Surface Forces: July 31, 2005

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The first of five Norwegian F-310 class frigates, the Fridtjof Nansen, has completed its sea trials. The ship was built in Spain. The 5,100 ton ships cost about $400 million each. The 433 foot long Nansens have a top speed of 48 kilometers an hour. Weapons include eight NSM anti-ship missiles, 32 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile anti-aircraft missiles (in an eight cell launcher), one 76mm gun, four 12.7mm machine-guns, four torpedo tubes, depth charges and one helicopter. The ships has radar, sonar, electronic countermeasures and a crew of 130.