Ahven-class minesweeper

Class overview
NameAhven class
Operators Finnish Navy
Preceded byA class
Succeeded byKuha class
Built1936–1937
In commission1936–1961
Completed6
Retired6
General characteristics
TypeMinesweeper
Displacement17 t (17 long tons)
Length17.2 m (56 ft)
Beam3.7 m (12 ft 2 in)
Draught1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
PropulsionDiesel engine, 48 kW (65 bhp)
Speed10.5 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph)
Complement8
Armament1 × 20 mm (0.8 in) gun

The Ahven-class minesweepers (English: Perch) were a series of six minesweepers of the Finnish Navy. The ships were constructed in 1936–1937 at the Turun Veneveistämö Shipyard in Finland and saw service during World War II. The Ahven class was stricken in 1961.

Description[edit]

The Ahven class were a series of minesweepers that had a standard displacement of 17 tonnes (17 long tons). They measured 17.2 metres (56 ft) long with a beam of 3.7 m (12 ft 2 in) and a draught of 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in). The vessels were powered by a diesel engine rated at 48 kilowatts (65 bhp) turning one propeller giving the minesweepers a maximum speed of 10.5 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph).[1][2][a] The Ahven class were armed with one 20 mm (0.8 in) gun mounted on the deck forward and had a complement of 8 officers and ratings.[1][2]

Ships in class[edit]

The six Ahven-class minesweepers were:

Service history[edit]

All six vessels of the class were constructed by Turun Veneveistämö Shipyard in Finland and launched in 1936–1937. Designated a motor minesweeper, the Ahven class were later renamed and were stricken in 1961.[1][2]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Blackman has the engines rated at 45 kW (60 hp)[2]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Chesneau 1980, p. 366.
  2. ^ a b c d Blackman 1953, p. 133.

Sources[edit]

  • Blackman, Raymond V. B., ed. (1953). Jane's Fighting Ships 1953–54. London: Sampson, Low and Marston. OCLC 913556389.
  • Chesneau, Roger, ed. (1980). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. Greenwich, UK: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.