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The Multi Purpose Combat Ship represents the next generation of warships, blending cutting-edge digital technologies with advanced combat capabilities. These vessels are redefining naval operations with their size (143 metres in length and 6,000 tonnes), flexibility and formidable combat features. The first ship in this class, Paolo Thaon di Revel, was commissioned in 2021, marking the beginning of a seven-vessel fleet that will shape the future of naval warfare.
A digital revolution onboard and The Naval Cockpit: A tactical game changer
Among the many innovations aboard the MPCS, the most groundbreaking is its extensive use of digitalisation. The integration of advanced IT systems within military vessels offers a technological edge that revolutionises how these ships operate. One of the standout features of this digital transformation is the “Naval Cockpit”, a significant leap forward in vessel management.
Designed to meet the Italian Navy’s need for an intuitive and highly efficient ship management tool, the Naval Cockpit merges sailing and combat functions into a streamlined interface. It allows for seamless control with a minimal crew, reducing complexity while enhancing operational readiness.
Drawing inspiration from aviation technology, the Naval Cockpit is an integrated system located in the bridge that far surpasses traditional designs. Two officers – pilot and co-pilot – operate the ship’s navigation, platform systems, and combat functions via advanced digital consoles. The cockpit integrates sensors, weapon systems, and communication technologies, allowing for rapid and coordinated responses to any threat.
The MPCS vessel is extremely versatile and designed to carry out a full spectrum of complex symmetric and asymmetric warfare missions in “blue water” operations which are carried out in deep ocean waters; they are also designed for use in littoral areas including to conduct routine patrols and maritime security tasks, such as anti-piracy and combating illegal trafficking. Thanks to its modularity and adaptability, the ship can seamlessly transition from military operations to humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief, where it can support land-based compounds and provide aid for up to 6,000 people. This flexibility ensures the vessel is a vital asset in both defence and crisis response scenarios.
Enhancing Crew Efficiency Through Technology
The Naval Cockpit features a sophisticated interface that dynamically adjusts to different mission requirements, prioritising critical information and automatic routine tasks. This progressive automation is key to maintaining operational efficiency, especially during high-intensity missions. For instance, the automation system allows operators to configure the ship for various operational scenarios with a single command. This reduces crew workload whilst ensuring the vessel is always ready for action.
One notable innovation is the enhanced autopilot system, which incorporates advanced manoeuvring features. Operators can swiftly adjust the ship’s propulsion mode, enhancing its adaptability during fast-paced situations. This capability is further supported by user-friendly graphical interfaces that present real-time data, enabling quick decision-making in challenging environments.
Combat Readiness at a Glance
Central to the Naval Cockpit’s design is the Combat Information Centre, equipped with 18 consoles and interactive screens. This setup allows the crew to manage different threat levels efficiently, adjusting the ship’s armament levels as needed. The layout mirrors that of combat helicopters, with a Commander Chair directly behind the cockpit, where tactical operations can be overseen in real time. This positioning allows for quick, informed decisions during critical situations, ensuring the ship is always prepared for any scenario.
The MPCS introduces a highly effective workload management system, drawing on aeronautical technology as the initial inspiration. This system prioritises tasks, simplifies information to display, and offers alerts when immediate action is required. It also enables “hands-off” operation, allowing the ship to execute complex tasks with minimal manual intervention. By using Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) controls, operators can quickly access essential functions, ensuring smooth and safe operations even in high-pressure environments.
Comprehensive Ship Management Systems (SMS)
At the heart of the MPCS is the Ship Management System (SMS), a state-of-the-art evolution from the traditional Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The SMS acts as the central nervous system of the ship, interfacing with all platform systems for navigation, control, monitoring and decision-making. It integrates seamlessly with the Combat Management System (CMS) and the ship’s maintenance systems, ensuring a fully automated and interconnected vessel.
The SMS represents a new paradigm in naval ship design, where the vessel operates as a “system of systems”. This integrated approach allows for advanced data processing and decision support, making the MPCS not just a warship, but a hub for digital innovation. With the potential for future developments like containerisation and microservices, the MPCS is at the forefront of naval digitalisation.
A Global Benchmark for Naval Excellence
Since their introduction more than three years ago, the second and third MPCS vessels – Francesco Morosini and Raimondo Montecuccoli – have already demonstrated their advanced capabilities during Indo-Pacific naval campaigns in Southeast Asia. These deployments have highlighted the MPCS’s advanced digital features and remarkable human-like interface, as well as its ability to excel in a variety of operational environments, earning admiration and intrigue from naval observers, considering it a best-in-class vessel.
In a significant milestone, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has placed an order for two MPCS vessels, marking the first international sale of these revolutionary digital ships. This order underscores the global recognition of Italian naval technology and Fincantieri’s role as a leader in the field.
The Future of Naval Warfare
With the MPCS, Fincantieri has created a vessel that not only meets the demands of modern naval operations but also anticipates the challenges of the future. Its blend of digitalisation, automation and advanced combat systems makes it a formidable asset in any fleet. As other nations take notice, the MPCS stands poised to become a global benchmark for next-generation warships, ensuring that navies around the world are ready to face the evolving threats of the 21st Century.