Tuuli class PGAC
(Finland)
|
Name |
No. |
Launch |
Comm |
Decom |
Fate |
|
Tuuli |
10 |
2002 |
2002 |
2005 |
For sale, in storage at Upinniemi |
Notes: This was to be an ambitious programme called “Laivue 2000” for the Finnish navy, starting off with four hovercraft to this design. Much of the technology was obtained from the USN’s LCAC hovercraft. It was envisioned that they would be extremely useful in the Baltic, especially during the winter when the sea freezes over periodically. Various armament options were envisioned. Tuuli took her name from a long-serving Osa class missile boat of the Finnish navy.
In the end, it was decided to proceed with the conventional Hamina class missile boats. Throughout 2005, Tuuli engaged in trials for prospective buyers, she has now been put into storage.
Displacement: 84t Dimensions: 89’9”x50’5”x0
Machinery: 2 Vericor TF40 gas turbines, 2 thrust propellers
Max Speed: 50kts Complement: 10
WEAPONS
Various options were planned, including a six-cell VLS for the Umkhonto SAM, x4 Saab RBS-15 anti-ship missiles, mines, and ASW torpedoes.