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SHIP PROFILE XXI
LEAD SHIP OF THE VALOUR CLASS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY (SAN)
In December 1999, representatives of the European South African Corvette Consortium (ESACC) in Pretoria signed a contract with South Africa's procurement authority ARMSCOR for the construction of four corvettes for the South African Navy (SAN). Members of ESACC are the German Frigate Consortium (GFC) consisting of Blohm + Voss, HDW, Thyssen Rheinstahl Technik, TNA, a joint venture of Thales Naval France and the African Defence System (ADS). In order to commemorate the victims from all sides in South Africa's fight for freedom and independence the four corvettes were classified by the SAN as the VALOUR class and given the names of famous battles of the South African history: SAS "Amatola", SAS "Island Iwana", SAS "Spioenkop" and SAS "Mendi". Two of the four ships were built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg and two by HDW in Kiel. Subsequently TNA in South Africa equipped all the four ships with weapon and sensor systems. This included a comprehensive logistics package with a full stock of spare parts, complete documentation and a comprehensive training programme for the crews plus advanced simulator systems. South Africa participated in the building process with subcontracts awarded to national suppliers, transfer of production technology and after sales service including export promotion and technology transfer. The four VALOUR class units are designed-in addition to various military missions-to conduct protection and surveillance operations in the sea area around the Cape of Good Hope.
THE CONCEPT
Since 1977 Blohm + Voss has improved its modularised MEKO* ("multipurpose combination") concept in many respects. Modularisation consists of standardised containers for weapons and sensors that are connected via standardised interfaces to the ship's supply system (energy, air-conditioning / ventilation and communications). SAS "Amatola" as the first ship of a new type of MEKO* ships offers additional advantages, such as:
* reduction of all signatures (STEALTH technology)
* increased payload (i.e. armament and sensors)
* integration of an innovative propulsion concept
* smaller crews and
* higher accommodation standards
The propulsion plant is located in the stern of the ship to avoid the arrangement of funnels on the decks of the superstructure and to provide free space in order to accommodate equipment...