Products and solutions Mar 20, 2007 1:00 PM
Fourth MEKO® A-200 SAN Frigate for the South African Navy Commissioned
In a ceremony on March 20, 2007, the fourth MEKO® A-200 SAN frigate for the South African Navy, SAS MENDI was commissioned. In his address, Dr Christian Eckel, Chief Executive Officer of the Surface Vessel Division at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG, spoke of the commissioning as an important contribution by South Africa to a more stable and peaceful world.
The SAS MENDI is the last in an order for four frigates to be built for the South African Navy by the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' shipyards Blohm + Voss in Hamburg and Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel. The SAS AMATOLA was the first of the so-called “Valour Class” (Heldenmut class) delivered to South Africa in September 2003, where she was fitted out with weapons and associated electronic systems. In December 2003, she was followed by SAS ISANDLWANA, in March 2004 by SAS SPIOENKOP and in June 2004 by SAS MENDI.
In addition to stealth features, MEKO® type A-200 frigates are the first naval ships in the world to combine propellers with a waterjet propulsion system. The ships have a considerably reduced infrared signature and exhaust gases are expelled just above the waterline after a special cooling procedure. Application of this technology enabled the elimination of the funnel.
The frigates are specially adapted to the particular demands of the South African Navy and are able to perform in a variety of operations within defence, environmental protection and the safeguarding of fishing and economic zones. They are also equipped to serve in international alliances as part of peace-keeping measures and disaster relief.
Besides the four Type MEKO® A-200 frigates, the South African Navy’s extensive modernisation programme encompasses three class 209/1400 mod submarines, which are being or have been built at Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel and Nordseewerke in Emden. The second of the submarines, the “Charlotte Maxeke” was commissioned on March 14, 2007 in Emden.
Main Characteristics
Overall length: 121.00 m
Overall width: 16.34 m
Displacement: approx. 3,500 t
Complement: 100 + 30
Max. speed: >29 kn
Range: > 8,000 nm
Propulsion: CODAG-WARP (Combined Diesel and Gas turbine – Waterjet and Refined Propellers)