Inhaúma-class

Summary

Description

The Inhaúma class corvettes are a series of naval vessels operated by the Brazilian Navy. Originally conceptualized as small frigates, they were domestically built with the design assistance of German company Marine Technik. Despite intentions to construct between 12 to 16 ships, budgetary restraints led to a production of only five corvettes due to Brazil's economic challenges. This class of ships had their origins with the first two being constructed at the Arsenal de Marinha in Rio de Janeiro and the subsequent pair by Verolme, with the second pair eventually being completed by Arsenal de Marinha following Verolme's bankruptcy in 1991. The corvettes began service in 1989, spanning until 2008.

In terms of design, these corvettes were engineered using a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system. Their initially standard displacement was noted at 1,700 tonnes, increasing to 2,170 tonnes at full load, with a length of over 90 meters and a top speed of 27 knots. Over time, the standard displacement decreased slightly, and the full load displacement rose. The Inhaúma class was equipped to accommodate both a helicopter on its stern deck and a well-rounded suite of weapons, including Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, a Mk 8 114 mm gun, Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and Mk 32 324 mm torpedo tubes for Mk 46 torpedoes. Plans for a Vulcan Phalanx CIWS were scrapped due to stability concerns, and indigenous Brazilian missiles were considered but not implemented. The ships' capabilities were bolstered through various radar and sonar systems alongside electronic countermeasures for comprehensive naval warfare.

Technical specifications