At NAVDEX 2015 Navantia unveiled its F-538 Frigate Design for the Peruvian Navy
 
At IDEX 2015, Navy Recognition learned that Nexter Systems and DCNS teams are currently working together in order to interface the Narwhal 20B with the DCNS made FREMM Frigates. Following this work the Narwhal guns will be able to exchange data with the Combat Management System (CMS). More specifically, it will be connected to the fire control system and surveillance radar (Thales Herakles) of the frigates which will allow greater flexibility and shorter reaction time when dealing with threats.
At NAVDEX 2015 naval defense exhibition which was taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last week, Navantia unveiled the F-538 frigate design it is proposing for the Peruvian Navy. Navantia representatives at NAVDEX 2015 told Navy Recognition that this new Frigate design is based on the proven AVANTE 3000/2400 design. This new design incorporates lessons learned in building the Spanish F-100, Norwegian F-310 and Australian AWS destroyers.
 
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NAVDEX 2015 - Navantia
 
 
 
At NAVDEX 2015 Navantia unveiled its F-538 Frigate Design for the Peruvian Navy
 
At NAVDEX 2015 naval defense exhibition which was taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last week, Navantia unveiled the F-538 frigate design it is proposing for the Peruvian Navy. Navantia representatives at NAVDEX 2015 told Navy Recognition that this new Frigate design is based on the proven AVANTE 3000/2400 design. This new design incorporates lessons learned in building the Spanish F-100, Norwegian F-310 and Australian AWS destroyers.
     
At IDEX 2015, Navy Recognition learned that Nexter Systems and DCNS teams are currently working together in order to interface the Narwhal 20B with the DCNS made FREMM Frigates. Following this work the Narwhal guns will be able to exchange data with the Combat Management System (CMS). More specifically, it will be connected to the fire control system and surveillance radar (Thales Herakles) of the frigates which will allow greater flexibility and shorter reaction time when dealing with threats.The new F-538 Frigate design unveiled by Navantia at NAVDEX 2015
     
The F-538 incorporates the Spanish Navy Combat Management System (CMS) foundand proven on board Spanish Navy LHD, replennishment vessel and Meteoro class OPVs. The new Frigate is fitted with the COMPLEX Integrated Platform Management System developed entirely by Navantia.

With a moderate displacement of about 3,800 tons, the F-538 is Navantia's answer to navies looking for mid-size frigates to conduct a wide range of missions.
     
At IDEX 2015, Navy Recognition learned that Nexter Systems and DCNS teams are currently working together in order to interface the Narwhal 20B with the DCNS made FREMM Frigates. Following this work the Narwhal guns will be able to exchange data with the Combat Management System (CMS). More specifically, it will be connected to the fire control system and surveillance radar (Thales Herakles) of the frigates which will allow greater flexibility and shorter reaction time when dealing with threats.Maximum close-in and anti-missile protection on the rear aspect of the frigate: The F-538 is quite uniquely fitted with 2x Millenium guns and 1x RAM launcher
     
The scale model on display at NAVDEX 2015 showed the F-538 fitted according to the Peruvian Navy requirements. The informed observer will immediatly notice a quite unique weapons fit on top of the helicopter hangar: No less than three Close In Weapon System (CIWS) are present:
- 2x Rheinmetall Millenium 35mm gun systems
- 1x Raytheon RAM launcher (21x RAM block A1 missiles) between the two guns

Navantia representative explained that this quite unique configuration were part of the Peruvian Navy requirements. Final specifications and weapons fit may evolve however. Quite unusual also is the fact that two triple torpedo launchers are fitted on top of the main structure instead of being housed inside the structure.

The F-538 model at NAVDEX also featured:
- A 76mm main gun by Oto Melara
- 16x Mk 41 VLS for Raytheon ESSM surface to air missiles located forward, behind the main gun
- 2x Hitrole 12.7 mm remote weapon system by Oto Melara fitted on top of the bridge
- 8x MBDA Exocet Blk III anti-ship missiles
- 2x RF/IR/acoustic decoy launchers
- A Smart-S Mk2 radar by Thales
- A Thales Sting 2.0 fire control radar
- A Thales Kingklip hull sonar

The helicopter deck and hangar can accomodate SH-3D or NH-90 helicopters. The F-538 was designed with great attention focused on low radiated noise, reduced radar cross section, low infra red signature, low magnetic signature and low electric signature. The propulsion system is CODAD type (Combined diesel and diesel). The requirement of the Peruvian Navy is for 5 frigates.

F-538 main characteristics:
Length overall: 113.2m
Maximum beam: 15.6m
Draught: 4.7m
Full load displacement: 3800 t
Max. Speed: 30 kn
Range: 4000 nm
     
At IDEX 2015, Navy Recognition learned that Nexter Systems and DCNS teams are currently working together in order to interface the Narwhal 20B with the DCNS made FREMM Frigates. Following this work the Narwhal guns will be able to exchange data with the Combat Management System (CMS). More specifically, it will be connected to the fire control system and surveillance radar (Thales Herakles) of the frigates which will allow greater flexibility and shorter reaction time when dealing with threats.The F-538 Frigate design showcased by Navantia at NAVDEX 2015 show the Peruvian Navy configuration