naval-forces-focus-french-technology

» Corvettes & OPVsMer et Marine26INTERNATIONAL SHOWS » 2014-2015OPV 270© OCEAAfter considerable success buildingand exporting patrol boats up to20–30m and oceanographic vesselsup to 40–60m, French shipbuilderOcea has now entered the OPV marketwith a range of vessels between 46mand 84m in length. The OPV 270, thelargest of the range, offers 45 days'endurance and is sized for extendedoffshore missions. Features includespacious living and work areas andexcellent seakeeping thanks to a pairof fin stabilisers. The design team haspaid special attention to crew comfort.This versatile OPV is optimised for alltypes of maritime security missionsas well as SAR and humanitarianoperations. Ample space is providedfor medical facilities along withaccommodation for 35 people inaddition to the crew. While the aftdeck has space for a crane pluscargo containers or mission modules,the flight deck can accommodate a10t helicopter and the hangar a 5thelo and UAVs. Two large RHIBs arealso available for special operations.Other features include a panoramic(360°) bridge and comprehensive surveillanceand communications suites.The ops room, which is separated fromthe bridge, can accommodate half adozen multifunctional consoles alongwith large screens displaying the ship'stactical situation while a command& control (C2) system manages thesensors and weapon systems.Like all Ocea designs, the OPV 270features an aluminium hull for lowmaintenance and significantly reducedfuel consumption thanks to weightsavings compared with all-steeldesigns. To overcome any potentialrisk of metal fatigue, Ocea uses heavygaugealuminium panels and its hullscarry a ten-year warranty. «» DIMENSIONS (m): 83.6 X 15.4» SPEED: 20 to 25 kts» RANGE: 8,000 NM at 15 kts» ACCOMMODATION: 50 (+ 20)» WEAPONS: Machine guns© OCEA