Hämeenmaa class minelayer
- Hämeenmaa class minelayer
The Hämeenmaa class minelayers (Finnish: "Hämeenmaa"-luokan miinalaiva) is two vessel strong class of minelayers, used by the Finnish Navy.
The ships have a steel hull and alloy superstructure. The class has an ice operating classification of ICE-1A and can operate around the year. The design included some first attempts on stealth technology in the Finnish Navy.
During a crisis the main task for the "Hämeenmaa" class ships is minelaying, but the vessels can also act as escort, transport and depot ships.
History
The contract for the "Hämeenmaa" class was originally awarded to Wärtsilä Meriteollisuus, but following its bankruptcy the contract was transferred to Hollming. Turmoil in the Finnish shipbuilding industry didn't stop there. In early 1992 Hollming and Rauma Yards merged their shipbuilding industry to form a new company called Finnyards.
Modernization
Both ships are being modernized 2006-2008. The purpose of the modernization is to firstly upgrade the ships' equipment to fit modern standards, and secondly, to enable the ships to participate in international operations, mainly European Security and Defence Policy operations. They are fitted with weapons systems transferred from the discontinued "Tuuli" class hovercrafts including the Umkhonto missile system. Also a new fire control system, modern monitoring equipment (radar and sonar), and possibly other modernised equipment will be installed.
"Hämeenmaa" was delivered from the dock back to the Navy on 13 April, 2007 and "Uusimaa", which had been under modernization since April 2006 at the Aker Yards dock in Rauma, was delivered on 26 October 2007. "Hämeenmaa" and "Uusimaa" will be conducting sea trials on their new systems until the end of 2008, when operational readiness is achieved. [ [http://www.mil.fi/merivoimat/tiedotteet/3456.dsp www.mil.fi 26.10.2007] ]
Vessels
;FNS "Hämeenmaa":Pennant number: 02.:Builder: Finnyards.:Ordered: 29 December, 1989.:Laid down: 2 April, 1991.:Launched: 11 November, 1991.:Commissioned: 15 April, 1992.:Home base: Pansio.:Current status: In active service.;FNS "Uusimaa":Pennant number: 05.:Builder: Finnyards.:Ordered: 13 February, 1991.:Laid down: 12 November, 1991.:Launched: June 1992.:Commissioned: 2 December, 1992.:Home base: Pansio.:Current status: In active service.
References
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