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A rendering showing the design of the Hisar-class OPV (ASFAT image)
The Turkish Navy’s first-ever offshore patrol vessel (OPV), the Hisar-class project’s lead ship was spotted at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The future TCG Akhisar (P-1220) is ready for launch.
The Hisar-class OPV is being built using the “fitted for but not with” concept, which allows for the integration of newly developed indigenous weapon and sensor systems. The OPV, which can accommodate a total of 104 people, will have a range of 4500 nautical miles with its CODELOD (COmbined Diesel-eLectric Or Diesel) main propulsion system.
Specifications:
- Overall length: 99,56 meters
- Beam: 14,42 meters
- Draft: 3,77 meters
- Maximum speed: 24 knots
- Displacement: 2300 tons
Türkiye has begun to be a significant arms exporter including the export of warships. These are likely to be well received when offered for export.
Depending on how it is equipped, these could also fill the role of a corvette or light frigate.
Developed as a variant of the MİLGEM-class corvettes, the Hisar class OPV has been redesigned with a different main propulsion system and a different structural and general layout concept, allowing it to be built in a shorter time and at a lower cost.
I have come to see ships of about 2500 tons, 100 meter (328′) in length, and 25 knots as something of an ideal modern OPV. This is very close to that. Personnel accommodations allow a reasonable crew size and range is adequate. Its CODELOD (COmbined Diesel-eLectric Or Diesel) main propulsion system sounds like current best practices. It has a helicopter deck and hangar. What is not clear, is how good the accommodations for boat launch and recovery are–critical because boats are a primary tool for OPV missions, and if it can also accommodate a UAS system in addition to the helicopter. This is rapidly becoming a highly desirable capability.
