Italy: Orizzonte Sistemi Navali Presents MOSAIC

MOSAIC (Modular Open System Architecture Integrated Concept) is a family of modular ships, representing an excellent solution to the need of an effective and modern combat component, both littoral and off-shore.

These vessels derive from the Comandanti Class Corvettes, but their most distinguishing element is the design, centred on the volumetric modularity and open architecture concepts. In fact, the ships compartments are prearranged to accommodate different kinds of systems, e.g. engines, with no need for a redesign, limiting acquisition and operating costs.

The software of the Combat Management System (CMS) is natively prepared to accept a great quantity of different systems. The CMS is also reconfigurable in order to allow possible upgrades to the systems already installed and accepts the addition of new hardware, providing design flexibility also in terms of Combat System.

Currently OSN offers five different configurations with a full-load displacement of, respectively, 1,500, 1,700, 2,000, 2,200, and 2,400 tons

The first two, named MOSAIC 1.5 and 1.7, are offshore patrol boats destined mainly to defence of littoral zones or oil platforms from low-intensity threats. They are equipped with CODAD propulsion system which gives a 3,500 Nm range at 14 knots speed. The top cruise speed exceeds 25 knots. Both configurations have a relatively light armament (FCS + 76/62 mm gun), with possible insertion of SSM and/or short range SAM.

Starting from the MOSAIC 2.0, all units are offered with a base combat system which can be improved.

This includes:

• a 3D (with IFF) surveillance radar with multi-functional characteristics, providing very quick reaction times;
• a FCS with fully automatic reaction (CIWS), controlling the 76/62 mm SR gun;
• two 25 mm machine guns;
• an anti-aircraft missile system with VLS (Vertical Launch System);
• an anti-ship missile system (SSM);
• a passive ESM (Electronic Support Measures) system, plus rocket launcher and an additional, solid state, active ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) system;
• an ASW suite, composed of Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS), Torpedo Launching system and an additional Variable Depth Sonar (VDS);
• an integrated navigation and telecommunications system.

The MOSAIC 2.0, conceived mainly as multi-mission corvettes, have top continuous speed of 29 knots.

The 2.2 have a range of 4,500 Nm and top continuous speed exceeding 28 knots.

Finally, the 2.4 are light frigates intended as first line units, which CODAG propulsion based on four engines gives a top continuous speed exceeding 30 knots. All the MOSAIC configurations are offered with stern deck and hangar for an 11-tons class helicopter.

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Naval Today Staff , February 09, 2012; Image: orizzontesn