Helicopter deck and hangar modification on ‘Leopold 1' handed over

On 7th of  April 2010 the helicopter deck and hangar modification on board of  the M- Class Frigate ‘Leopold 1' (ex  HMNLS ‘Karel Doorman' ) was handed over to the Defence Material Organisation (DMO) of the Netherlands, who acted on behalf of the Belgian Navy.

Effectively, the ‘Leopold 1' berthed at our shipyard in Vlissingen in July 2009, after which the program immediately started with the aim to modify the helicopter deck and hangar in order to allow future operations with the NH 90 helicopter.

The following main activities have been performed:

• Lengthening of the hangar, including the installation of the helicopter securing and traversing system
• Helicopter deck lengthening, including all required adjustments to the flight deck arrangement (reallocation of existing helicopter grid, steelwork modifications for the installation of the rails in flight deck, new lightning and antenna arrangements)
• Integration of the helicopter traversing control position, including o.a. the installation of the control equipment
• Installation of a new, enlarged hangar door
• Enlarging the Flight Deck Officer Room
• Adjusting the helicopter auxiliary and Damage Control Systems.

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding delivered the modified ‘Leopold 1' on schedule and within budget to the DMO, whereby the collaboration with Belgium Navy and the Project Team of DMO have positively contributed to this tripartite success!

Publication date: 07-4-2010

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