Almost 140 m long and almost 20 m high. To look at it, you gotta climb after a few-storey structure on the side of the hall. The hull of the future ORP frigate “Wicher” is very impressive. And the ship itself grows in its eyes. During our visit to the Gdynia Shipyard PGZ, we had the chance to take a closer look at it.
– This task has changed the face of the shipyard – says Jan Grabowski, Vice president Polish Armed Forces Group. erstwhile our group took over 7 years ago, it was a liquidation bankruptcy facility. Today, he simultaneously builds 3 modern ships – he adds. In order to meet this challenge, the company in Gdynia had to carry out extended investments. The most crucial thing was to set up a immense hull hall – 1 of the largest specified structures in Europe. This is where the hull of the future frigate stands now ORP ‘Wicher’.
We're going to see it. The 139 and 20 m long structure is impressive. In order to look at her, we must climb onto the highest scaffolding platform around the hall. At the bottom – both around the unit and on board – shipbuilders in helmets and reflective vests are rolling. – At the end of last year Crist stayed consecutive to the hall from Gdynia Shipyard Transported hull forward blockwhich is now incinerated with the main and stern blocks. This process should be completed within 4 to 5 weeks – said Grabowski. But that is not the end. In the built ship, the shipbuilders have already installed the streamer, and now they are preparing openings for the drive shafts. – Work follows the schedule. This year the launch was planned, and in 2029 the ship should be handed over to the Navy. Then, at yearly intervals, 2 more frigates will enter the service – announced PGZ vice president.
The sailors are counting down the time they have left from this moment. – Construction of multitasking frigates within the framework the “Meaner” programme This is 1 of the most crucial investments for us, if not the most crucial investment – admits Captain Mar. Damian Arrival from the press office of the 3rd Fleet Ships. As he adds, these units will be equipped with systems that will let to spread over the Baltic waters a circumstantial anti-aircraft umbrella. In addition, they will be able to effectively harm various types of submarines and submarines. “We began preparing for the adoption of the Swordsmen erstwhile we signed the contract. We complete crews that will participate in the construction process and further training. We're preparing the appropriate documents. This is simply a long and complex process – explains Captain Mar. A visitor.
The agreement for the construction of 3 modern frigates was concluded in July 2021. The commission is implemented by a consortium composed of the Polish Armed Forces Group and Gdynia shipyard, with the support of the British. The construction itself is based on the Arrowhead 140 plan British company Babcock International, sorry to Polish requirements. Swords will have a displacement of 7,000 tons and will make a velocity of 26 knots. They will be given comprehensive weapons. This list includes a 76-millimeter OTO Melara cannon, 2 35-millimeter OSU-35K anti-aircraft kits and 2 large caliber WKM-Bm device guns. Naval Strike rocket missiles will be utilized by the crew to combat the submarine targets, while Sea Ceptor CAMM missiles will be utilized to destruct aircraft and enemy missiles. The ship will besides be equipped with torpedo launchers, modern radars, sonars, and an recognition strategy of its own-strangers. The notification of sensors will facilitate the modern Thales Tacticos combat management system, and the strength of the Swords will further strengthen the helicopters based on their decks.
New units will join the 3rd Fleet Ship. They will replace 2 frigates Oliver Hazard Perry, utilized by Poland for over 20 years.
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