As the first of two Swedish Navy's corvettes due to be modified has now been launched, the mid-life upgrade program enters the next phase, with completion of installations and integration of different systems.
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HMS Gävle corvette. (Picture source: Swedish Defense Materiel Agency)
For the record, six Göteborg-class corvettes were originally planned, but Sweden only built four, and only two remain in service today; the first is halfway through its mid-life update, and the second will follow. The latter is in the construction hall for the production of corresponding modification measures.
According to Johan Edelsvärd, project manager for the mid-life upgrade of HMS Gävle, work can begin to start commissioning platform systems, which is a prerequisite for being able to start up many of the other subsystems on board. Initially, the focus will mainly be on the ship systems, and will then follow the ship's various sensor, weapon and command systems,” he added.
When the installations are completed, verifications begin -- i.e., ensuring that the systems work as they should to FMV's requirements, and in the long run the requirements of the Armed Forces, are met. Initial verifications take place at the pier, and then tests take place at sea.
HMS Gävle corvette. (Picture source: Swedish Defense Materiel Agency)
About the HMS Gävle corvette:
In terms of specifications, HMS Gävle has a full load displacement of 425 tons and a total length of 57 m (187 ft 0 in), a beam of 8 m (26 ft 3 in) and a draft of 2 m (6 ft 7 in). With a cruising speed of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph), the HMS Gävle offers a range of 3,704 km (2,000 nmi; 2,302 mi).
The HMS Gävle main armaments comprise of 1 × Bofors 57 mm Mk2 gun, 1 × Bofors 40 mm/L70 gun, 8 × RBS15 MkII anti-ship missile, 4 × 400 mm tubes for Type 43/45 torpedoes, 4 × ELMA anti-submarine mortars and mines & depth charges.
