The frigate, named “Cristobal Colon” is the fifth of the series that Navantia has built for the Spanish Navy
Navantia has launched on 4th. November, at 14:35, in the Fene-Ferrol shipyard, the F-105 frigate “Cristóbal Colón”, fifth of the F-100 series, that Navantia has built for the Spanish Navy since 2000.
The godmother has been H.R.H. Margarita de Borbón and has counted with the attendance of the Chief of Navy, Manuel Rebollo, the Vice-President of SEPI, Federico Montero and the President of Navantia, Aurelio Martínez.
The construction of this frigate started in June 2007, the keel was laid in February 2009 and it is expected to be commissioned to the Spanish Navy around summer 2012.
The F-105 incorporates modifications respect to other F-100 units, derived from the improvements achieved in the productive process and from the experience gained in the operation of the ships of the series. It is to highlight, that the ship incorporates improvements in habitability and Command and Control System, and has installed the new Lockheed Martin radar, AEGIS 1-D (V).
As well, it will incorporate other issues directed to reduce the crew and the maintaining costs.
The excellence of this F-105 frigate has contributed to the decision, taken by the Australian Navy, of choosing Navantia as the designer of its AWD that is based on the F-105 frigate.
