The Type 143A ''Gepard'' class was a
class
Class, Classes, or The Class may refer to:
Common uses not otherwise categorized
* Class (biology), a taxonomic rank
* Class (knowledge representation), a collection of individuals or objects
* Class (philosophy), an analytical concept used d ...
of missile bearing
fast attack craft () and the last one in service with the
German Navy
The German Navy (, ) is part of the unified (Federal Defense), the German Armed Forces. The German Navy was originally known as the ''Bundesmarine'' (Federal Navy) from 1956 to 1995, when ''Deutsche Marine'' (German Navy) became the official ...
before the remaining four operational ships were decommissioned on 16 November 2016. The Ghana Navy operates two such ships.
It is an evolution of the , the main difference being the replacement of the second 76 mm gun by the RAM system. The ''Gepard''-class vessels were gradually supplemented by s and later replaced completely by them.
The ships in class were named after small to medium-sized predatory animals; ''Gepard'' is German for "
cheetah
The cheetah (''Acinonyx jubatus'') is a large Felidae, cat and the Fastest animals, fastest land animal. It has a tawny to creamy white or pale buff fur that is marked with evenly spaced, solid black spots. The head is small and rounded, wit ...
".
List of ships
The "S" and the number are part of the ship's full name. When the ships were first commissioned, their designation included only the number; however, the crews petitioned for full names, and the decision was made to combine the original names with the additional animal name.
Since 1 July 2006, all ships had formed part of the 7. Schnellbootgeschwader (7th Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), whereas for the eight years prior the flotilla was split into (hulls S 76–S 80) 2. Schnellbootgeschwader (2nd Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), and (hulls S 71–S 75) 7. Schnellbootgeschwader. The squadron was stationed in Warnemünde, where both predecessor squadrons had been based.
Gallery
File:Schnellboot P6121.jpg, S71 ''Gepard''
File:ExocetNerz.jpg, Exocet launchers onboard S74 ''Nerz''
File:RAM-Nerz.jpg, RAM
Ram, ram, or RAM most commonly refers to:
* A male sheep
* Random-access memory, computer memory
* Ram Trucks, US, since 2009
** List of vehicles named Dodge Ram, trucks and vans
** Ram Pickup, produced by Ram Trucks
Ram, ram, or RAM may also ref ...
launcher onboard S74 ''Nerz''
File:Zobel P6125 (Ship, 1983).jpg, S 75 Zobel
Notes
References
*
Patrol vessels of the German Navy
Missile boat classes
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