The Tamandare Class Frigates Program is a modern and innovative naval project developed in Brazil since 2017. The project involves the building of four defense ships of high technological complexity within national territory. Innovations involved in the PFCT extend throughout the entire production chain. A methodology called “Paperless” has been implemented in the engineering process, which eliminates the use of paper drawings in the frigate’s production line, transforming them into digital files. The hull plate of the first Tamandare Class frigate was cut on September 5th, 2022, considered the main milestone for the beginning of the construction phase. The program is conducted by the Brazilian Navy, executed by Águas Azuis, and managed by Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais (EMGEPRON). The vessels must reach operational capacity to respond and protect the “Blue Amazon,” generating technology transfer and perpetual license, and promoting local industry and civil construction in the country.
Brazil Lays Keel of First Tamandare Class Frigate
On March 24th, the Brazilian Navy and Águas Azuis celebrated the keel-laying ceremony for the first of the four ships in the Tamandare Class Frigates Program (PFCT) at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the defense sector and the naval industry.
The keel-laying tradition is celebrated when the “backbone” of the vessel is completed, allowing for the construction of the other parts. In the modern era, the engineering evolution and modern production processes adopted in the PFCT have enabled the construction of ships in blocks, which can be joined later.
During the keel-laying ceremony, an important structural block, which weighs around 52 tons, was positioned at its building site, and it corresponds to the forward engine room. Two engines, a gearbox, and several pumps and auxiliary equipment will be installed in this metal structure. The construction model, which provides for production in blocks, offers several advantages over the old method, such as the installation of accessories and foundations in advance and the facilitation of equipment placement on board.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated, “We will provide the Brazilian Navy with high-end frigates that combine the edge of naval technology, innovation, and robust combat capabilities and that will contribute greatly to Brazil’s national security in protecting the Amazônia Azul and beyond.”
Fleet Admiral Arthur Fernando Bettega Corrêa, General Director of Navy Materiel, remarked, “Today, we witnessed the meeting of tradition with compelling technological modernity, resulting in the optimization of production and increased security for both employees and information.”
The process of building ships in blocks also enables work to proceed in different stages in a segregated manner for each unit, increasing employee safety by keeping spaces open longer during construction.
Innovations in the PFCT’s Production Chain
The Tamandare Class Frigates Program (PFCT) is a modern and innovative naval project developed in Brazil since 2017, and it involves the building of four defense ships of high technological complexity within national territory. The innovations involved in the PFCT extend throughout the entire production chain.
Historically, projects of this size have been developed from a large number of printed documents, such as drawings, procedures, and manuals, which require many copies and recurring updates. To improve this process, the shipyard has implemented a methodology for engineering projects called “Paperless.” This methodology eliminates the use of paper drawings in the frigate’s production line, transforming them into digital files. This approach brings advantages for the information security of the documents, due to the confidentiality required in a military project, and also benefits the environment.
Next Stages of the PFCT
Currently, the state of PFCT construction represents 34% of its total evolution, and it is advancing within the schedule. The next stage involves building the block that forms the aft engine room, with the positioning of the equipment and engines in place. Then, the built blocks will complete the central structures of the ship. It should be noted that more than fifty structural units make up the construction sequence of the first Tamandare Class frigate, and about a quarter of them are in the process of structural assembly at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul, while others are already cut and shaped, with panels and subassemblies completed.
Around 50% of the activities regarding systems engineering and integrated logistic support have already been concluded, including the qualification of the personnel who will be responsible for maintaining the ship’s systems. The launch of the Tamandare frigate is estimated for mid-2024, and its delivery to the Brazilian Navy is expected at the end of 2025. The cutting of the hull plate of the second Tamandare Class frigate is planned later this year.
Increase in the Protection of Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters (BJW)
The Tamandare Class Frigates Program is a significant development in the protection of Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters (BJW). The vessels must reach operational capacity to respond and protect the “Blue Amazon,” generating technology transfer and perpetual license, and promoting local industry and civil construction in the country. The Brazilian Navy predicts that the program, as a whole, could create around 2,000 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs.
The program is conducted by the Brazilian Navy, executed by Águas Azuis, and managed by Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais (EMGEPRON). It is considered the most modern and innovative naval project developed in the country, comprising the building of four defense ships of high technological complexity.
Milestones in the Tamandare Class Frigates Program
The Tamandare Class Frigates Program (PFCT) has reached significant milestones. On June 21st, 2022, a prototype of the engine room compartment section was completed, which is used for the qualification of various processes related to the manufacture of the vessels. Additionally, the hull plate of the first Tamandare Class frigate was cut on September 5th, 2022, considered the main milestone for the beginning of the construction phase. These milestones represent significant progress in the PFCT’s development and are vital steps in the creation of four high-tech defense ships that will protect Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters.
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