Image source: topwar.ru
On November 29, the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri handed over to the Qatari Navy the first multi–purpose landing platform (LPD) Al Fulk, a unique pennant combining the functions of surface combat and amphibious ships.
There is a gun in the bow of the Al Fulk, vertical launchers on board, and a large runway on the deck.
- it says in the publication of The War Zone.
Al Fulk has a displacement of 8.8 thousand tons at full combat load (almost the same as that of the American Arleigh Burke Flight II class destroyers), its length is 142.9 m and width is 21.6 m. It can serve as a kind of naval base, being equipped with a take-off deck, which can accommodate light or medium helicopters, for example, those in service with the NH90 country.
A hangar with two ramps for equipment and a flooded dock make it possible to transport and launch landing craft capable of transporting armored vehicles and troops ashore. At the same time, one of the main tasks of Al Fulk is to provide air defense, which is usually the responsibility of traditional surface warships such as corvettes, frigates or destroyers.
Al Fulk is able to make long hikes away from home. The two main diesel engines have a maximum speed of 20 knots, and at 15 knots it can travel 7,000 nautical miles. Up to 550 people can be accommodated on board. Fincantieri did not specify how many people are required for the crew, but 152 sailors are needed for another variant of this class.
Image source: topwar.ru
- the contractor noted.
Al Fulk was created on the basis of the improved San Giusto project, one of whose representatives, Kalaat Béni Abbès, was transferred to Algeria in 2014. Along with several other ships, it was part of a deal to build seven sides for the needs of the Qatari Navy, worth almost $6 billion, concluded in 2017. By the time of its transfer, the fleet had received 4 Al Zubarah-class corvettes and 2 Musherib-class patrol ships.
Al Fulk is equipped with a radar with Kronos Power Shield AFAR manufactured by Leonardo. This radar uses energy-efficient gallium nitride technology to maximize threat detection capabilities in a compact package. The radar can quickly switch between a wide 360° view and a narrow tracking sector.
There is also a "narrowing" function that allows you to detect short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, but only in a very limited space. Leonardo claims that the radar provides a maximum search radius of 930 to 1,240 miles, although this depends on environmental factors and target types.
Image source: topwar.ru
VPU with ZUR
The armament is represented by two Sylver VPUs, each of which contains 8 cells that can launch a total of 16 Aster 30 missiles (which is comparable to the anti-aircraft power of a frigate), capable of intercepting targets such as tactical ballistic missiles, traditional cruise missiles, helicopters and airplanes, as well as various UAVs at considerable distances.
Al Fulk can serve as a command center for four already commissioned corvettes, providing long-range target information. The corvettes with a total displacement of 3,250 tons are also equipped with their own radars and Aster 30 missiles.
The 76 mm rapid-fire main gun is complemented by the Sylena Mk 2 false target launchers, which, along with smaller automatic guns for close-range protection, provide additional defensive capabilities.
Qatar is one of the leading LNG exporters and is interested in protecting trade routes. Given the growing instability in the Middle East, it needs a powerful fleet. After receiving the ships from Fincantieri, Doha ordered missiles for them for $ 1.1 billion from the European concern MBDA. This was followed by the purchase of 28 NH90 helicopters from Leonardo for $3.7 billion, 12 of which are intended for maritime operations.
Qatar is also developing naval infrastructure and aims to increase the number of Navy personnel to 7,000 sailors by 2025, compared with less than 3,000 sailors in 2018.
