduced crew, and the power to launch and recuperate unmanned systems.
Production and Delivery
MHI won a contract from the Japanese MoD in October 2018 for the production of the primary two frigates and MHI is today working on the detailed design of the frigate in addition to production design stage. First steel cutting is predicted to happen in September this yr. The vessels of this class might be produced at MHI Nagasaki shipyard. Delivery of the primary frigate to the JMSDF is ready for March 2022.
Conclusion
The 30FFM frigate is a next-generation multi-mission frigate that features advanced technology and capabilities. With its unique 360° wall and augmented reality technology, the CIC of the 30FFM provides maximum flexibility to the crew and makes the operation of the frigate safer. The 30FFM is predicted to play a major role within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with its high speed, low radar cross section, and talent to launch and recuperate unmanned systems.
