Alta-class minesweeper

The Alta class is a ship class of minesweepers operated by the Royal Norwegian Navy. An almost identical class of minehunters is known as the Oksøy class.

Norwegian Alta-class minesweeper Rauma (M352)
Class overview
NameAlta class
BuildersKværner Mandal, Mandal, Norway
Operators Royal Norwegian Navy
In commission1996–present
Completed5
Active3
Lost1
Retired1
General characteristics [1]
TypeMinesweeper
Displacement375 tonnes[2]
Length55.2 metres
Beam13.6 metres
Height21 metres
Draught2.5 metres
Propulsion
Speed30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range1,500 mi (2,400 km)
Complement32
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament

Design

The Alta class was built by Kværner Mandal during 1996 and 1997, while the related Oksøy class was built in 1994 and 1995. A total of 9 vessels were built, 5 minesweepers and 4 minehunters. The catamaran hull is built in a fibre-reinforced plastic sandwich of very low magnetic signature.[3]

Two large fans located on each side create an air cushion between the two hulls and a front and aft rubber skirt, lifting the vessel, giving small drag and a high cruise speed, as well as low susceptibility to the shock of exploding mines since only a small portion of the hull is actually exposed in the water. Propulsion by water jet, again one in each hull, gives a low acoustic signature. A degaussing system gives the vessels extremely low electromagnetic signature.

Ships
Alta class[4]
Number Name Builder Commissioned Status
KNM Orkla burning outside Ålesund, Norway in November 2002.
M350 Alta Kværner, Mandal 12 January 1996 Scrapped some time prior to 23 July 2022[5]
M351 Otra 8 November 1996
M352 Rauma 2 December 1996
M353 Orkla Destroyed by fire on 19 November 2002[6]
M354 Glomma 1 July 1997 Sold 2009[7]

Service history

Orkla was destroyed by fire on 19 November 2002.[6] Glomma is no longer in active service. Alta was scrapped along with the Oksøy class M341 Karmøy prior to 23 July 2022

References
  1. "Oksoy and Alta Class Minesweepers and Minehunters - Naval Technology". naval-technology.com. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  2. "Oksøy-class and Alta-class - Forsvaret.no". Archived from the original on 2017-07-01. Retrieved 2017-05-22.
  3. "Kongsberg to Supply MINESNIPER Mk III Mine Disposal Weapon System to Royal Norwegian Navy". September 20, 2013.
  4. Stephen Saunders, ed. (2004). Jane's Fighting Ships, 2004-2005. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 517. ISBN 0710626231.
  5. "Scrapyard Ships". shipspotting.com. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  6. ""Orkla" har kantret". Bergensavisen (in Norwegian). 26 January 2003. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  7. "Sold warships". nettavisen.no. Retrieved 15 March 2020.


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