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Alta-class minesweeper

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Norwegian Alta-class minesweeper Rauma (M352)
Class overview
NameAlta class
BuildersKværner Mandal, Mandal, Norway
Operators Royal Norwegian Navy
In commission1996–present
Completed5
Active3
Lost1
Retired1
General characteristics [1]
TypeMinesweeper
Displacement375 tonnes[2]
Length55.2 metres
Beam13.6 metres
Height21 metres
Draught2.5 metres
Propulsion
Speed30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range1,500 mi (2,400 km)
Complement32
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament

The Alta class is a ship class of minesweepers operated by the Royal Norwegian Navy. An almost identical class of minehunters is known as the Oksøy class.

Design

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The Alta class was built by Kværner Mandal during 1996 and 1997, while the related Oksøy class was built in 1994 and 1995. A total of nine vessels were built, five minesweepers and four minehunters. The catamaran hull is built in a fibre-reinforced plastic sandwich of very low magnetic signature.[3]

Two large fans located on each side create an air cushion between the two hulls and a front and aft rubber skirt, lifting the vessel, giving small drag and a high cruise speed, as well as low susceptibility to the shock of exploding mines since only a small portion of the hull is actually exposed in the water. Propulsion by water jet, again one in each hull, gives a low acoustic signature. A degaussing system gives the vessels extremely low electromagnetic signature.

Ships

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Alta class[4]
Number Name Builder Commissioned Status
KNM Orkla burning outside Ålesund, Norway in November 2002
M350 Alta Kværner, Mandal 12 January 1996 Scrapped some time prior to 23 July 2022[5]
M351 Otra 8 November 1996
M352 Rauma 2 December 1996
M353 Orkla Destroyed by fire on 19 November 2002[6]
M354 Glomma 1 July 1997 Sold 2009[7]

Service history

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Orkla was destroyed by fire on 19 November 2002.[6] Glomma is no longer in active service. Alta was scrapped along with the Oksøy class M341 Karmøy prior to 23 July 2022

References

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  1. ^ "Oksoy and Alta Class Minesweepers and Minehunters - Naval Technology". naval-technology.com. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  2. ^ "Oksøy-class and Alta-class - Forsvaret.no". Archived from the original on 2017-07-01. Retrieved 2017-05-22.
  3. ^ "Kongsberg to Supply MINESNIPER Mk III Mine Disposal Weapon System to Royal Norwegian Navy". September 20, 2013.
  4. ^ Stephen Saunders, ed. (2004). Jane's Fighting Ships, 2004-2005. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 517. ISBN 0710626231.
  5. ^ "Scrapyard Ships". shipspotting.com. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  6. ^ a b ""Orkla" har kantret". Bergensavisen (in Norwegian). 26 January 2003. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  7. ^ "Sold warships". nettavisen.no. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
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