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Riverine Support Patrol Vessel
(Patrullera de Apoyo Fluvial PAF)

Fluvial Troop Support / PAF-I / II / III, are a class of heavily armored riverboats built by Cotecmar for the Navy of Colombia more commonly referred to as the Nodriza, the Spanish term for “wet nurse” or “nursemaid”. They were manufactured since 2006, and there are three generations with various improvements. PAF type vessels are part of the concept of a highly protected river vessel and especially a gunship to operate in streams with minimum 1 meter depth. There is already a third generation of river patrol boats gunships, its first and second generation ships evidence on the validity of the idea. These vessels are specialized in unconventional struggle both in rivers and coasts. With the lessons learned in the development of these units have been modified other boats, even simple river tugs.

During the 1980s and 1990s Colombia lived an upsurge of sectarian violence by guerrilla groups and drug dealer as the FARC, ELN, EPL, M-19, ERP, AUC, ACSC among many others. To make dispensaries river patrols old ships, some even left over from the war with Peru in 1934. The capacity of these units was very low and many were lost under fire were used. During the first term of President Uribe in 2002, all these units were specifically designed to be used as primary support armored units.

July Correa, 120 tons, 32 meters long and 8 wide, has a capacity to carry 60 men, including 15 combat element of the river. In addition, you can navigate with full autonomy for 45 days. The ship, which pays posthumous tribute to Staff Sergeant Julio Correa Hernandez, who died on August 23, 1986 in Tres Playitas, Córdoba, underwent a renovation for 11 months with completion in mid-1997, after which was turned into a kind of aquatic pillbox shielded by 80 percent. With this new ship, the Marine strengthen patrols in the Meta and Orinoco rivers, supporting three kinds boats piranha, which by its high maneuverability are used in the counterinsurgency fight.

ARC Socorro and ARC Hernandez, deregistered in 2002, were the first units. The first two units quickly replaced the old dispensary ships during the first week after its launch, they liberarated FARC municipalities of Maria la Baja, Squid, and Mahates.

These vessels, when placed at the head of a Riverine Combat Group (Grupo de Combate Fluvial GCF), hark back to the time of the Vietnam War. There, General Westmoreland’s Mobile Riverine Force was effective in exploiting the capabilities of troop transport, self-containment, survivability and firepower to bring success to the riverine environment. In a similar fashion, the Colombian GCF through the capabilities of the PAF is able to provide overwhelming direct fire support during offensive and defensive riverine and joint land operations.

The unit’s capacity to safely transport troops and protect other transport vessels make it indispensable in the control and neutralization of the rivers and its adjacent land areas. Furthermore, the PAF operational range of approximately 4,000 kilometers allows it to traverse the length of almost any Colombian river and engage in operations. This capability has enabled the GCF to extend operations without the need of forward operating bases.

By all measures, the Riverine Support Patrol Vessel or PAF is one of Colombia’s riverine success stories. This vessel, commonly known as the Nodriza, is now in its fourth generation of development.

The PAF survivability is a key factor that helps the riverine force attain and maintain control of the rivers. The PAFs are well protected ships possessing a Level III special armoring that is in accordance with the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0108.01 regulations. Level III special armor is the second highest level of protection available. As defined by the NIJ, Level III armor can sustain a direct shot from 50 meters by “a 7.62 mm full metal jacketed (U.S. military designation M80) test bullet traveling at a measured velocities of 838 ± 15 m (2850 ± 50 ft) per second.”

This armor covers every exposed area of the ship and extends 20 centimeters (approximately 8 inches) below the water level. In 2004 a PAF type vessel was hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). A 1 foot diameter hole was created on the outer hull and a 2 inch diameter hole was punctured in the inner hull. The ship maintained water integrity. There were no casualties as a result of this attack and only simple “hole cut” repairs were needed to mend the ship.

The PAF is also designed to withstand and survive natural hazards. The engines and propulsion systems are highly adept to the riverine environment. The two German manufactured engines provide 450 BHP (Brake Horse Power) each at 1800 revolutions per minute (RPM). The use of Schottel type SPJ-82RD pump jets, which can inhale up to 2 inch rocks without damage, precludes the need for propellers. Propellers are a common source of catastrophic failure or damage due to the rocks and other natural obstacles present in rivers.

The pump jets have a 360 degree freedom of rotation and are designed never to cavitate. This allows the ship to be extremely maneuverable and exceptionally silent if trying to avoid detection. Of note, the ship can rotate on its axis at 27.5 degrees per second and only requires 1.5 boat lengths from full forward to full stop, making it extremely maneuverable in restricted spaces. The ship is also highly adaptable. It is designed to serve as a mobile supply platform for mid-sized helicopters, host and transport troops, provide fuel for other units, and provide control and maintain communications with air, land and sea assets. The PAF are capable of landing helicopters similar to the Bell 412 or UH-1H. The flight deck has a Level III classification that allows for daylight operations during Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

The aviation fuel tank onboard has a fuel capacity of 2000 gallons. The Bell 412 aircraft has a fuel capacity of 330 gallons for an average 414 nautical mile range. The UH-1H helicopter can hold 211 gallons and has a range of 253 nautical miles. Endurance on these aircraft are 3.5 and 2.8 hours (with no reserve fuel gallons), respectively.150 With 2000 gallons onboard, the PAF could refuel a helicopter over six times if needed

There are three cabins onboard that can house up to 27 crewmen. Functionally, the vessel only requires a 16 person crew to operate. The manpower required on the bridge is also minimal. As a transport, it has three more cabins with the capacity to house 32 fully geared infantry men.153 There is also a galley that can provide sustenance for up to 15 days and an infirmary to treat the wounded.

The PAF is an extremely uncomplicated design. The ship is constructed mainly using off-the-shelf systems: from the engines to the targeting system for its MK19 grenade launcher. The total time required to build one of these units has been reduced from 18 months to 13 months. Everything on the ship can be replaced rapidly and, most importantly, with little cost. The design of the ship allows for mechanics to have full access to both engine compartments and perform all level maintenance on the system without the need of a dry dock. Access to weapon stations and ammunition is all internal. The capabilities that are provided by the Riverine Support Patrol Boats are indispensable. The PAF is armored and well supplied; it was not designed to escape, it was designed to fight. It is this kind of vessel that is needed to exert control and provide security in the riverine environment.

Clase Nodriza, son varios buques

PAF-III