Editing Valour-class frigate (section)

== Characteristics and design ==
The A200SAN design is an evolution of the [[MEKO 200|MEKO 200 series]] of frigates that have been built for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand navies since the late 1980s. Experience has been gained by Blohm+Voss when optimising weight distribution, trim, low noise and manoeuvrability. Focusing on providing a frigate for navies with a restricted budget, the design ensures a low crew complement, comfortable accommodation, and plenty of space for future technological upgrades on a modular construction.<ref name=":0" />

The A200SAN design offers very solid sea-keeping due to high forward buoyancy and stability reserves to accommodate future upgrades, making the class perfect when engaging in sustained operations in the rough sea conditions found off the South African coast. The Valour class has a strong focus on conflict survivability and was built around the latest principles of stealth design in naval construction. The design has the extensive use of the ‘X-form’ structure in which right angles and vertical surfaces are avoided, whilst techniques to reduce an infrared signature allow for pre-cooled exhaust gasses to be expelled just above the waterline. A degree of proactive protection has also been incorporated into the design, along with an optimised layout and damage control features with light ceramic and Kevlar armour shielding critical compartments and the dividing up of the hull into zones with independent fire fighting, electrical and HVAC systems. More than 10 watertight compartments, as well as double bulkheads and box girders running lengthwise, form the steel hull which has been proven to prevent break-up. Blohm+Voss claim that the Valour class has a [[Radar cross-section|radar signature]] 50% smaller than a comparable vessel of their size, 75% less [[infrared]] emissions than previous designs, as well as 20% lower life-cycle cost, 25% lower displacement and 30% fewer crew required.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2010-02-08|title=Fact file: Valour-class small guided missile frigates|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-valour-class-small-guided-missile-frigates/|access-date=2021-10-14|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

The Valour class has been designed with growth in mind, based around future technology and flexible mission requirements. The design allows for a flexible mission bay with space for two ISO containers, a recessed boat bay on either side of the ship, and wide passageways to aid maintenance, upgrades and store replenishment. Even after the fitting out of weapons systems and sensors, the A200SAN allows for a 200-tonne margin of future growth, 20% spare electrical generation, and 37% spare cooling capacity.

The propulsion system of the class is unique amongst other warships. Using a [[Combined diesel and gas|CODAG-WARP]] arrangement (Combined Diesel and Gas turbine - Waterjet and Refined Propellers), the design utilises two controllable pitch propellers and single water jet. In diesel-only mode the arrangement is very fuel-efficient as a single engine can drive both shafts for speeds of up to {{convert|18|kn|lk=in}}. An independent centre-line gas turbine drives the water jet, coupled by a small reduction gear, eliminating the need for another combining gearbox. The water jet can be used alone, or combined with the diesel engines to achieve the maximum speed of nearly {{convert|30|kn}}. A reverse-thrust bucket is also fitted that can be raised to redirect the water jet forward, giving the class the shortest stopping distance of any other similar warship.

* I – Economical mode: One diesel engine driving both shafts, maximum propeller speed: 150 rpm and up to 18 knots.
* II – Maneuvering mode: Both diesel engines driving both shafts, maximum propeller speed: 200 rpm.
* III – [[CODAG|CODAG-WARP]]: Both diesel engines and the gas turbines engaged, maximum propeller speed: 215 rpm and a maximum speed of over {{convert|27|kn}}.
* IV – Gas turbine only: Gas turbines powering water jet only.

These frigates are expected to spend about 80% of their at-sea time in modes I and II, allowing for a maximum range of {{convert|7,500|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|16|kn}}. The A200SAN is also conspicuous for the lack of  any funnel or uptakes in the centre of the ship, resulting in more space for above deck weapons and accommodation. The ships are exceptionally quiet and vibration-free as a result, and add further to their already high level of stealth characteristics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In focus – the MEKO A-200 Type 31e frigate candidate {{!}} Navy Lookout|url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-meko-a-200-type-31e-frigate-candidate/|access-date=2021-10-14|website=www.navylookout.com|date=30 March 2019 }}</ref>

The ship's steering gear consists of a steering unit and twin semi-balanced underhung rudders. There is an emergency steering station in the superstructure in the event of damage to the bridge and they can also be operated by hand from the steering gear compartment. To improve the ship's performance in a seaway, they are fitted with a B+V Simplex Compact stabiliser system.

This class of warship has seven independent Noske Kaeser air-conditioning plants allowing the ship to operate at a pre-set temperature and moisture level in ocean water ranging between {{convert|4|and|30|C}}, and the air temperature between {{convert|−4|and|32|C}}. This also keeps the air pressure in the citadel five millibars higher than on the outside to prevent the drawing in of RBC (radioactive, biological, or chemical) contamination. These ships are also fitted with Sulzer und Weise seawater fire-fighting pumps and sprinkler systems. These are also ready to wet down the warship's ammunition magazines. In addition, a {{CO2|link=yes}} fire-extinguishing system protects the gas turbine and diesel engineering areas. The galleys are fitted with an ANSUL system and the flight deck and hangar with a Noske Kaeser Hy FEx foam fire extinguishing system. Two Pall Rochem reverse-osmosis plants generate {{convert|15|m3}} of fresh water each every 24 hours. This water is provided to the [[Galley (kitchen)|galleys]], messes, and drinking water supplies, and it is also used for cooling the guns, the air-conditioners, and the engine room, in addition for washing the helicopters. Water pumped to the guns, sensors, and air-conditioners is chilled by two Noske Kaeser refrigerators. An oil-fired hot-water boiler, made by the same company, provides the ship's heating, whereas the hot water for the galley and messes comes from a {{convert|600|L|adj=on}}, 45-kilowatt electric geyser. With a main crew of 92, plus eight aircrew, stores can last for up to 28 days when on station.