Posted on 12/24/2017 8:18:25 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
ARGE F125/Lerssen-Defence
Just weeks ago we told the story of Germany's puzzling Baden-Wurttemberg class Type 125 (F125) frigate program. Not only did we discuss the ship's odd mission and design features, but we also highlighted some of the troubling post-delivery issues with the lead ship in the class. These problems include a persistent list to starboard and the fact that the ship is dramatically overweight, which would limit its performance, increase its cost of operation, and most importantly, negatively impact the Deutsche Marine's ability to add future upgrades to the somewhat sparsely outfitted vessel.
Now the German Navy has officially declined to commission the vessel and will be returning it to Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamberg. The decision to do so was based on a number of "software and hardware defects" according to German media reports. The noted software deficiencies are of particular importance because these destroyer-sized vessels will supposedly be operated by a crew of just 120-130 sailors—just half that of the much smaller Bremen class frigates they replace—continuously for months at a time. On top of that, the design's reliability is paramount as the four ships in the class are supposed to deploy far from German shores for up to two years at a time.
According to Navaltoday.com, this is the first time the German Navy has returned a ship to a shipbuilder after delivery. Baden-Wurttenberg had already missed its planned commissioning date last summer.
Complicating things further is the fact that the fourth and final F125 frigate, the Rheinland-Pfalz, was already christened last Spring. Because of the concurrent construction and testing procurement strategy, these vessels are likely to suffer from at least some of the same issues as the lead ship in the class.
Aside from this troubling situation, Germany is going through some major tribulations with its naval arm, including the embarrassing reality that the country currently has no operational submarines.
We'll keep you updated as the F125 frigate saga continues to unfold.
How could it possibly be that a ship gets finished and they find that it weighs more than they thought?
I build a lot of stuff in my career and we could just pull a total weight right off the CAD system. There was no such thing as a surprise.
Persistant list to starboard...
This calls for an investigation of the Kriegsmarine. Is this un-PC right leaning persitant? Intolerable given the portside leaning of Mutti’s regime.
Probably “designed” by a bunch of 3rd world muslims they’ve imported.
Real German engineers are usually pretty damn sharp.
Adolf would have had a fit.
These problems include a persistent list to starboard and the fact that the ship is dramatically overweight, <<
Captain!!...More lead to port side!...Put the sailors on a strict diet to compensate.....That is All...
For a ship that heavy that is a nice turn radius.
Rename her “The Eileen”
Or sell it to Japan as “The Irene”. :=)
How about the Merkel?
What is the overall mission of the German military?
Muzzie outreach?
No U-boats? Embarrassing? Hell, that's depressing! It's like France without wine.
For the love of all that is sane, please...no one post a "Hitler Finds Out About The Bloated F125 frigate." video.
Especially with a starboard list. It’s lucky it didn’t capsize.
“the embarrassing reality that the country currently has no operational submarines.“
Wow. Unbelievable no u-boats, none.
CAD. That wonder as-designed, as-intended, as-built difference.
Too much mit der beer und der schnitzels machen...
This is the sort of thing expected from 3rd world nations.
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