31st SURFACE SQUADRON

The ships of the 31st Escort Squadron are ‘Álvaro de Bazán’-class frigates of modern design and remarkable military capabilities, which will help the Spanish Navy to fulfil the objectives outlined in the National Defence Guidelines.

Their AEGIS Combat System makes them a most valuable asset at the service of the Nation’s foreign policy, not only in conventional operations, but also in peace-keeping and humanitarian aid missions, enforcement of UN resolutions, etc.

DISPLACEMENT 5.800 Tns.

LENGTH 147 mts.

BEAM18.5 mts.

CREW 201

WEAPONS

• Vertical Launcher Mk-41 for “Standard” SM-2 and ESSM missiles. The launcher can also operate with TOMAHAWK missiles.
• 2 Fourfold launchers for “Harpoon” missiles
• One 5” Mk-45 Gun with DORNA Fire Control
• Two 20mm OERLIKON machineguns
• Four 12.7mm BROWNING light machineguns
• Two double launchers for Mk-32 and Mk-46 torpedoes

POWER 2x23500 HP (turbines) + 2x6000 HP (diesel).

ELECTRIC PLANT 4x1100 Kw.

PROPULSION

• Diesel or turbine (CODOG) with 2 propellers
• For high speed: 2 Gas LM-2500 turbines
• For less than 18 knots: 2 Bazan-Bravo-12 Diesel engines

MAX SPEED 29 nudos

SENSORS

• SPY-1D Radar with additional capability to track ballistic missiles.
• Surface: AN/SPS-67
• Navigation: AN/SPS-73
• Sonar: DE-1160 LF (I)
• ALDEBARAN and REGULUS Electronic Warfare Equipment. Link-11 and Link-16.

AIRCRAFT Capability for a Sikorsky SH-60B “Seahawk”, equipped with Penguin missiles and torpedoes.

RANGE4.800 nm (at 18 knots)

he F-100 frigate is a multi-purpose ship with the following capabilities:

• Medium-size oceanic escort.
• Command and control ship in conflict scenarios, capable of operating with allied fleets, and providing cover to expeditionary forces.
• Capable of operating in coastal and blue waters depending on the conflict situation.
• High anti-air capability.

The F-100 project entails important challenges; among them:

• An AEGIS Combat System around the SPY-1D radar which, up to now, was used only in larger combatants such as destroyers and cruisers.
• Integrate national weapons and sensors into the AEGIS System.
• Other specific developments like the Navigational Data distribution (DIANA) or the Platform Control Integrated System.

Our home base is Ferrol (Corunna), an 18th century compound but refurbished and updated to be able to provide logistic support to 21st century units.

The AEGIS Combat System, with its SPY-1D radar, permits threat detection in difficult environmental conditions characteristic of coastal waters, providing the necessary fire power to counteract them. The ship design reduces her electromagnetic, infrared and acoustic signatures. The ship has an embarked helicopter (LAMPS Mk-III) with modern sensors and weapons that can detect and attack surface and submarine ships when the ship’s weapons are out of reach.