Sirio-class patrol vessel

The Sirius Class 2 or Class Constellations consists of two units operated by the Italian Marina Militare.

Features
The construction of these units is based largely on that of the Nuove Unità Minori Combattenti (NUMC) with the hull and superstructure built with stealth features. The NUMC and Nuove Unità di Pattugliamento d'Altura (NUPA) share logistics, interoperability, features of the combat system and integrated telecommunications systems.

The engines are diesel with two Wärtsilä NSD- W12-26 V-XN by the power of total 8 640 kW two propellers with variable pitch drives and allows a top speed of 22 knots and a range of 3300 mi at 14 knots.

Three diesel generators Isotta Fraschini 1708 T2 M2 600 kW each power the on-board electronics.

The armament consists of two machine guns Oerlikon KBA-Alenia Oto Melara 25/80 with the provision to bow mount an OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid.

The unit can board a helicopter AB-212 ASW or NH-90 NFH.

Ships
The two units, built in Muggiano and Riva Trigoso bear the names of two World War II torpedo boats of the Italian Royal Navy after the war served as a spare unit in the Navy.

These units operate in conjunction with NUMC COMSQUAPAT1 of COMFORPAT, the Forces Command patrol for surveillance and Coastal Defence and have their operational base in Augusta. They serve as coastal patrol and traffic control, cargo and surveillance in immigration control.

Sirio (P 409)
Sirius was built in Muggiano, christened 11 May 2002 and delivered on 30 May 2003.

Orione (P 410)
Orion was built in Riva Trigoso, launched on 27 July 2002 and Navy on 1 August 2003.