StanFlex StanFlex ( also known as STANFLEX or Standard Flex ) is a modular mission payload system used by the " Kongelige Danske Marine " ( Royal Danish Navy , KDM ) . Originally conceived during the 1980s as a way of replacing several classes of minor war vessel with a single class of multi - role ships ( the " Flyvefisken " class ) , the StanFlex system consists of weapons and equipment mounted in standardised containers , which can be loaded into slots on the ships . These containers can be swapped out in a short period of time , allowing the ship to switch between roles when needed . The success of the modular payload system led the KDM to design all new warships with StanFlex slots , and to install slots on older vessels during major refits . By 2012 , nine ship classes capable of carrying StanFlex payloads will be in service . Development . During the early 1980s , the KDM required replacements for three classes of minor war vessel , but could not afford to replace all 22 ships on a one - for - one basis . Instead of building dedicated replacements for each role , the KDM came up with the idea for a single vessel design which could be modified to assume a particular role when needed . Equipment common to all roles would be built into the ship , while mission specific payloads would be built into modules , which could be fitted into standardised slots aboard the ship when needed . This modular payload system came to be known as " Standard Flex " , or " StanFlex " for short . Feasibility studies during 1983 and 1984 led to the design of the Standard Flex 300 vessel ( later named the " Flyvefisken " class ) ; 16 of which could replace the 22 previous vessels . These were long , 320 - ton patrol vessel s , fitted with one Standard Flex slot forward and three aft . The modules themselves were designed by the Naval Materiel Command and Promecon A / S . Construction commenced in July 1985 , with 14 vessels ( 2 having been cancelled in 1993 ) commissioned by mid - 1996 . As other warship types were replaced , the new vessels were designed to carry StanFlex modules . Module design and use . Stanflex modules are constructed by Monberg & Thorsen . Each module is housed in a stainless steel container measuring in length , in width , and in height . Precision - machined flanges ensure that the module accurately mates up with connections for power , ventilation , communications , water , and data . The weapon or system is mounted on the roof of the module , while the machinery , electronics , and supporting equipment are housed within . Modules are usually installed and replaced by a 15 - ton capacity mobile crane . A module can be swapped out and replaced within half an hour , and after system testing completed , the ship is ready to deploy within a few hours . However , refresher training for the ship ' s crew will take significantly longer . Standardised consoles are fitted in the combat information centre : the console ' s role is defined by the software installed , which can be quickly replaced . The ease of installation and use is compared by naval personnel to another Danish product : Lego . Inventory . As of 2001 , the KDM inventory of StanFlex modules included : By 2006 , there were 101 units of 11 types . Ships with StanFlex . As of 2012 , nine ship classes were capable of using StanFlex modules .