Damen Marine Components has received the order to design, engineer and produce eight rudders for the four F126 frigates that Damen Naval is building for the German Navy, the company writes in a press release. Each vessel will be equipped with two rudders, developed to withstand extreme shocks and to improve the hydrodynamic properties of the fast vessels.
According to Damen, the full spade rudders of the Atlantic type by Damen Marine Components (DMC) are purpose designed for the frigate project to fit the specific hull form and operational profile of these naval vessels.
The rudders have a relatively slim profile to reduce drag and improve course keeping at high speeds, maintaining good manoeuvrability at low speeds in harbours or during special operations. The Asymmetric Rudder Technology (ART) as developed by DMC will be applied. This means that the leading edge of the rudders will be asymmetric, directing the turbulent water flow from the propellers in front of the rudders along the rudder surface more smoothly. This is to reduce cavitation, increase rudder efficiency, and reduce drag of the vessel.
JH
