Hyundai Heavy Launches next-generation frigate

Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipbuilder, held a launch ceremony for the next generation frigate, the INCHEON.

The launch ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kim Sung-Chan, Hyundai Heavy's president & CEO Mr. Lee Jai-seong and other government and military officials. The frigate was named after the city Incheon.

The Incheon frigate has greatly improved capabilities with its weapon and sensors including five inch guns, anti-surface missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes and anti-submarine helicopter. The frigate also has sonar for enhanced submarine detection and 3D navigation radar.

In addition, the military vessel uses stealth technology to minimize the exposure to electromagnetic waves, infrared signature, and underwater radiation noise. The Incheon frigate, measuring 114 m long, 14 m wide, and 25 m deep, can sail at a maximum speed of 30 knots with a cruising range of about 8,000 km.

The frigate, ordered in December 2008 and due for delivery to the Korean Navy in December 2012, is the first of the next-generation vessels being built to replace the existing frigates and corvettes.

Since constructing and delivering the first Korean-built frigate, ROKS Ulsan, in 1980, Hyundai Heavy has grown as a leading naval ship builder by delivering 57 naval ships including the first and the third Korean Aegis destroyers, 3 KDX-2 destroyers, 5 frigates, 3 submarines, and 24 patrol and salvage ships. <Korea Shipping Gazette>