Aratu-class minesweeper

Last updated
NV Anhatomirim (M-16).jpg
M-16 Anhatomirim underway
Class overview
NameAratu-class minesweeper
OperatorsFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazilian Navy
General characteristics
Type Minesweeper
Displacement253 t (249 long tons) standard, 280 t (276 long tons) full load
Length47.44 m (156 ft)
Beam7.16 m (23 ft)
Draught2.40 m (8 ft)
Installed power4 Maybach diesel engines producing 4,500 BHP
Propulsion2 shafts
Speed24 mph (21 kn)
Range700 nmi (1,296 km) @ 20 kn (23 mph)
Complement32
Armament1 x 40mm 70-caliber Bofors anti-aircraft gun

The Aratu class is class of coastal minesweepers of the Brazilian Navy.

Contents

Design

Built in Germany in the 1970s by yacht-makers Abeking & Rasmussen, the wooden-hulled vessels are immune to magnetically-triggered mines. They conduct missions through magnetic, mechanical and acoustic means. Two shafts are powered by four Maybach diesel engines which produce 4,500 BHP, allowing the vessels to reach speeds of 24 knots. They are fitted with a single 40mm 70-caliber Bofors anti-aircraft gun.

History

Ships

Use

Mine Clearance

Coastal Defence

Versatility

Brazilian Navy

Modern Day

The Aratu-class minesweepers continue to serve in the Brazilian Navy. Currently, there are four active vessels in this class:

  1. M15 NV Aratu
  2. M17 NV Atalaia
  3. M18 NV Araçatuba

Unfortunately, two of the Aratu-class minesweepers have been decommissioned:

Additionally, M20 NV Albardão was also decommissioned on May 21, 2021 2. These wooden-hulled vessels, built in Germany during the 1970s by yacht-makers Abeking & Rasmussen, are uniquely designed to be immune to magnetically-triggered mines. They conduct their missions using magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic means 13. Their specialized capabilities make them valuable assets for coastal defence and mine-clearing operations.

References

  1. "Navio-Varredor "Anhatomirim" deixa serviço ativo da Armada | Com2DN".
  2. "Cerimônia de Mostra de Desarmamento do Navio-Varredor "Albardão" marca sua saída do serviço ativo da Armada". 24 May 2021.