Captain Carlos Túpac-Yupanqui, Commanding Officer, BAP Bolognesi, Peruvian Navy
2015-05-02
Toremans, Guy
The Peruvian Navy's third-in-class Aguirre (Lupo) guided-missile frigate BAP Bolognesi is currently completing a mid-life upgrade (MLU) that began in 2012. The former Italian Navy ship, transferred to Peru in 2006, will then conduct trials prior to a return to operational service in 2015.
Captain Carlos Túpac-Yupanqui, the frigate's commanding officer, told IHS Jane's that "the frigate has been configured with state-of-the-art weapon and sensor systems, which will boost the capability of the Mariña de Guerra del Perú's [MGP's] surface fleet". Work on the frigate saw the replacement of the RAN-10S (SPS-774) radar system with a Selex Galileo Kronos-NV 3-D multipurpose radar, and the addition of a Northrop Grumman Vision Master navigation radar.
The existing MAGE Lambda-F electronic warfare and Selenia IPN-20 command-and-control (C2) systems were also replaced with a QHAWAX ESM suite and the indigenous VARAYOC combat management system (CMS) fitted respectively.
"The VARAYOC CMS integrates all sensors and weapons, and provides threat evaluation and weapons allocation with a lot of back-up solutions .... [Its] design also ensures the easy installation of future upgrades," Capt Túpac-Yupanqui explained. He said the ship's newly modified operations room features a large-screen tactical display as well as nine multi-function dual-screen consoles, each equipped with independent processors to allow any functional task to be performed, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare; electronic warfare; and datalinks/communications.
In terms of weapon systems, equipments for the Exocet MM 40 Block 3 missile capability were installed in March 2015. Capt Túpac-Yupanqui said the Block 3 "offers greater flexibility in terms of attack profiles and introduces an expanded capability to strike at coastal targets."
Other capability improvements provided by the Block 3 include GPS-based navigation, a guidance package, and Microturbo TR-40/263 turbojet propulsion that will increase the missile's range to 180 km or more.
The vessel also received a Rheinmetall Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) fit to replace its SCLAR 105 mm 20-barrelled trainable launchers. "This automatic decoy system, with built-in sensors for detecting radar and laser threats, provides us with a unique level of protection against modern sensor-guided missiles. Programmable and omni-spectral, the MASS's innovative ammunition provides protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electro-magnetic spectrum," the Capt said.
In addition, the frigate features a Helivas helicopter visual approach system, which enables day/night operations.
The MLU work has also increased the level of automation on board the vessel. Capt Túpac-Yupanqui said that, once testing and follow-on exercises are complete, the navy will evaluate the possibility of downsizing the 197-strong crew. A leaner crew, he said, would give the ship capacity to embark task force staffs.
Since November 2013, Bolognesi 's crew has been carrying out rigorous training to develop and enhance knowledge of the new systems, testing protocols both in port and at sea. "All the new systems and sensors, as well as the new stabilisers, engine couplings, helm system, turbines, diesel engines, and the diesel-electric generators, have been successfully tested", said the Capt. He added that the interfaces between the new systems and sensors and the ship's C2, including the VARAYOC CMS, also had been tested.
"During the first half of 2014, we tested the Kronos 3-D radar at sea," he continued, noting that in this instance the tests saw interaction with surface and air naval units as well as combat aircraft from Peru's air force.
The Capt said that the results of the whole testing programme were very satisfactory. "The radar proved to be very reliable and allows us to automate our actions and way of working. The detection ranges of air and surface contacts are far beyond its design capabilities." He said also that the tests had showed how the VARAYOC CMS augmented the ship's decision-making processes with efficient and effective interfacing with weapons and systems - an improvement demonstrated in the testing of an Exocet Block 3, with the missile scoring a direct hit after following the programmed mission profile.
Having tested all of its new systems, Bolognesi 's final assessment prior to a return to operations will take place within a tri-service national exercise. The Capt said: "Upon successful completion of this evaluation period, we expect to be certified Full Operational Capable by mid-2015."
Once back in service Bolognesi 's immediate programme is already full, with planned participation in the 'UNITAS', 'PANAMAX', and 'SIFOREX' international exercises prior to joining the US Navy-led 2016 'Rim of the Pacific' ('RIMPAC') exercise off Hawaii.
Capt Túpac-Yupanqui acknowledged that returning to service as the first modernised frigate brings challenges. "We are the trials platform and as such my crew members are the first to have acquired the knowledge on all the new systems. As a consequence, we also act as 'instructors' to the other frigates' crews."
First-in-class BAP Aguirre is currently undergoing modernisation and is due to rejoin the fleet at the end of 2015. The other two ships-in-class, BAP Palacios and BAP Quiñones , will receive a partial MLU, including installation of the VARAYOC, QHAWAX, and Kronos-NV systems, and modernisation of the 127 mm gun. The start date for this work is to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, two of the MGP's three Carvajal (modified Lupo)-class guided-missile frigates, BAP Montero and BAP Mariategui , also will receive a full MLU, with work scheduled to commence in October 2015.
"The mid-life upgrade extends our frigates' service life well into the 2020s, and makes our 113.2 m long units one of the world's smallest multi-purpose frigates," Capt Túpac-Yupanqui concluded.
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