Corvettes and Patrol Craft

Armidale Class Patrol Boat
14 Armidale Class patrol boats have been commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy.	First of class, HMAS Armidale (83) was commissioned in June 2005.	HMAS Maryborough (95) was commissioned December 2007.
HMAS Armidale conducting trials in Cockburn Sound, Rockingham, Western Australia.	The main roles of the Armidale Class are surveillance and the apprehension; and escort to port of vessels suspected of illegal fisheries, customs or immigration offences.	At a cruise speed of 12kt, the Armidale boats have a range of 3,000nm.
HMAS Maryborough (95) in Sydney harbour.	The Armidale vessels are multi-crewed (more crews than boats), resulting in overall higher usage of the boats.

Austal 30m Coastguard Fast Patrol Craft
Six 30m aluminium fast patrol craft are being produced for the Trinidad and Tobago Coastguard.	The fast patrol boats during sea trials.	The patrol boats will be deployed in internal waters, the archipelagic territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone of Trinidad and Tobago.
The patrol craft are built at Austal's facilities in Henderson, Western Australia.	The patrol craft achieved over 40kt speed and small tactical diameter and short crash stop distance.

Barzan (Vita) Class
QENS Huwar deployed on manoeuvres.	Weapons control is provided by the Thales Nederland STING optronic director and the IRSCAN infra-red search and track system.	QENS Barzan on patrol.
QENS Al Udeid and QENS Al Debeel – the second pair of Vita Class fast attack craft delivered to the Qatar Emiri Navy in 1998.	QENS Al Deebel.	The 30mm Thales Nederland Goalkeeper close-in weapon system is positioned at the rear.
The Sting EO fire control radar and electro-optical tracking system plus the Oto Melara 76mm/62 super rapid naval gun.

Baynunah Class
The Baynunah corvettes have a stealthy superstructure and a low draught which allows operation in shallow waters.	Six Baynunah Class corvettes are being built for the United Arab Emirates.	The main roles of the Baynunah corvettes will be patrol and surveillance, minelaying and other anti-surface warfare operations.
The corvettes are based on CMN's BR70 70m design with a stealthy superstructure, a helicopter landing deck and a hangar.	The program includes a technology transfer arrangement between Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie (CMN) and Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB), with ADSB as prime contractor.	Outline drawing of the Baynunah corvette. The vessel has a stern helicopter deck with a single landing spot for a medium-sized helicopter such as the Eurocopter AS 565 Panther, in service with the UAE.
The corvette will be armed with the Mk 48 vertical launcher for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), which has a new rocket motor and tail control to provide increased speed, range and manoeuvrability.

Chamsuri Class / Patrol Killer Medium Craft
The Chamsuri Class patrol craft first entered service with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).	The Philippine Navy boats are designated as the Tomas Batillo Class.	Chamsuri Class patrol boats are replaced with the new Gumdoksuri Class patrol vessels.
A 20mm Vulcan automatic cannon can also be fitted on the boat.

Commandante Class
The first of class, Commandante Cigala Fulgosi (P490), entered service with the Italian Navy in 2002.	The second vessel, Commandante Borsini (P491), also commissioned in 2002.	The Selex Sistemi Integrati combat system handles fire control, internal and external communications, message handling and blind pilotage.
Outline drawing of the NUMC (New Minor Combatant), now called the Commandante Class.	The Selex NA-25 radar and optronic director provides fire control for the main gun.	The Commandante has a stern helicopter deck and retractable hangar for an NH 90 or AB 212 helicopter.
The Selex RAN-30X/I multi-mode radar operating at X band.

Eilat Class
For its size, the Sa'ar 5 corvette design claims the lowest acoustic, infrared and radar signature.	INS Eilat, the first of class.	US Navy Kaman SH-2Fs can be accomodated by the Eilat Class Sa'ar 5 corvettes.
The Sa'ar 5 is a stable, high-speed platform incorporating stealth technology to minimise radar cross section and infrared and acoustic signatures.	Weaponry includes 130km-range Harpoon missiles.	The Phalanx mk15 close-in weapon system which can fire 3,000 rounds a minute.
The maximum speed of the Eilat Class Sa'ar 5 Corvettes is 33kt.

Fearless Class
Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd have built twelve Fearless class 55m patrol vessels for the Singapore Navy.	The Fearless is powered by two new generation MTU 12V 595 TE 90 engines coupled to ZF gear boxes.	The first six vessels are configured for anti-submarine warfare and equipped with torpedoes; the second six are used for patrol and other missions.
The Fearless' ergonomically designed wheelhouse.	Fearless patrol vessels are fitted with waterjet propulsion for increased manoeuvrability.	The Fearless class patrol vessels are equipped with sophisticated MTU Ship Control Monitoring and Management Systems (SCMMS).

Flyvefisken Class (SF 300)
HDMS Hajen second of the Flyvefisken class.	HDMS Havkatten, third of the Flyvefisken class.	Weapon and equipment containers can be easily changed in less than an hour. The alignment of gun systems may require a few more hours.
The 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun in its container.	The SF 300 loaded with mines.	The standard console of the Standard Flex 300
The radar tracker of the Flexfire weapon control system which can control a variety of Flyvefisken Classgun and missile systems.	The bridge console of the ship's control and supervisory system with the ship handling panel to the right.

Gowind Corvettes
The Gowind family of corvettes (l-r) – action, 2,000t presence, 1,000t control and 2,000t combat.	The Gowind combat corvette (Multi-Mission Combatant) is equipped with full-scale mission systems for multi-threat response including a full anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite with a towed array sonar.	The 2,000t Gowind presence corvette (High Seas Master) has a sustained capacity for long-range intervention and long periods at sea.
The Gowind action corvette (Deterrent Warrior) is equipped with a suite of anti-air and anti-surface sensors and weapons systems including air defence and anti-ship missiles.	The 1,000t Gowind control corvette (Sovereignty Enforcer) is designed for patrol and sovereignty enforcement in littoral and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters.	The design of the Gowind bridge allows 360° panoramic surveillance.

Gumdoksuri Class
The lead ship of the Gumdoksuri Class, the Yoon Young-ha (PKX 711), was launched on 28 June 2007 by Hanjin Heavy Industries (HHI).	A South Korean Navy petty officer. The vessels will be deployed near the inter-Korean maritime border to help protect and defend ROKN's interests in the ocean.	The Gumdoksuri Class is outfitted with an independent technology combat system, which consists of an EOTS and tracking radar. The search radar can identify more than 100 targets simultaneously.

K130 Braunschweig Class Corvette
FGS Braunschweig (F260), launched in April 2006 and commissioned in April 2008, is the first of a class of five corvettes built for the German Navy.	The K130 corvettes are designed to support operations of a multi-national crisis reaction force and for littoral warfare.	FGS Ludwigshafen am Rhein (F264) was launched on 27 September 2007.
The K130 corvettes are armed with RBS15 anti-ship missiles, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system for point defence and 76mm gun.	The K130 corvettes are designed with stealth features and low draft. A high level of automation and integration allows the corvettes to be operated by a crew of 50 (artist's impression).	The Thales Naval Nederland provides electro-optic surveillance and fire control for the K130 corvettes. Sensors include colour TV camera, infrared camera, eyesafe laser rangefinder.

Kingston Class
HMCS Kingston first of Class launched 1995.	HMCS Glace Bay. 6 ships are stationed on the east coast for operations on the Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic and six ships are based on the Pacific Coast.	HMCS Glace Bay second of Class on trials.
The launching of the Shawinigan.	The Shawinigan about to embark on trials.	Vessel schematic.

Laksamana Class
The 650t Laksamana class missile corvette.	The citadel is NBC warfare protected.	Six Otomat Teseo Mark 2 missile launchers, three pointing to port and three pointing starboard.
The engines provide a dash speed of 36 knots, a maximum sustained speed of 34 knots and an economical speed of 18 knots.	The ship's main gun is the 76mm 62 calibre Oto Melara Super Rapid.	The ship's medium-range air defence system is the Albatros.
The first two ships, Hang Nadim and Tun Abdul Jamil.	Laksamana Class vessels, Muhammed Amin (F136) and Tun Pusman (F137) on manoeuvres.

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
The General Dynamics team design is a high-speed trimaran with a slender stabilised monohull.	The Lockheed Martin team design is a high-speed semi-planing monohull.	Cutaway of GD design showing internal spaces for mission modules.
Lockheed Martin design showing internal spaces and helicopter hangar.	Both designs have a helicopter deck and hangar and are capable of launch and recovery of the MH-60R/S helicopter and a tactical UAV. (GD design shown)	Bow of the Lockheed Martin design.
Preliminary core configuration of mission and combat systems - GD design.	Outline of weapon system placement - Lockheed Martin design.	General Dynamics has built LCS 2, which was launched in April 2008.
Lockheed Martin has built LCS 1, which was commissioned in November 2008.

M80 Stiletto Next-Generation Military Vessel
The US Department of Defense is now conducting field trials of M80 Stiletto.	The vessel has participated in Trident Warrior joint-force exercises off the California coast.	The M80 Stiletto can reach speeds of 50kt to 60kt.
The M80 Stiletto was developed for high-speed military missions in shallow, littoral and near-shore waters.	The hull of the M80 vessels does not require foils or lifting devices to achieve a smooth ride at high speed or in rough conditions.	The M80 Stiletto creates an air cushion by recapturing the bow wave and using its energy.

MEKO A Class
The Meko A-200 frigate built for the South African Navy.	The Valour Class (Meko A-200) is armed with Exocet anti-ship and Umkhonto surface-to-air missiles.	Outline drawing of the Meko A-200 SAN showing arrangement of weapons and systems.
CODAG WARP (Combined Diesel and Gas - Water Jet and Refined Propeller) propulsion system of the A-200 SAN.	The A-200’s stealth design incorporates measures to reduce the ship’s radar, thermal and acoustic signatures.	The Kedah Class (Meko A-100) patrol vessel being built for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
A MEKO 140 Espora Class Corvette of the Argentine Navy.	MEKO A Class combat ships evolved from the MEKO family of ships, here is a MEKO 200T series of the Turkish Navy.	The Turkish frigate Barbaros a modified MEKO 200-type.

Milgem Class
TCG Heybeliada (F-511), the lead ship of the Milgem Class corvettes, was launched in September 2008.	Milgem Class corvettes are being built for the Turkish Navy.	The first two vessels are built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command.
The S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter can be operated from the corvette.

Minerva Class Corvette
The Minerva F551 was set in the Riva Trigoso shipyard on 11 March 1985, and launched a year later in 1986.	Urania F552 derived its name from the muse, who were described as the mythological protector of arts, science and deity of all other forms of knowledge.	Italian Navy received the Danaide F553 in February 1988.
The old Danaide F563 (Gabbiano Class).	The Gabbiano Class of Sfinge F554 was originally designed to have a displacement of 740t when fully loaded.	Draide F555 entered the Minerva Class on 7 September 1991.
Chimera F556 was delivered to the Italian Navy on 15 January 1991.	The Fenice F557 derived its name from Egyptian mythology and originally belonged to the Gabbiano Class.	The Sibilla F558 was built at Riva Trigoso shipyard and was delivered to the Italian Navy on 16 May 1991.

Mirage Class (Type 14310)
Model of Mirage Class (Type 14310).	The AK-306 automatic artillery system.	The Igla-1M portable air defence missile system.
Model of Mirage Class (Type 14310).	Line drawing of Mirage Class (Type 14310).

Nakhoda Ragam Class
The Nakhoda Ragam class of 1,940t offshore patrol vessels built for Brunei by BAE Systems.	The first of its class, Nakhoda Ragam, was launched in January 2001.	The launch of the third vessel, the Jerambak, took place in June 2002.
The vessels are armed with Exocet MM40 Block II anti-ship missiles.	The ship's surface-to-air missile is the vertical-launch Seawolf, which has a range of up to 6km against aircraft or missiles.	The Nautis command and weapons control system.
The ship design is a based on BAE Systems F2000 family.	Launch of the final vessel of the class at the Scotstoun shipyard of BAE Systems Marine.

POVZEE
The POVZEE (patrullero oceánico de vigilancia de la zona económica exclusiva) vessels are being built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia for the Venezuelan Navy.	The POVDEE ships are being built at Navantia's Puerto Real shipyard in the province of Cadiz, Spain.	The steel of the first vessel, Caribe, was cut in November 2007 and the keel was laid in September 2008.
The POVZEE vessels can be deployed in search and rescue operations, marine pollution control operations, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and anti-smuggling missions.

Qahir Class
Developed by Vosper Thornycroft from the well proven Mk9 Corvette, this 83m Corvette design has already been sold.	The hull and superstructure have been designed to minimise the radar cross section.	The corvette's short range surface-to-air missile system is the Thales Crotale NG launch unit with the VT-1 missile.
The Qahir Class Corvette on manouvres.	RNOV Qahir Al Amwaj, first-of Class.	RNOV Al Mua'zzar armed with the Exocet missile.
The Super Barricade Decoy System.

River Class
HMS Tyne (P281) is the first of the River Class offshore patrol vessels, built by Vosper Thorneycroft for the UK Royal Navy.	HMS Severn (P282) was commissioned in June 2003.	The bridge of HMS Tyne.
The River Class vessel is powered by two Ruston 12 RK 270 medium speed diesel engines, rated at 4,125kW, driving twin controllable pitch propellers.	HMS Mersey (P283) commissioned in December 2003.	The River Class is deployed for fishery protection and other patrol missions around the United Kingdom.
River Class vessels have a large working cargo deck that can carry mission equipment for roles such as disaster relief, anti-pollution, fire-fighting, rescue work or interception of other vessels.	The vessels have a speed of 20 knots and a range of 7,800nm at 12 knots.

Roisin Class
The LE Roisin offshore patrol vessel entered service with the Irish Naval Service in September 1999.	The second of class, LE Niamh, P52, entered service in July 2001.	The Roisin Class has a maximum speed of 22 knots with a range of 6,000 miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.
The ship is armed with an Oto Melara 76 mm gun installed on the bow gun deck.	The bridge of the Roisin Class has systems provided by Marine Electronic Systems (MES) of Southampton.	Three rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are deployed from each ship - two 6.5 metres and one 5.4 metres.

Roussen Class (62m Super Vita)
The 62m Roussen Class fast attack craft for the Hellenic Navy of Greece.	The fast attack craft will be armed with Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, RAM air defence missiles and a 76mm main gun.	Mirador electro-optical target tracker.
Sting fire control system.	Scout Mark II low probability of intercept radar.	The Tacticos combat management system is integrated with Exocet missiles, 76mm gun, 30mm guns, RAM system, DR 3000 electronic support measures and chaff launcher.
Outline of the 62m fast attack craft for the Hellenic Navy.

Saettia MK4, Diciotti Class Patrol Vessel
Italy's Fincantieri is building four Saetti MK4s for the Iraqi Navy, based on Dicotti Class patrol boats.	The Saettis have longer length and more power than the Dicotti Class boats, as well as allowing a larger crew.	The Iraqi Navy is set to take over maritime security in two years, after it had to rebuild itself following the Gulf War.

Skjold Class
The Skjold Class missile fast patrol boat.	The first of class, KNM Skjold (P-960), was commissioned in April 1999.	The Skjold has an air-cushioned catamaran hull and waterjet propulsion, which provides high speed and manoeuvrability.
The US Navy has assessed the Skjold for the littoral combat ship (LCS) programme.	The Skjold Class will be armed with the new NSM anti-ship missile when it enters service.	KNM Skjold's faceted external shape and the use of radar absorbing materials embedded in the structure contribute to the vessel's stealth features.
The Skjold Class will be built at the Umoe Mandal shipyard.	The shallow draft on air cushion gives the advantage of access to shallow coastal waters.	KNM Skjold has two gas turbine engines driving the waterjets. New build vessels will have four.
Maximum speed of the vessel is more than 100km/h.	The Skjold's composite structure gives a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Um Al Maradim Class (Combattante I)
The Um Al Maradim Class of missile attack craft built for Kuwait by CMN of France.	Combattante I is fitted with Thales MRR three-dimensional radar.	Maskan (P3717) pictured was delivered in 1998.
Um Al Maradim Class bridge controls and displays.	The attack craft are armed with two twin launchers for the MBDA Sea Skua missiles.	Combattante 1 platform monitoring and control displays.
The propulsion system is based on two 2.94MW diesel engines supplied by MTU.

Visby Class
The Visby Class of stealth corvettes is being built for the Swedish Navy.	The first four Visby corvettes are for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).	The Visby (K31) was launched in June 2000 and is due to commission in 2006.
The stealth features of the Visby are designed to minimise detection.	The hull material is a sandwich construction comprising a PVC core with a carbon fibre and vinyl laminate.	The vessel has ROVs for mine hunting and mine disposal.
The Visby is armed with rocket powered grenade launchers, depth charges and torpedoes for ASW.	The Bofors 57mm Mark III gun fires up to 220 rounds/minute.	The Visby combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion.
The corvettes will be equipped with eight RBS 15 anti-ship missiles.	General data on the Visby Class corvette.

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