Albatros-class (Type 143)

Summary

Description

The Type 143 Albatros class was a fleet of missile-bearing fast attack craft constructed by the German shipbuilders Lürssen and Kröger to replace the older Type 141 Seeadler class. Named after birds of prey, this class included crafts such as the albatross, condor, and cormorant. The ships served the German Navy before being retired and sold to other countries in 2005.

The development of the Albatros class began with the design requirements being finalized in October 1966, and the order was placed in July 1972. These vessels were constructed with a composite hull designed to displace 398 tonnes. Each craft accommodated a crew of 40 and was built for speed and agility, powered by four MTU 16V 956 TB91 diesel engines. The output of 17,700 horsepower allowed these boats to reach speeds of up to 40 knots, and they could cover a range of 1,300 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 30 knots.

The Albatros class was heavily armed, featuring two OTO-Melara 76 mm guns positioned fore and aft for both anti-ship and anti-air warfare. For targeted missile strikes, the boats were equipped with four MM38 Exocet anti-ship missiles in two dual mounts located behind the bridge but ahead of the rear gun. Additionally, each craft housed two 533 mm torpedo tubes that fired Seal wire-guided torpedoes from an aft position. Electronically, the vessels boasted SMA 3 RM 20 navigational radars and WM27 surface search and fire-control radar systems. Countermeasure equipment included a Buck-Wegmann Hot Dog decoy launcher and a DAG 2200 Wolke chaff launcher to protect against enemy missiles and radar detection.

During their operational history, the Albatros class were organized into two squadrons: S61–S65 formed the 2nd Schnellboot Geschwader, and S66–S70 were part of the 7th Schnellbootgeschwader. Both squadrons were stationed at the naval base in Warnemünde. The Albatros class served Germany faithfully until their retirement in 2005.

Following their decommissioning, the vessels found new life abroad. Tunisia acquired six boats, which had their Exocet missile launchers removed but retained the guns and torpedo systems. On the other hand, Ghana purchased two of these vessels in 2010 for a reported cost of €28 million. The transactions allowed these nations to bolster their naval capabilities with proven and effective fast attack crafts from the German Navy’s former lineup.

Technical specifications

Photo of Albatros class