Min Jiang-class minelayer
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. |
| Operators | Republic of China Navy |
| Built | 2019-2021 |
| In commission | 2020-Present |
| Planned | 10 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Active | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Minelayer |
| Displacement | 347 tons |
| Length | 41m |
| Beam | 8.8m |
| Draft | 1.7m |
| Speed | 14 knots |
| Armament | 1 x T-75 cannon, 2 x T74 machine gun |
The Min Jiang-class minelayer is a class of minelayers in service with the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding.
Naming
The vessels are referred to as the Min Jiang-class by the media. However, the official class designation remains unknown.[1] The first vessel is designated FMLB-I, with FMLB standing for Fast Mine Laying Boat.[2] It is assumed that the other minelayers have a similar designation
Design
The Min Jiang-class displaces 347 tons at full load, with a maximum speed of 14 knots. Length is 41m, width is 8.8m and draft is 1.7m.[1]
The vessels have a precision automatic mine laying system. In addition to its mines, the vessels are equipped with a T-75 cannon and T74 machine guns.[3] These are most likely intended to be used in the anti-aircraft role or against small boat swarms
Service history
The first vessel was launched in August 2020 at Lung Teh Shipbuilding's Yilan County Shipyard.[3]
The second vessel was delivered in September 2021,[4] and the ROCN took delivery of the third and fourth vessel in December 2021.[5]
The Min Jiang-class replaced converted amphibious landing craft in the minelaying role.[6]
References
- ^ Scarano, Matteo. "Update: Taiwan launches first 'fast minelayer' for RoCN". janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Taiwan Navy launches first locally-built rapid mine-laying vessel". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ Dominguez, Gabriel. "Taiwanese navy commissions first improved Tuo Chiang-class corvette, receives second FMLB minelayer". www.janes.com. Janes.
- ^ Chen, Kelvin. "Taiwan Navy receives final pair of rapid mine-laying ships". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ Axe, David. "Taiwan is Making a Major Investment in Mines to Deter China". nationalinterest.org. National Interest. Retrieved 17 December 2021.