According to information published by OCCAR on September 29, 2023, the Final Official Acceptance (FOA) ceremony for the third Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA3), named Raimondo Montecuccoli, was held at Muggiano Shipyard in La Spezia.
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Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessel Raimondo Montecuccoli. (Picture source: OCCAR)
This ceremony came after the Final Official Acceptance Review on 26 September, where representatives from Italy, OCCAR, and involved industries settled the contractual documentation.
The Raimondo Montecuccoli is notable as the first ship of its kind in the "LIGHT PLUS" configuration within the PPA Programme. This variant incorporates additional capabilities such as the SAAM-ESD missiles, an AESA Radar in C-Band, and a comprehensive Electromagnetic Warfare System.
This addition to the Italian Navy follows previous deliveries: the Thaon di Revel in March 2022 and the Francesco Morosini in October 2022. With the Raimondo Montecuccoli's inclusion, the Navy has a new vessel to incorporate into its operational fleet.
Technical data
The ship has a light displacement of 4,912 tons and a full displacement of 5,880 tons. Measuring 143 meters in length with a beam of 16.5 meters, she employs a CODAG CC propulsion scheme.
This includes a General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4 and two MTU 20V 8000 M91L diesel engines, supplemented by four M.A.N. GenSets diesel engine generators.
The vessel can reach speeds up to 27 knots with her turbine and 25 knots with her diesel engines. Her range is 5,000 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots. Depending on its configuration, the crew size varies from 90 to 120 personnel, with additional space for helicopter crews and optional boarding or marine teams.
The ship is equipped with sensors and processing systems primarily from Leonardo-Finmeccanica, encompassing various radar, infra-red search, track capabilities, fire control systems, and electronic warfare countermeasures.
Her armament includes Oto Melara guns, Teseo anti-ship missiles, and Black Arrow torpedoes. For aviation, the ship can house two SH90 and one AW101 aircraft, with a double hangar and flight deck available.
