Fast-Track FAC (Fast Attack Craft) Capability for the Philippine Navy

The fastest way for the Philippine Navy to upgrade its capabilities is the upgrade of its present assets. This will not entail a long acquisition process and will enhance local engineering capabilities.

Among the present floating assets of the Philippine Navy, the most qualified to be upgraded to FAC status are the Jacinto OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) class and the Batillo PKM (Patrol Killer Medium) class. Given its bigger size and tonnage, the Jacinto OPV class provides more seakeeping and weapons weight upgrade capabilities. However, it has been said to be relatively top heavy to accept additional deck loadings.

BRP Emilio Jacinto PS-35 (Philippine Navy)

 Assessing the Jacinto OPV class silhoutte on this basis, we can see:

1. High mounting level of the Oto-Melara 76mm gun
2. Broad and large bridge level
3. Large funnel structure
4. Large and high multiple cranes in the stern area
5. Two RHIB in the stern area

In converting the Jacinto OPV class into a FAC (Fast Attack Craft), the additional weapons and sensors that need to be added are:

1. ASM (Anti-Ship Missile) capability such as Exocet, Penguin
2. AAM (Anti-Aircraft Missile) capability such as Mistral, Stinger
3. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) capability
4. ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) capability such as the Swedish ELMA grenade launcher

In order to be able to fit these weapons and sensors unto the deck of the Jacinto OPV class, the issue of top heavy loading needs to be addressed first. Reconfiguring the Oto-Melara 76mm gun installation is out of the question as it will entail a lot of work and cost.

BRP Artemio Ricarte PS37 (Wikipedia)

To reduce the top loading of the Jacinto OPV class to accept additional weapons and sensors:

1. Bridge

 

     Reduce the size of the bridge wings by relocating the 50 cal. machinegun to the front part of the wing, and removing the rear part aft of the bridge door. The removed part can be refitted on the main deck to reduce water spray and angled to reduce radar signature. This will also lower CG improving stability.

2. Funnel

     The funnel is quite large and gives a sizeable radar signature. Reduce it to the bare minimum size and height, and angle it to reduce radar signature. Removed extra steel panels can be refitted on the main deck to reduce water spray and angled to reduce radar signature. This will also lower CG improving stability.

3. Cranes
    It seems too excessive to have 2 cranes in one location in such a small vessel. These will have to be removed and replaced with a lighter and simpler crane system to launch the RHIB and for other purposes. The removed cranes can be refitted to other navy ships specially the larger ships used to support other vessels. Removal of the two large and high cranes will give the most reduction in top loading. The cleared area will also be the most suitable location for SSM installation.

4. RHIB
    One RHIB will be removed for a bigger deck area for SSM installation. It will also be additional weight reduction. The removed RHIB can be used by other navy vessels.

5. Others
    Unnecessary heavy objects in the bridge area can be relocated to lower decks. Additional liquid storage could be added to the lowest deck level for water and diesel fuel.

Alternative Weapons

1. ASM (Anti-Ship Missile) alternatives (Wikipedia)

Penguin - 385 kg, 3.2 m, 55 km, M0.80, 130 kg warhead, 1980
Gabriel - 522 kg, 3.35 m, 60 km, 840 kph, 150 kg warhead, 1976
Harpoon - 628 kg, 4.6 m, 93 km, 850 kph, 221 kg warhead, 1977
Exocet - 670 kg, 4.7 m, 70 km, 1134 kph, 165 kg warhead, 1979
Hae Sung - 718 kg, 5.46 m, 150 km, 1013 kph, 300 kg warhead, 2005
Otomat - 770 kg, 4.46 m, 180 km, 1116 kph, 210 kg warhead, 1977
RBS15 - 800 kg, 4.33 m, 200 km, M0.80, 200 kg warhead, 1984

P996 firing Penguin missile April 16, 2008 in Norway (Infernal elf)

    The Penguin is a good alternative given its lighter weight and adequate range. It’s lower warhead weight is a disadvantage but adequate against frigate size vessels. The combat-proven Israeli Gabriel has similar qualities but a bit heavier. The choice between these two SSM’s could depend on its compatability with the present Fire Control System of the Jacinto class ships.

PENGUIN from P27 XENOS Greece Navy (hellenicnavy.gr)

2. AAM (Anti-Aircraft Missile)

Mistral - 19 kg, 1.86 m, 6 km, M2.6, 2.95 kg warhead, 1997
RBS-70 - 16.5 kg, 1.32 m, 8 km, M2, 1.1 kg warhead, 1977
Stinger - 14.3 kg, 1.52 m, 4.8 km, 1700 mph, 3 kg warhead, 1987
Igla - 10.8 kg, 1.574 m, 5.2 km, M2.3, 1.56 kg warhead, 1983

MSI A1 mount with 25mm gun                    MSI SIGMA mount with Mistral AAM's (MSI)

If the MSI Seahawk A1 25mm gun platform located at the stern of the class is upgradeable to the SIGMA version, it can be the easiest way to add AAM capability. The Mistral can then be easily added.

SA-18 Igla (Pusk)

If cost is a large factor, these missiles can just be used as MANPAD’s with designated firing areas with minimal equipment added (except Mistral and RBS-70). In this case, the SA-18 Igla that is lighter and has more range than the Stinger, can be a good alternative.


3. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
Tethered baloon with electrop system

HoverMast electrop sensors, laser designators (Sky Sapience)

4. ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare)
Swedish ELMA grenade launcher

Elma LLS-920 anti-sub grenade launchers on Swedish patrolboat HMS Hugin

Such additional weapons and sensors will put the Jacinto class into the Fast Attack Craft category that the Navy badly needs now given the challenges in the West Philippine Sea.