OPV (naval)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Design of the proposed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy.

HMS Severn and HMS Mersey are two River class offshore patrol vessels of the Royal Navy

An offshore patrol vessel (OPV), sometimes referred to as a coastal patrol craft, is a warship typically smaller in size than a Corvette and can include fast attack craft, torpedo boats and missile boats, although some are as large as a Frigate. They are usually the smallest ship in a Navy's fleet that are large and seaworthy enough to patrol off-shore, in the open ocean. In larger militaries, such as in the United States Military, offshore patrol vessels usually serve in the Coast Guard, but many smaller nations navys' operate these type of ships.

OPVs are typically around 30m (100 ft) in length and usually carry a single medium caliber artillery gun as main armament, and a variety of lighter secondary armament such as machine guns or a close-in weapon system. Depending on role, vessels in this class may also have more sophisticated sensors and fire control systems that would enable them to carry torpedoes, anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles. Most modern designs are powered by gas turbine arrangements such as CODAG, and speeds are generally in the 25-30 knot range. They are primarily used for patrol in a country's exclusive economic zone. Common tasks are fisheries inspection, anti-smuggling (usually anti-narcotics) duties, illegal immigration patrols, anti-piracy patrols and search and rescue (law enforcement-type of work). The largest OPVs might also have a flight deck and helicopter embarked. In times of crisis or war, these vessels are expected to support the larger vessels in the navy.

Their small size and relatively low cost make them one of the most common type of warship in the world. Almost all navies operate at least a few offshore patrol vessels, especially those with only "green water" capabilites. They are useful in smaller seas such as the North Sea as well as in open oceans.