November 7, 2007:
Norway is
getting rid of its six Skjold class stealth patrol boats. Times have changed,
and Norway is shrinking and reorganizing its military. Apparently the
Skjolds will be offered for sale on the
international arms market. Two years ago, SOCOM (U.S. Special Operations
Command) looked into acquiring some Skjold ships for delivering SEAL
commandoes. That interest might be renewed.
The 260 ton Skjold class ships
are of a stealthy design and normally carry one 76mm cannon, plus eight
anti-ship missiles, plus portable Mistral anti-aircraft missiles fired from a
pedestal mount. The SEALs would remove most of this armament to provide space
for commandoes and their gear. The unique catamaran/air cushion design of the
Skjolds enable them to move fast even through rough seas. Top speed is over 100
kilometers an hour. Built of composites, the Skjolds are very stealthy and boxy
in appearance (155 feet long and 45 feet wide). But they are expensive, costing
over $100 million each. They are highly automated and only require a crew of
fifteen (although as few as ten sailors can operate it). Four years ago, one
crossed the Atlantic to demonstrate the ship to the U.S. Navy. The ship can go
1400 kilometers on one load of fuel, and stay at sea for over 21 days at a
time. In addition to 35-40 tons of fuel and water, the ship can carry 30-35
tons of weapons, including a hundred troops (for a few hours) in the aft
missile bay (instead of the missiles). The first of this class was built in
1997 as an experiment. While an innovative design, Norway does not see a
pressing need for ships like the Skjolds.