The new range of CMN OPV (called VIGILANTE Mk II) is designed with an inverted sharp bow combined with a slender bulb. It provides the vessel with the following enhancement:
- Improved seagoing capabilities with a smoother passage through waves,
- Increased waterline length and then hydrodynamic performances (at equal exposed deck length),
- Reduced fuel consumption,
- Increased visibility from the bridge,
- Reduced bow flare slamming,
- Reduced structural stresses and fatigue,
- Better crew comfort and safer working conditions,
- Increased firing arc of the main gun.
More firepower for the Vigilante Mk 2
The Vigilante Mk II will be able to answer a large range of missions, including anti-smuggling patrols, fisheries policing, rescue at sea, humanitarian aid, EZZs protection, anti-pollution, special forces deployment and maritime/coastal intelligence.
Facing the proliferation of crises zones all around the world, CMN designed the Vigilante Mk II as truly armed ships, in order to provide an efficient protection against every known and foreseeable threats. Alongside the 20mm and 30mm guns very common on light OPVs, the largest Vigilante Mk II options will be able to receive a 40mm or 76mm gun as main artillery. CMN has a long history of heavily armed OPVs, which should continue with the Vigilante Mk II.
Light surface-surface missiles and anti-air missiles can also integrate the ship’s combat system. Missiles like MBDA’s MMP and Mistral 3, or Thales’ LMM Martlet could be serious options.
All the new Vigilante Mk II designs will operate at least two RHIB and UAVs. The bigger variant can accommodate up to three RHIB (including two 9m long on an aft ramp). Its helicopter platform will be compatible with 10 tonnes helicopters.
Vigilante CL45 Mk II
The smallest version of Vigilante Mk II is the CL45. With a length of 45,6 meters, it can accommodate 27 sailors and passengers. Maximum speed on diesel engine is 22+ knots, while a hybrid mode allows a 7 knots silent speed. Range at 12 knots will be 2500NM.
The main weapon will be a 20mm gun, completed with two machine guns. At the rear of the ship, the standard mission equipment consists of a RHIB fitted on a side davit and a modular area able to carry containers.
CMN presented two configurations of the CL45 Mk II: one with a rear ramp for a 6,5m RHIB, and another with a rear platform for small UAV like the Schiebel Camcopter S.100. In that case, a second davit it installed in order to keep the dual RHIB provision. But we can easily imagine that a customer can ask for three RHIB on davits and ramp. Or for a second main weapon (light gun or anti-air missile launcher for example) at the rear of the ship.
Vigilante CL55 Mk II
Vigilante CL55 Mk II is 9 meters longer than its little brother. The bigger displacement allows a maximum crew of 41, while the autonomy is increased to 3500NM.
Main weapon system can know accommodate a 40mm gun. Equipped with a radio direction finder, the CL55 Mk II is able to conduct low level ISTAR operations (intelligence, surveillance, targeting, acquisition & reconnaissance).
The rear modular zone is almost identical than the CL45 one. It has either a UAV platform or an aft ramp for a RHIB. Being longer, the CL55 Mk II can accommodate 9m long RHIB, against the 6,5m long on the CL45 Mk II. On the front upper deck, the CL55 Mk II integrates a catapult for fixed winged UAVs.
Vigilante CL65 Mk II
The new CL65 Mk II is a fully versatile and compact multi-mission OPV with embedded UAVs (VTOL and/or fixed winged). It also presents a dual RHIB ability. The overall length is 64,8m. At 7 knots (hybrid propulsion), the range is 7500NM. At a cruise speed of 12 knots, the range will be of 5500NM, giving it an oceanic patrol range similar to that of a light frigate.
Contrary to the lighter models, CL65 Mk II permanently retains a large UAV plateform above the RHIB aft ramp. A second 9m RHIB is fitted on a side davit, while the UAVs will be stored in a dedicated hangar.
In option, the davit and/or aft ramp will be able to launch and recover USV and UUV drones. CL65 Mk II will be able to control and exploit the data of UAVs, UUVs and USVs operating simultaneously.
CL65 also feature a dedicated C-ESM system for better ISTAR performances. While it retains a 40mm main gun, its secondary weaponry relies on two remotely controlled weapon stations (up to 20mm). It can also accommodate a light surface-to-air or surface-to-surface missile system. CNM’s renderings feature a SIMBAD-RC system from MBDA. It is equipped with the new Mistral 3 missile that offer both surface-to-air and surface-to-surface ability, including against asymmetrical threats.
Vigilante CL75 Mk II
The biggest variant of the new Vigilante II family retains all the features of the lighter CL65 Mk II and vastly improved them. With a length of 75m, the CL75 has a crew of up to 65 sailors and passengers.
Propulsion is provided by two to four diesel engines, while two electric motors allow the hybrid propulsion mode. The ship’s autonomy will be of 7.000NM (at 7 knots) or 8.500NM (at 12 knots).
The main weapon can now rely on a 76mm gun. It is completed by two RCWS able to accommodate 30mm guns, alongside four manual machine guns. And if that is not punchy enough, this weaponry can be completed with a SAM or SSM launcher.
Very versatile by design, the CL75 Mk II feature a helicopter platform for 10 tonnes helicopters and heavy UAVs. Two 9m RHIB are on the aft ramp (under the helicopter platform), and one 7m RHIB on a A-frame davit. These locations will be compatible with USV and UUV.
For ISTAR missions, the CL75 Mk II is equipped with R-ESM and C-ESM systems. It also carries up to four mission containers, without compromising UAV or RHIB capabilities.
With an increased range, heavy weapons, a very versatile payload and its helicopter platform, the CL75 Mk II could be a very powerful OPV. According to the configuration, it is able to match the performance of some surveillance frigates. It is also likely that the CL75 could serve as a baseline for a tailor-made 80m OPV.
In a more conventional configuration, such a ship could probably accommodate a light helicopter with a hangar, heavy anti-ship missiles or extended crew facilities.
