North Sea Boats Ltd Launches Unique Warship In Indonesia

North Sea Boats Ltd has launched an innovative warship into the straits between East Java and Bali, at Banyuwangi, in the Republic of Indonesia. The KRI Klewang, 63m in length, is a single, unique platform; a wave-piercer trimaran hull form, constructed exclusively of infused vinylester carbon fibre cored sandwich materials for all structural elements, with external “stealth” geometry and features intended to reduce detection. The result of a 24 month research, design and development collaboration with New Zealand naval architects, LOMOcean Design Ltd, the ship represents a significant step forward in the use of advanced warship building technologies in countries outside of Europe and the United States. The underwater sections have been optimized for extended range at fast patrol speeds; the length, transverse and longitudinal positions and immersion of each of the three hulls have been carefully tailored for least resistance using both slender body analysis and towing tank testing. Powering and propulsion is courtesty of multiple MAN V12 diesel engines, coupled to MJP 550 water jets, located in both the centre hull and each of the two side hulls for maximum propulsive thrust and manoeuverability. The structural design was subject to third party approval by Germanischer Lloyd in Hamburg, using design and approval methodologies tailored specifically for the unusual geometry of a large, wave-piercing trimaran. The warship is expected to be fully operational 2013 after extensive sea trials and tests are concluded.