ARATU (M-15) class Weapon Systems // Ships // Mine Warfare

These minesweepers were built to the same design as the German navy's SCHUTZE (Type 340A) class. The first four were ordered in April 1969; the last two in November 1973. The class is considered in need of a complete modernization, if not replacement. HULL: These wood-hull, flush-deck craft have a moderately raked bow with some sheer and a knuckle extending aft to abreast of the bridge; a rubbing strake is laid over the knuckle and continues to the stern. The pilothouse is stepped...