Type 312 minesweeper
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The Type 312 class minesweeper is also known as Futi class, and it is the first remote minesweeping drone in the world that actually successfully used in war (Vietnam War). Although originally designed as a minesweeping drone, it can also be manned by 3 men crew as a regular minesweeper. The chief designer was Mr. Diao Haiguang (刁海光, Aug 1944 -) of the 710th Institute, and from the start of the project to the completion of the first two units (two units are being built simultaneously), it only took less than two years when the first two units entered the service for the People's Liberation Army Navy. Due to its small size, this class is maintained on land and thus is in better conditions than most of other larger boats and ships in the reserve fleet. The drone can be remotely operated from more than 5 km away. Contrary to the erroneous belief, this class is not based on the similar German type because the Chinese drone was developed much earlier and were deployed in Vietnam during the latter stage of Vietnam War, while at the same time, the German drone did not even exist.
- Displacement: 47 t
- Length: 20.9 m
- Beam: 3.9 m
- Draft: 2.1 m
- Speed: 25 kt
- Range: 144 nm @ 12 kt
- Propulsion: 1 Chinese Type 12V150C diesel engine @ 300 hp with 1 shaft
- Complement: 3 when manned
- Armament: Machine gun mount available for manned operation.
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