Aratu-class minesweeper: Difference between revisions

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Aratu''-class minesweeper}}

{|{{Infobox ship begin |display title=''Aratu''-class minesweeper}}

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|Ship image=NV Anhatomirim (M-16).jpg

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|Ship caption=M-16 ''Anhatomirim'' underway

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{{Infobox ship class overview

|Name=''Aratu''-class minesweeper

|Operators= {{navynaval|BRABrazil}}

}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics

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|Ship displacement= {{convert|253|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} standard, {{convert|280|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} full load

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|Ship length= {{convert|47.44|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

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The '''''Aratu'' class''' is class of coastal [[minesweepers]] of the [[Brazilian Navy]].

The [[Brazilian Navy]] operates six coastal [[minesweepers]] of the '''''Aratu-class'''''. Built in Germany in the 1970s by yacht-makers Abeking & Rasmussen, the wooden-hulled vessels are immune to [[Magnetic mine|magnetically-triggered]] mines. They conduct missions through magnetic, mechanical and acoustic means. Two shafts are powered by four Maybach [[diesel engine]]s 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.

== Design ==

The [[Brazilian Navy]] operates six coastal [[minesweepers]] of the '''''Aratu-class'''''. Built in Germany in the 1970s by yacht-makers Abeking & Rasmussen, the wooden-hulled vessels are immune to [[Magnetic mine|magnetically-triggered]] mines. They conduct missions through magnetic, mechanical and acoustic means. Two shafts are powered by four Maybach [[diesel engine]]s 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 ==

{{Expand section|date=November 2016}}

==Ships==

* M15 NV Aratu

* M16 NV Anhatomirim (decommissioned on December 5, 2016)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.marinha.mil.br/com2dn/navio-varredor-anhatomirim-deixa-servico-ativo-da-armada | title=Navio-Varredor "Anhatomirim" deixa serviço ativo da Armada &#124; Com2DN }}</ref>

* M17 NV Atalaia

* M18 NV Araçatuba

* M19 NV Abrolhos (decommissioned on August 20, 2015)

* M20 NV Albardão (decommissioned on May 21, 2021<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.marinha.mil.br/noticias/cerimonia-de-mostra-de-desarmamento-do-navio-varredor-albardao-marca-sua-saida-do-servico | title=Cerimônia de Mostra de Desarmamento do Navio-Varredor "Albardão" marca sua saída do serviço ativo da Armada | date=24 May 2021 }}</ref>)

== Use ==

=== Mine Clearance ===

* These vessels were specifically designed for '''mine-clearing operations'''.

* Their wooden hulls made them '''immune to magnetically-triggered mines''', which is a crucial advantage in mine-infested waters.

* Using various methods (magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic), they could detect and neutralize [[underwater mine]]s, ensuring safe navigation for other ships.

=== Coastal Defence ===

* Aratu-class [[minesweeper]]s played a vital role in '''coastal defence'''.

* Their ability to sweep and remove mines near shorelines protected harbours, ports, and coastal infrastructure.

* By keeping these areas clear of potential threats, they enhanced national security.

=== Versatility ===

* Despite their wooden construction, these vessels were surprisingly versatile.

* They could operate effectively in different environments, including shallow waters close to the coast.

* Their compact size allowed them to access areas larger ships couldn’t reach.

=== Brazilian Navy ===

* The Brazilian Navy deployed the Aratu-class minesweepers to safeguard its [[territorial waters]].

* These ships contributed significantly to maintaining [[maritime security]] and ensuring safe passage for both military and civilian vessels.

== Modern Day ==

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

# '''M15 NV Aratu'''

# '''M17 NV Atalaia'''

# '''M18 NV Araçatuba'''

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

* '''M16 NV Anhatomirim''' (decommissioned on December 5, 2016) 1.

* '''M19 NV Abrolhos''' (decommissioned on August 20, 2015) 2.

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.

==BibliographyReferences==

{{reflist}}

*http://www.deagel.com/Auxiliary-Vessels/Aratu_a002135001.aspx

{{Ship classes of the Brazilian Navy}}

http://www.worldwarships.com/class/schutze

<BR>

http://www.deagel.com/Auxiliary-Vessels/Aratu_a002135001.aspx

[[Category:Minesweepers of the Brazilian Navy]]

[[Category:Mine warfare vessel classes]]