KV SVALBARD... Info please!
Does anyone have general "Janes Recognition Guide" type information on the KV Svalbard?
It is Norways premiere Northern patrol ship, and it is the largest vessel in the Coast Guard (Kystvakt). Built in 2001, christened in 2002, it has full ice breaking capability up to 1 meter thick, and can act as a base for helicopter operations. It has complete NBC protection with constant overpressure. It's one burly coast guard ship, and it needs to be. One of its main goals is protecting the Norwegian rule of Svalbard, the archipelago north of Norway. Svalbard is a place where navigation can be extremely difficult, ice breaking is a must during winter, and the seas are generally treacherous, with cruise lines running aground every year. There's a reason the Vikings called it the Cold Edge. Now theres a new knight of the Cold Edge... The KV Svalbard, fully equipped and ready to deal with anything the harsh arctic ocean can throw at it.
I got the opportunity to see it recently, and I was quite impressed with its lines and overall look. Extremely cool ship.
What is its armament..? I have not been able to find that anywhere. With its main gun, and full NBC protection, I'd expect it to have quite a few secondary weapons.
Thanks in advance!
http://www.tu.no/multimedia/archive/00012/svalbard_kystvaktski_12291c.jpg
http://www.atlanterhavskomiteen.no/publikasjoner/andre/kortinfo/2002/images/3/Svalbard-1RE-18.jpg
http://www.atlanterhavskomiteen.no/publikasjoner/andre/kortinfo/2002/images/3/Svalbard-1RB-11.jpg
P.S. Theres more general information here, but no mention of the weapons carried:
http://www.answers.com/topic/kv-svalbard
P.S. #2 Actually, the newly comissioned Fritjof Nansen class Norwegian Frigate, is 83 feet longer than the KV Svalbard, but, the KV Svalbard is 1379 tons heavier, because of its much taller superstructure, and ice strengthened hull. So, in pure size, the KV Svalbard is the largest ship in the Norwegian navy. It also holds two NH90 helicopters, and the Nansen Class only holds one. The flaship of Norway man! I think thats awesome... And I saw it personally! Woo!
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