KARLSRUHE

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Explosive tests evaluated

The German Military Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71) has completed the explosive tests with the decommissioned "Karlsruhe" in the restricted area of ​​Schönhagen in the Baltic Sea. In total, the explosive tests were carried out in two rounds with with 50 kilograms of explosives and with 175 kilograms. Overall, the tests went according to plan and the measures taken to protect the marine environment also had an effect. The optical monitoring as well as the deterrent measures and the double bubble curtain ensured that the impact on the marine environment could be reduced to a minimum. The former figate was towed back to Kiel, and the evaluation phase is now beginning, in which the large number of measurement data generated by the installed sensors and recording devices will be processed. In addition, the ship was measured using special methods in order to detect possible deformations in the ship's structure. It is hoped that this will provide extensive information on the effects of explosive devices and sea mines, which could be of great relevance for the construction of future naval ships. At the same time, preparations are already underway for further tests in the coming year. Further blasting with the ex "Karlsruhe" on a comparable scale is expected to take place in mid-October 2025. Report with photo: https://www.leinetal24.de/na-pressemitteilungen/ansprengungen-in-der-ostsee-abgeschlossen-wtd-71-zieht-positive-bilanz-zr-93382367.html

Explosives tests completed

On Oct 22 and Oct 24, the German army attacked the decommissioned "Karlsruhe" with explosives in the Baltic Sea to test how vulnerable the navy's ships are. Early on the afternoon, the frigate was again blown up about four kilometers off the coast of Schönhagen (Rendsburg-Eckernförde district). This time, a much larger explosive charge was used. On Oct 22, about 50 kilograms of explosives were used, this time it was 175 kilograms. The explosive charge was intended to imitate a sea mine. The explosion went according to plan. It was the last explosives test for this year. The ship was deliberately damaged with explosives in order to find out how explosions affect the ship and the crew, in this case crash test dummies. The findings are to be incorporated into new ship construction projects. The two explosions and their evaluation were technically carried out by the Military Technical Office 71 (WTD 71) in Eckernförde, which reports to the Koblenz Federal Armed Forces Procurement Office, which will draw conclusions about the consequences of such explosions on the existing fleet and take them into account when building new ships. The 'Karlsruhe' was taken back to Kiel. Report with video: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Fregatte-Karlsruhe-mit-175-Kilogramm-Sprengstoff-angegriffen,marine1496.html

Explosive test postponed

The first of two explosive tests was actually supposed to be carried out on Oct 21, 2024, in the restricted area of ​​Schönhagen in front of Port Olpenitz (Schleswig-Flensburg district) and Damp (Rendsburg-Eckernförde district). A navy tug towed the decommissioned frigate from Kiel on Oct 18. The current weather conditions, however, did not allow the planned test on the frigate. It has therefore been postponed until Oct 22 and Oct 24. The ship is to be attacked with mines to to find out how much damage this causes. In advance, the German Navy had developed new safety measures together with environmental associations, among others. The two explosions and their evaluation are being technically carried out by the Military Technical Office 71 (WTD 71) in Eckernförde, which reports to the German Armed Forces Procurement Office in Koblenz. The experts from Eckernförde are also creating a so-called double bubble curtain around the former frigate in order to intercept the pressure wave of the explosions and reduce the impact on the environment, for example on porpoises. According to the Federal Office, the aim of the two demolition tests is to investigate the effects of explosions on the ship's hull and crew. With the results of the demolitions, conclusions can be drawn about the consequences of such explosions on the existing fleet and take them into account when building new ships.