Summary
The Handalan class are domestically modified Spica-M fast attack craft, a heavier variant of the Norrköping class. Built by Kalskrona Varvet and ordered in 1976, this class replaced the Perkasa-class squadron on a 1:1 basis, including name transfer.
 A Norrköping-class missile boat which is the Handalan class is based on
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Handalan class |
| Builders | Kalskrona Varvet |
| Operators |  Royal Malaysian Navy |
| In commission | 1978–present |
| Completed | 4 |
| Active | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Fast attack craft |
| Displacement | 240 tons standard, 268 tons full load |
| Length | 43.6 m (143 ft) |
| Beam | 7.1 m (23 ft) |
| Draught | 2.4 m (8 ft) |
| Installed power | 3x MTU 16V 538 TB91 diesels delivering 10,865 hp (8,102 kW) |
| Propulsion | 3 shafts |
| Speed | 34.5 knots (63.9 km/h; 39.7 mph) |
| Range | 2,977 nmi (5,513 km; 3,426 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) |
| Complement | 40 |
| Sensors and processing systems | Philips 9GR600, Decca 1226 radars, 9LV 212 radar used with 9LV 228 Mk2 fire control system, Optronic AA fire control system, |
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
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| Armament |
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| Notes | The missile might be removed due to being obsolete[1] |
Development edit
The Handalans are equipped with longer-range diesel engines and an additional weapons fit with launchers for Exocet MM38 missiles and a secondary Bofors 40 mm gun. The installation of additional weaponry from the main Bofors 57 mm gun forced the bridge to be pushed forward to accept the missile launchers and additional rear gun. With a data-link communications system, the class allows the exchange of information through computers with similar equipment, both other ships and shore-based stations. They also have elaborate countermeasures with a Thales DR3000S, electronic tracking equipment and weapon control systems. In all, the Handalans are more capable and better armed than the larger Perdana-class missile boat of the Royal Malaysian Navy.[2] In late 2020 Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that this class of ship will be upgrade to lengthening service period of older ships.[3][4]
Ships of the class edit
| Pennant number |
Name | Commission Year |
|---|---|---|
| 3511 | KD Handalan | 1978 |
| 3512 | KD Perkasa | 1978 |
| 3513 | KD Pendekar | 1979 |
| 3514 | KD Gempita | 1979 |
Bibliography edit
- [1]