Close-up of the new generation patrol ship of the Italian Navy docking at Ho Chi Minh City port

Crew member introduces naval cockpit

The ITS Francesco Morosini ship is calling at Nha Rong port during a visit from May 9-12 to enhance cooperation between the Italian Navy and the Vietnam People's Navy.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro said the visit to Ho Chi Minh City by the ITS Morosini ship is a highlight in the series of events marking the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and 10 years of strategic partnership (2013-2023).

According to Captain Francesco Morosini, commanding officer of the ITS Francesco Morosini, the deployment to the Asia- Pacific marks the ship’s first voyage since being delivered to the Italian Navy last year. The Asia-Pacific mission not only reinforces Italy’s security commitment in the region, but also demonstrates the country’s maritime industrial capabilities in a market with great potential.

New generation of Italian trains

In 2015, the Italian Navy signed a €3.9 billion deal to purchase seven Thaon di Revel-class multi-mission offshore patrol vessels (PPAs), or about €557 million each. This class of ships will replace four Soldati-class light patrol frigates and eight Minerva-class corvettes between 2021 and 2035.

The PPA is a highly versatile class of ships that can serve a variety of purposes, from maritime patrol to civil rescue, and in its most modernized version, will become a frontline warship, according to Naval News. The ship is 143 m long, has a top speed of 32 knots, carries a crew of 135 and has a capacity of up to 181 beds.

ITS Francesco Morosini sets sail for Asia- Pacific

Based on the same platform, the PPA is delivered in three different capacities: light, enhanced light, and full. The full version has an increased displacement of 6,270 tons, compared to 5,880 tons for the enhanced light version and 5,830 tons for the light version.

The ITS Morosini currently in Vietnam is a light version and is currently equipped with only cannons, machine guns and a SH90 helicopter, with a crew of 137. The upgraded and fully equipped light version is also equipped with Aster anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes. All versions can be equipped with MK2/E anti-ship cruise missile launchers.

The PPA's sensors and weapons are quite impressive. In its full version, the PPA is equipped with a dual-band radar system (C and X), providing missile defense capabilities, and can also be equipped with towed or ship-mounted sonar.

In the future, the Francesco Morosini ITS is expected to be upgraded to a full version, which means adding the Aster 30 Vertical Launch System (VLS), towed sonar, long-range strike weapons and an upgraded sensor network.

New "Naval Cockpit"

The naval cockpit is the newest and most distinctive feature of the ITS Francesco Morosini, as it appears on other ships of the class. With its hexagonal shape, the naval cockpit is where everything on board is operated, from machinery, sensors to combat equipment.

"This is also the brain of the ship, collecting and processing all information before relaying tasks to the rest of the ship," according to a member of the crew representative speaking to reporters.

Dual cockpit seats simulate the mechanics of a helicopter cockpit

Unlike previous Italian and world-class ships, the cockpit does not have a steering system, but is completely automatically controlled. The control compartment only has two pilot seats, simulating the mechanism of a helicopter.

With the double-seat mechanism, only two officers are needed to steer the ship, with the main officer sitting in the left seat, in charge of all seafaring activities. The co-pilot on the right seat is responsible for collecting and processing information, controlling the ship's machinery and weapons.

Behind the helm is the captain's seat, also controlled by automatic screens. In addition, the ITS Francesco Morosini is designed with a special wave-piercing double bow, which optimizes the ship's hydrodynamic performance. When starting, the ship runs on diesel and then switches to electric power to save energy. The ship also applies a modular model, adjusting the space on board according to the purpose of use.

"The ship is built entirely in Italy and all the technology on board is from our country," the representative said.

Exhibition 50 years of Italy-Vietnam diplomatic relations

At the reception on board, guests and journalists were treated to a precious photo collection on 50 years of Italy-Vietnam diplomatic relations. Sharing with Thanh Nien , Italian Consul General Enrico Padula said the exhibition records images of the friendship between the two countries, including diplomatic relations, business and people-to-people relations. After the exhibition on board, the Italian Consul General will organize an exhibition on land and invite people in Ho Chi Minh City to come and see it.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/can-canh-tau-tuan-tra-the-he-moi-cua-hai-quan-y-dang-cap-cang-tphcm-185230511093536679.htm