Tapper-class patrol boat

The Tapper class are a class of patrol boats in service with the Swedish Navy since the 1990s (the word "tapper" means "brave" in Swedish).

HMS Trygg at Stockholm
Class overview
BuildersDjupviks varv
Operators Swedish Navy
In commission1993–present
Planned12
Completed12
Active11
General characteristics
TypePatrol boat
Displacement62 tons
Length23 m (75 ft 6 in)
Beam5.4 m (17 ft 9 in)
Draught1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
Propulsion2 diesel engines, 2 × 1,200 hp (890 kW)
Speed25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Complement8
Armament
  • 2 × 12.7 mm heavy machine guns
  • Mines and depth charges
  • Anti-submarine rockets

Design

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Tapper-class boats' first function is to protect and patrol the Swedish coastal waters. Their armament includes 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, anti-submarine rockets, naval mines and depth charges.[1]

Because of their small size of 22 metres (72 ft 2 in) and displacement of 62 tons.[2] these patrol boats can operate in extremely shallow water.

These patrol boats have a crew of eight sailors - consisting of four officers and four ratings. Further, they can accommodate ten passengers.

History

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From 1993 to 1999 a total of twelve ships were constructed and entered service with the Swedish Navy and amphibious corps. The class was set to be retired in 2014 but after the Russian intervention in Ukraine and Russian military build-up in the Baltic Sea, it was decided that the boats would remain in service and be modified as well.

In 2020 the first six boats of the class had a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade program in which they were equipped - among other things - with the Kongsberg Maritime sonar for anti-submarine warfare.

Ships in class

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Number Ship name English translation Commissioned Status
PBR81 HSwMS Tapper "Brave" 1993 Retired in 2011
PBR82 HSwMS Djärv "Bold" 1993 Active
PBR83 HSwMS Dristig "Audacious" 1994 Active
PBR84 HSwMS Händig "Dextrous" 1994 Active
PBR85 HSwMS Trygg "Dauntless" 1995 Active
PBR86 HSwMS Modig "Courageous" 1995 Active
PBR87 HSwMS Hurtig "Smart" 1995 Active
PBR88 HSwMS Rapp "Quick" 1996 Active
PBR89 HSwMS Stolt "Proud" 1997 Active
PBR90 HSwMS Ärlig "Sincere" 1997 Active
PBR91 HSwMS Munter "Cheerful" 1998 Active
PBR92 HSwMS Orädd "Fearless" 1999 Active

References

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  1. ^ "Bevakningsbåt typ 80". www.forsvarsmakten.se. Forsvarsmakten (Swedish armed forces).
  2. ^ "FMV supplies 5th upgraded Tapper-Class patrol boat HMS Ärlig to the Swedish Navy". Navy Recognition. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
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  1. Bevakningsbåt 88 (General information about the Tapper-class patrol boat) Försvarsmakten
  2. Swedish navy upgrades Tapper-class patrol boat with ASW capability GLOBAL DEFENSE CORP
  3. First of six Tapper-class Patrol Boats re-joins Swedish Navy Following ASW Upgrade NAVALNEWS
  4. FMV Delivers 5th Upgraded Tappe-class Patrol Boat to the Swedish NavyNAVALNEWS