Spanish Navy OPV ‘Relámpago’ Arrives to South Africa

The Spanish Navy OPV “Relámpago”, designed and built by Navantia, has arrived to South Africa and will be in Cape Town from 19^th to 22^nd. December. Due to this event, the visitors will have the opportunity to know the capabilities of the ship.

Navantia is a potential candidate for the BIRO program, in which this ship can be adapted to the requirements of the South African Navy.

Particulars of the ship

This OPV is a medium sized, multipurpose and high performance ship with great versatility regarding missions, enjoys a high level of system commonality with other Spanish Navy ships and has low acquisition and life cycle costs.

Her main missions are:

• Protection and escort of other ships
• Control of maritime traffic
• Control and neutralisation of terrorist actions and piracy
• Operations against drug trafficking and the traffic in persons
• Maritime rescue and salvage operations
• Crisis situation support and humanitarian assistance
• Enforcing of fishing legislation
• Enforcing of environmental and anti-pollution legislation

Main features:

• Length Overall: 93.90 m.
• Maximum Beam: 14.20 m.
• Depth to Flight Deck: 7.20 m.
• Displacement at full load: 2,575 t.
• Scantling draught: 4.4 m.
• Maximum speed: 21 knots
• Autonomy (at 15 kn): 8,000 miles
• Crew: 35 + 35 (other personnel)

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, December 20, 2012; Image: Navantia