SHIPS AND PLATFORMS

THE DANISH CONCEPT OF UNIQUE OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND COST SAVINGS.

The concept is a combination of standard platforms and different exchangeable weapon and system modules to match different missions or roles. Sensors and systems common to all roles are permanently fitted. As a truly “plug and play” concept it offers unique operational flexibility and exceptional lifelong logistic and financial advantages.
The Standard Flex concept was first applied to the 14 units of the FLYVEFISKEN-Class commissioned during the 1990s. Since then the concept has been used in all new classes of ships built for the Royal Danish Navy (RDN). At present the RDN’s stock of modules numbers more than 100 of over a dozen different types, either on board ships or at naval depots. Mission change can be completed in any harbour in less than eight hours and requires only a crane.
Last but not least the concept offers life long platform flexibility, enabling frequent updates of weapon and sensors during the entire platform lifecycle. Thus, the upgraded modules can be re-used when the legacy platform is de-commisioned.

Three units of the KNUD RASMUSSEN-Class, entered service between 2008 AND 2017. This Arctic OPV, with a medium-helicopter flight-deck and a high-speed insertion craft, is designed for coastal Arctic operations. The shipclass is build with up to four Standard Flex container positions, enabling these OPVs to be fitted with 76mm OTO Melara, Sea Sparrow Mk. 56 containers and/or Harpoon containers. The KNUD RASMUSSEN-Class is also well suited as Command-/Logistical-platform for MCM-operations.

Four units of the THETIS-class were delivered to the Royal Danish Navy in 1991. These Arctic Ocean Patrol Vessels are designed for the rough conditions in the North Atlantic area and are primarily deployed for surveillance duties in areas around Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The THETIS-class has one Standard Flex container position, used for a 76 mm OTO Melara gun, and one organic MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter.

Two ships of the ABSALON-class entered service in 2005 and deployed for Counter Piracy Operations in the Indian Ocean in 2008, proving the flexibility of these unique platforms.
The ABSALON-class has a 37 TEU sized cargo hold on the 900 m² flex-deck, enabling transport of main battle tanks, military trucks, troops etc. and provides space for staff facilities or acommodation for SOF teams or Emergency equipment. The ships have frequently been used as CTG/CTF Command platforms.

The ABSALON-class entered the Royal Danish Navy as a Command- and Support Ship but is now in proces of beeing re-configured as ASW Frigate with Towed Array, VDS etc. This ASW add-on illustrates the inherent flexibility of the ship-class and the flex-concept.

The armament:127 mm gun (US Mk 45 Mod 4) ready for extended range ammunition, two 35 mm CIWS (Millennium), five Standard Flex container positions each for Harpoon Block II and/or Sea Sparrow Mk. 56 containers.

The three units of the IVER HUITFELDT-class entered service in 2012. The hull design of the IVER HUITFELDT-class derives from the ABSALON-class. The three AAW Frigates are fitted with a 32 cell Mk. 41 Vertical Missile Launcher and will initially be fitted with SM2 and probably later with SM6. Combined with up to 4 Standard Flex container positions amidships with ESSM the IVER HUITFELDT-class becomes highly capable Area Air Defenders. The armament further includes two 76 mm OTO Melara guns forward, one 35 mm CIWS (Millennium) gun aft and HARPOON Block II SSM amidship.
The IVER HUITFELDT-class is the parent design for the comming RN Type 31 frigates.
The IVER HUITFELDT-class have conducted several Carrier Battle Group deployments.

The six Patrol Vessels of the DIANA-class are a FRP sandwich construction with one Standard Flex container position. It is designed for coastal surveillance and a broad variety of traditional coast guard tasks. These vessels are fitted with a new generation of SCR technology for NOx reduction.

Denmark operates 9 MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters.

MCM Denmark is an innovative MCM concept based on ISO Standard containers (TEU) and remotely operated drones up to 125 tons. MCM Denmark have been deployed with several host platforms, including THETIS-class Ocean Patrol Vessels and commercial Supply Vessels. The concept has been deployed sucessfully several times as an inherent part of NATO MCMGROUP ONE.