StanFlex (also known as STANFLEX or Standard Flex) is a modular mission payload system used by the Royal Danish Navy. Originally conceived during the 1980s as a way of replacing several classes of minor war vessel with a single class of multi-role ships (the Flyvefisken class), the StanFlex system consists of weapons and equipment mounted in standardised containers, which can be loaded into slots on the ships. These containers can be swapped out in a short period of time, allowing the ship to switch between roles when needed. The success of the modular payload system led the Royal Danish Navy to design all new warships with StanFlex slots, and to install slots on older vessels during major refits. By 2012, nine ship classes capable of carrying StanFlex payloads were in service.
During the early 1980s, the Royal Danish Navy (RDN) required replacements for three classes of minor war vessel, but could not afford to replace all 22 ships on a one-for-one basis.[1] Instead of building dedicated replacements for each role, the RDN came up with the idea for a single vessel design which could be modified to assume a particular role when needed.[1] Equipment common to all roles would be built into the ship, while mission specific payloads would be built into modules, which could be fitted into standardised slots aboard the ship when needed.[1] This modular payload system came to be known as "Standard Flex", or "StanFlex" for short.[1]
Feasibility studies during 1983 and 1984 led to the design of the Standard Flex 300 vessel (later named the Flyvefisken class); 16 of which could replace the 22 previous vessels.[1] These were 54-metre (177 ft 2 in) long, 320-ton patrol vessels, fitted with one Standard Flex slot forward and three aft.[1] The modules themselves were designed by the Naval Materiel Command and Promecon A/S.[2] Construction commenced in July 1985, with 14 vessels (2 having been cancelled in 1993) commissioned by mid-1996.[1] As other warship types were replaced, the new vessels were designed to carry StanFlex modules.[1]
Module design and useedit
Stanflex modules are constructed by Monberg & Thorsen.[3] Each module is housed in a stainless steel container measuring 3 metres (9.8 ft) in length, 3.5 metres (11 ft) in width, and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) in height.[3] Precision-machined flanges ensure that the module accurately mates up with connections for power, ventilation, communications, water, and data.[3] The weapon or system is mounted on the roof of the module, while the machinery, electronics, and supporting equipment are housed within.[3]
Modules are usually installed and replaced by a 15-ton capacity mobile crane.[3] A module can be swapped out and replaced within half an hour, and after system testing completed, the ship is ready to deploy within a few hours.[3] However, refresher training for the ship's crew will take significantly longer.[3] Standardised consoles are fitted in the combat information centre: the console's role is defined by the software installed, which can be quickly replaced.[3][4] The ease of installation and use is compared by naval personnel to another Danish product: Lego.[3]
Benefits and drawbacksedit
Unused modules can be stored in controlled conditions, reducing the need for preventative maintenance.[1]
Ships do not need to be taken out of service when equipment requires maintenance, and vice versa.[1]
New weapons and systems can be installed on the vessels by fitting them to a module, instead of refitting the entire ship.[1]
When a ship or class is removed from service, the modules can be reused by other vessels.[2] Similarly, as they do not have to be built into the ship, modular weapons and systems do not have to be factored into the purchase cost of a new vessel: in 2006, a proposed 6,000-ton frigate design for the KDM was predicted to cost DKK 1.6 billion per ship (USD 254 million), while similar projects in other European nations were slated to cost between DKK 2.6 billion and DKK 6.3 billion (USD 413 million to 1 billion).[2]
The multi-role ships are slightly less efficient than a dedicated ship in a particular role, but the ability to be quickly reequipped for other roles more than makes up for this.[3]
Inventoryedit
As of 2001, the KDM inventory of StanFlex modules included:[3]
1 slot aft.[5]Diana-class ships normally operate with a storage or anti-pollution module fitted.[5] Because of the position of the RHIB dock, they cannot embark the variable depth sonar module (which is normally deployed over the stern).[5] The Diana class can be used to transport, but not operate, all other modules.[5]
2 slots aft.[2][6] Unlike other classes, the Niels Juel-class corvettes were modified for StanFlex during their mid-life modernisation.[2] This class was scrapped in 2013.[7]
^ abcdefghijklScott, Versatility the key to Denmark's evolving navy
^ abcdefghiLok, Joris Janssen (2006-06-01). "New Danish combat support ships offer greater flexibility for NATO operations". Jane's International Defense Review. 39 (6). ISSN 0020-6512.
^ abcdefghijklmScott, Richard (2001-11-01). "Flexing a snap-to-fit fleet". Jane's Defence Weekly.
^Naval Studies Board, Technology for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, 2000-2035, p. 30
^Werthein (ed.). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, p. 154
^"Environmentally Shipbreaking in Denmark". Archived from the original on 2013-04-11.
^Werthein (ed.). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, p. 153
^. Royal Danish Navy. 2007-11-19. Archived from the original on 2009-04-01.
^"An Overview of Current, On-Going Danish Naval projects 2005-2009 Knud Rasmussen class Ice-Resistant OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel)". Canadian American Strategic Review. May 2008. from the original on 2009-09-19. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
Referencesedit
Booksedit
Naval Studies Board (1997). Technology for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, 2000-2035: Becoming a 21st-Century Force. Compass Series. Vol. 6: Platforms. Washington D.C.: National Academies.
Wertheim, Eric, ed. (2007). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems (15th ed.). Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN978-1-59114-955-2. OCLC 140283156.
Journal articlesedit
Fish, Tim (21 December 2009). "Denmark commissions environmentally friendly Diana-class craft". Jane's Navy International. Jane's Information Group.
Lok, Joris Janssen (24 April 2006). "New Danish combat support ships offer greater flexibility for NATO operations". International Defence Review. Jane's Information Group.
Scott, Richard (1 October 1999). "Versatility the key to Denmark's evolving navy". Jane's Navy International. 104 (8). Jane's Information Group.
Scott, Richard (31 October 2001). "Flexing a snap-to-fit fleet". Jane's Defence Weekly. Jane's Information Group.
January 01, 1970
stanflex, also, known, stanflex, standard, flex, modular, mission, payload, system, used, royal, danish, navy, originally, conceived, during, 1980s, replacing, several, classes, minor, vessel, with, single, class, multi, role, ships, flyvefisken, class, system. StanFlex also known as STANFLEX or Standard Flex is a modular mission payload system used by the Royal Danish Navy Originally conceived during the 1980s as a way of replacing several classes of minor war vessel with a single class of multi role ships the Flyvefisken class the StanFlex system consists of weapons and equipment mounted in standardised containers which can be loaded into slots on the ships These containers can be swapped out in a short period of time allowing the ship to switch between roles when needed The success of the modular payload system led the Royal Danish Navy to design all new warships with StanFlex slots and to install slots on older vessels during major refits By 2012 nine ship classes capable of carrying StanFlex payloads were in service A mine countermeasures StanFlex module in storage at Naval Base Korsor Contents 1 Development 2 Module design and use 2 1 Benefits and drawbacks 2 2 Inventory 3 Ships with StanFlex 4 Citations 5 References 5 1 Books 5 2 Journal articlesDevelopment editDuring the early 1980s the Royal Danish Navy RDN required replacements for three classes of minor war vessel but could not afford to replace all 22 ships on a one for one basis 1 Instead of building dedicated replacements for each role the RDN came up with the idea for a single vessel design which could be modified to assume a particular role when needed 1 Equipment common to all roles would be built into the ship while mission specific payloads would be built into modules which could be fitted into standardised slots aboard the ship when needed 1 This modular payload system came to be known as Standard Flex or StanFlex for short 1 Feasibility studies during 1983 and 1984 led to the design of the Standard Flex 300 vessel later named the Flyvefisken class 16 of which could replace the 22 previous vessels 1 These were 54 metre 177 ft 2 in long 320 ton patrol vessels fitted with one Standard Flex slot forward and three aft 1 The modules themselves were designed by the Naval Materiel Command and Promecon A S 2 Construction commenced in July 1985 with 14 vessels 2 having been cancelled in 1993 commissioned by mid 1996 1 As other warship types were replaced the new vessels were designed to carry StanFlex modules 1 Module design and use editStanflex modules are constructed by Monberg amp Thorsen 3 Each module is housed in a stainless steel container measuring 3 metres 9 8 ft in length 3 5 metres 11 ft in width and 2 5 metres 8 2 ft in height 3 Precision machined flanges ensure that the module accurately mates up with connections for power ventilation communications water and data 3 The weapon or system is mounted on the roof of the module while the machinery electronics and supporting equipment are housed within 3 Modules are usually installed and replaced by a 15 ton capacity mobile crane 3 A module can be swapped out and replaced within half an hour and after system testing completed the ship is ready to deploy within a few hours 3 However refresher training for the ship s crew will take significantly longer 3 Standardised consoles are fitted in the combat information centre the console s role is defined by the software installed which can be quickly replaced 3 4 The ease of installation and use is compared by naval personnel to another Danish product Lego 3 Benefits and drawbacks edit Unused modules can be stored in controlled conditions reducing the need for preventative maintenance 1 Ships do not need to be taken out of service when equipment requires maintenance and vice versa 1 New weapons and systems can be installed on the vessels by fitting them to a module instead of refitting the entire ship 1 When a ship or class is removed from service the modules can be reused by other vessels 2 Similarly as they do not have to be built into the ship modular weapons and systems do not have to be factored into the purchase cost of a new vessel in 2006 a proposed 6 000 ton frigate design for the KDM was predicted to cost DKK 1 6 billion per ship USD 254 million while similar projects in other European nations were slated to cost between DKK 2 6 billion and DKK 6 3 billion USD 413 million to 1 billion 2 The multi role ships are slightly less efficient than a dedicated ship in a particular role but the ability to be quickly reequipped for other roles more than makes up for this 3 Inventory edit As of 2001 the KDM inventory of StanFlex modules included 3 Type Equipment Quantity SSM 2 Mk 141 quad launchers for Boeing RGM 84 Harpoon missiles 10 SAM 6 cell Mk 48 Mod 3 launcher for RIM 7 Sea Sparrow missiles 20 Gun 1 Otobreda 76 62 Super Rapid gun 19 ASW Launchers for MU90 Impact torpedoes 4 VDS Thales Underwater Systems TSM 2640 Salmon variable depth active passive sonar 4 MCM Command and control equipment to operate MSF and MRD class drone minehunters and Double Eagle ROVs 5 Crane 1 hydraulic crane for launch recovery of a RHIB or deployment of sea mines 22 Oceanography 2 Anti pollution 3 Survey 1 Storage 14 SIGINT ELINT 1 By 2006 there were 101 units of 11 types 2 Ships with StanFlex editThis section needs to be updated Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information September 2022 This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources nbsp The Thetis class frigate HDMS Thetis and the Flyvefisken class patrol vessel HDMS Skaden Both vessels use StanFlex modules As of 2012 update nine ship classes were capable of using StanFlex modules 2 Flyvefisken class patrol vessel 1 slot forward 3 slots aft 1 Diana class patrol vessel 1 slot aft 5 Diana class ships normally operate with a storage or anti pollution module fitted 5 Because of the position of the RHIB dock they cannot embark the variable depth sonar module which is normally deployed over the stern 5 The Diana class can be used to transport but not operate all other modules 5 Absalon class command ship 5 slots on weapons deck 2 Because of the weapons deck s position only missile firing SIGINT ELINT and storage modules can be used 2 Niels Juel class corvette 2 slots aft 2 6 Unlike other classes the Niels Juel class corvettes were modified for StanFlex during their mid life modernisation 2 This class was scrapped in 2013 7 MSF class drone minehunter 1 slot aft 3 MRD class drone minehunter 2 slots 3 Iver Huitfeldt class frigate 6 slots 8 Thetis class frigate 1 slot forward 2 slots aft Knud Rasmussen class patrol vessel 1 slot forward 1 slot aft 9 10 Citations edit a b c d e f g h i j k l Scott Versatility the key to Denmark s evolving navy a b c d e f g h i Lok Joris Janssen 2006 06 01 New Danish combat support ships offer greater flexibility for NATO operations Jane s International Defense Review 39 6 ISSN 0020 6512 a b c d e f g h i j k l m Scott Richard 2001 11 01 Flexing a snap to fit fleet Jane s Defence Weekly Naval Studies Board Technology for the United States Navy and Marine Corps 2000 2035 p 30 a b c d Fish Denmark commissions environmentally friendly Diana class craft Werthein ed The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World p 154 Environmentally Shipbreaking in Denmark Archived from the original on 2013 04 11 Werthein ed The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World p 153 Knud Rasmussen Class 2008 Royal Danish Navy 2007 11 19 Archived from the original on 2009 04 01 An Overview of Current On Going Danish Naval projects 2005 2009 Knud Rasmussen class Ice Resistant OPV Offshore Patrol Vessel Canadian American Strategic Review May 2008 Archived from the original on 2009 09 19 Retrieved 2009 08 02 References editBooks edit Naval Studies Board 1997 Technology for the United States Navy and Marine Corps 2000 2035 Becoming a 21st Century Force Compass Series Vol 6 Platforms Washington D C National Academies Wertheim Eric ed 2007 The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World Their Ships Aircraft and Systems 15th ed Annapolis MD Naval Institute Press ISBN 978 1 59114 955 2 OCLC 140283156 Journal articles edit Fish Tim 21 December 2009 Denmark commissions environmentally friendly Diana class craft Jane s Navy International Jane s Information Group Lok Joris Janssen 24 April 2006 New Danish combat support ships offer greater flexibility for NATO operations International Defence Review Jane s Information Group Scott Richard 1 October 1999 Versatility the key to Denmark s evolving navy Jane s Navy International 104 8 Jane s Information Group Scott Richard 31 October 2001 Flexing a snap to fit fleet Jane s Defence Weekly Jane s Information Group Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title StanFlex amp oldid 1169125265, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
