Lerici-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Category | Mine |
| Subtype | Minehunter |
| Manufacturer | Intermarine SpA |
| Year commissioned | 1985 |
| Units | Algerian National Navy: 1 in service, 2 on order.;Royal Australian Navy: 6 Huon subclass in service.;Finnish Navy: 3 Katanpää subclass in service.;Marina Militare: 2 Lerici class and 8 Gaeta subclass in service, 2 Lerici class in reserve.;Royal Malaysian Navy: 4 Mahamiru subclass in service.;Nigerian Navy: 2 Ohue subclass in service.;Royal Thai Navy: 2 Lat Ya subclass in service.; |
| Current operators | 🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇮🇹 Italy |
Description
The Lerici class minehunters, constructed by Intermarine SpA for the Italian Navy, include two subclasses: the original four-vessel Lerici subclass and the subsequent eight-vessel Gaeta subclass (referred to as "second series Lericis"). Beyond Italy, this class has influenced designs for the Royal Malaysian Navy (Mahamiru class), the Nigerian Navy, the United States Navy (Osprey class), the Royal Australian Navy (Huon class), the Royal Thai Navy (Lat Ya class), and the Finnish Navy (Katanpää class). South Korea has created an unlicensed derivative known as the Ganggyeong class.
These minehunters were manufactured between 1985 and 1996, designed to effectively and safely locate and dispose of mines. The ships are engineered to maintain position with active rudders powered by diesel-engine generators, even at a reduced speed suitable for mine-warfare operations. They have a range of 1,500 nautical miles at operational speed, with a complement of 47 personnel including officers, clearance divers, and ratings. The vessels are equipped with advanced equipment such as a hyperbaric chamber, mechanical minesweeping system, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for mine investigation, sonar systems, and combat management systems. Initial armament included an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon, later replaced by a Browning M2 12.7 mm.
The Gaeta subclass's eight vessels present marginal design improvements compared to the original Lericis, including increased displacement and hull length and different positioning of the communications mast. These ships are upgraded with more advanced versions of the sonar systems, ROVs, and navigation radars. The vessels underwent a mid-life update program that began in 2010 and includes newer sonar, combat management systems, hyperbaric chambers, and mine disposal vehicles.
Internationally, the Lerici design has been adapted with variations to meet specific requirements. The Royal Malaysian Navy's Mahamiru class features two diesel engines for a higher maximum speed, different sonar, radar, and ROVs, and an increased crew complement. Two of these were modernized in 2008 to extend their service life.
The Nigerian Navy acquired a version of the class based on the Mahamiru design, but with reduced speed and slightly different weaponry. Both of their vessels were undergoing refurbishment as of 2013.
The Osprey-class ships for the United States Navy were larger than standard Lerici ships with different propulsion and mine disposal systems. They were decommissioned between 2006 and 2007, with several transferred to other navies.
The Royal Australian Navy's Huon class, larger than the Gaetas, deployed advanced sonar systems, mine disposal vehicles, and different armaments, all managed with a smaller crew.
The Lat Ya class for the Royal Thai Navy possessed a greater displacement, utilized different radar and sonar systems, ROVs, and weaponry; two variants were constructed with six more planned but canceled.
Finland's Katanpää class, while based on Huon's design, showcased a redesigned superstructure and operational improvements.
South Korea's Ganggyeong class consisted of smaller and less capable ships, which were an unlicensed derivative of the Lerici class.
Overall, the Lerici class minehunters have been a successful export product for Intermarine SpA, influencing various international naval forces with their advanced mine warfare capabilities, although some limitations on export policies and construction requirements have influenced their international sales and adaptations.
Technical specifications
| Lerici | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 620 tons |
| Range | 2500 km |
| Crew | 47 members |
| Width | 9.56 m (31.4 ft) |
| Length | 52.5 m (172.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | - , driving a single variable pitch propeller |
| Armament | 2 x Oerlikon 20 mm cannon |
| Maximum speed | 14 knots |