Royal Malaysian Navy future Gowind SGPV-LCS program update with Boustead Heavy Industries

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DSA 2014 Naval News - RMN Gowind SGPV-LCS update with BHIC
 
 
 
Royal Malaysian Navy future Gowind SGPV-LCS program update with Boustead Heavy Industries
 
During DSA 2014, the 14th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference currently held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Anuar bin Murad, Director of Defense & Security at Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) gave us the latest update on the Gowind Second Generation Patrol Vessel - Littoral Combat Ship (SGPV - LCS) program for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
     
During DSA 2014 Anuar bin Murad, Director of Defence and Security at BIHC and Gowind program manager, gives us the latest update on the SGPV (Second Generation Patrol Vessel) - LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) program for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The vessel is based on DCNS' Gowind combat corvette design.
     
Talking to Navy Recognition Mr. Anuar Murad explained that the latest design tweaks are currently focused around the top part of the ship, around the mast area. Kelvin Hughes of UK was recently selected to deliver the navigation radar for the class. Altough the decoy launcher provider has been nominated, its identity can not be announced yet.

Mr. Anuar Murad confirmed the basic specifications of the vessel have not changed compared to what was announced at LIMA 2013 last year (more details here) with a length of 111 meters and a displacement of 3,100 tons. First ship of the class is set to be floated out and lowered in the water via a platform in December of 2018.

BHIC shipyard located in Lumut is currently being refurbished with the advising of DCNS. The work includes new ship lifts, 2 new block assembly halls, 3 new halls for panel assembly and 3 keel lines so that around 2020 the shipyard will be able to assemble 3 Gowind SGPV-LCS hulls at the same time.

In adition a shore integration facility is being built in Cyberjaya (south of capital city Kuala Lumpur). The combat system will be assembled there and some of the training will also be provided at this location.

The Royal Malaysian Navy Gowind vessels will have a total capacity of 138 sailors including:
60 Junior sailors (in dormitories of 9)
20 Petty Officers (4 per cabin)
6 warrant Officers, 1 executive officer, 5 heads of departments and the captain of the ship.