Patrol Boats
The RAN had 15 Fremantle class patrol boats in service as of 2000. These 42 meter craft were relatively simple and did not carry sophisticated sensors or weapons for their surveillance and enforcement roles. While the question of their replacement was under consideration by the late 1990s, they represented a vital and highly effective component of Australia's national surveillance effort. In a major conflict they could contribute significantly to local patrol and surveillance efforts, particularly for inshore and harbour defence. They can also be used to transport and insert small parties of land forces. In conflict patrol boats can contribute significantly to patrol and surveillance efforts.
| Specifications | Armidale Class | Fremantle Class | Attack Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2005 | 1981 | 1967 |
| Displacement (tonnes) | 270 | 222 | 149 |
| Length (metres) | 56.8 | 41.8 | 32.9 |
| Beam (metres) | 9.5 | 7.1 | 6.1 |
| Draught (metres) | 2.3 | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Engine | 2 x MTU 16V 4000 M70 diesels, 2 x shafts | 2 x MTU 16V 538 TB91 diesels, 2 x shafts | 2 x Paxman 16 cylinder diesels |
| Power (total in hp/kW) | 6220 / 4640 | 6140 / 4580 | 3000 / 2240 |
| Speed (knots) | 25+ | 25 | 20+ |
| Range (nautical miles) | 3000 | 1450 | |
| Complement | 21 | 24 | 19 |
| Armament | 1 x Rafael Typhoon 25mm cannon, 2 x 12.7mm heavy duty machine guns | 1 x Bofors 40/60mm gun, 2 x 12.7 mm general purpose machine guns | 1 x Bofors 40/60mm gun, 1 x light machine gun |
| Countermeasures | PRISM III | ESM: AWA Defence Industries Type 13 PRISM | |
| Radars | Bridgemaster X and S band | Navigation: Kelvin Hughes Type 1006; I-band |
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