Bracuí Class

The Bracuí Class is a class patrol vessels (NPA) of the Navy of Brazil originally from the River Class of the Royal Navy.

History
Aiming to provide the Navy of Brazil with modern, robust and versatile, this class was created, with boats built between the years 1984 and 1986, by Richards Shipyards in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth in Great Britain. Thrown into the sea of the twelve, seven were purchased by the Navy of Brazil, three of which were adapted to the role of hydro Ships and grouped in Amorim do Valle Class.

The other four were converted to Patrol Ship in the Navy Yard in Rio de Janeiro and then in the yard H. Dantas, in Aracaju, state of Sergipe, since these vessels were originally built as a ship scanner.

The vessels were incorporated into the Army in 1998 classified as Coastal Patrol Vessels (in portugese Navio de Patrulha Costeira or NaPaCo). Pasteriormente were reclassified as patrol vessels (NPA).

The Class name is a tribute to Bracuí river in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which empties into the bay of the same name, near Angra dos Reis.

List of Ships

 * NPa Bracuí (P-60), former HMS Itchen (M-2009)
 * NPa Benevente (P-61), former HMS Blackwater (M2008)
 * NPa Bocaina (P-62), ex-HMS Spey (M2013)
 * NPa Babitonga (P-63), former HMS Arun (M2014)

Specifications

 * Displacement: 630 tons (standard), 720 ton (full load)
 * Dimensions (m): length 47.6, 10.5 and 3.1 of the mouth shut
 * Speed (knots): 14 (maximum)
 * Propulsion: 2 diesel Ruston RKCM type 6 of 1,700 bhp per engine
 * Fuel: 88 tons capacity
 * Range: 4,500 nautical miles at 10 knots, 21 days in continuous operation
 * Electrical System: 2 diesel generators G & M Power of 230 kW.
 * Armament:
 * 1 gun Bofors 40 mm Mk 3
 * 2 guns
 * Crew: 35 men (4 officers)
 * Equipment:
 * A boat RHIB to 10 men;
 * A raft for six men;