Aratu-class minesweeper
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.jpg) M-16 Anhatomirim underway
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Aratu-class minesweeper |
| Operators |  Brazilian Navy |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Minesweeper |
| Displacement | 253 t (249 long tons) standard, 280 t (276 long tons) full load |
| Length | 47.44 m (156 ft) |
| Beam | 7.16 m (23 ft) |
| Draught | 2.40 m (8 ft) |
| Installed power | 4 Maybach diesel engines producing 4,500 BHP |
| Propulsion | 2 shafts |
| Speed | 24 mph (21 kn) |
| Range | 700 nmi (1,296 km) @ 20 kn (23 mph) |
| Complement | 32 |
| Armament | 1 x 40mm 70-caliber Bofors anti-aircraft gun |
The Brazilian Navy operates six coastal minesweepers of the Aratu class.
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
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Ships
- M15 NV Aratù
- M16 NV Anhatomirim (To be decommissioned on November 25, 2016)
- M17 NV Atalaia
- M18 NV Araçatuba
- M19 NV Abrolhos (In reserve)
- M20 NV Albardão
- M21 NV Bítchō