The Sea Trials of the HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F-311) began today.

[Gladius]

The second Norwegian frigate begins today its sea trials.

Ferrol - La Voz de Galicia / January 9, 2007.

The second frigate that Navantia has built for the Norwegian Navy, christened with the name of the explorer Roald Amundsen, begins today its sea trials in waters of the estuary of Ferrol. The trials, destined to test the operating capability of the ship, will finalize the next Friday. The Roald Amundsen is the second of the series of five AEGIS frigates that the northern country bought from Navantia. Its predecessor, the HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F-310), was delivered in May of last year.

News Link:
La Voz de Galicia - Spanish

http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/7326/2001472184755659203_rs.jpg
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/8132/2001437922533554591_rs.jpg
(F-311 sailing - Photos by Señalero)

 

[Rich]

Boy Spain is producing some lovely warships. Congratulations to both our Spanish and Norwegian friends.

 

[KIJ]

I don't agree, I think the Nansen-class look like a 20 year old warship. Even though I'm Danish, and that might influence me a little, I think the Danish Absalon-class is one of the nicest warships out there...

 

[Tasman]

I don't agree, I think the Nansen-class look like a 20 year old warship. Even though I'm Danish, and that might influence me a little, I think the Danish Absalon-class is one of the nicest warships out there...

This just goes to prove that good looks are all in the eye of the beholder. I think we are all guilty of bias. Heck I even convinced myself that the OH Perry class FFGs were good looking when the RAN acquired them, even though I now have to confess that they are one of the ugliest, least symmetrical designs of warship ever built.

 

[Grand Danois]

Actually I happen to think the Nansen are better looking than the Absalon class - which look a tad "boxy" to me. And that is despite the odd SPY-1F superstructure on the Nansen.

The AAW frigate derivative of the Absalons will look much sleeker and pleasing to the eye, with a deck less. Those I would rate higher - when they get around.

Oh yes. In the eye of the beholder.

 

[tatra]

I like the looks of both designs. However, the Dutch LCF is prettier still.
:nutkick

 

[contedicavour]

One huge step ahead vs those ugly obsolete Oslo FFs

cheers