Norwegian FPBs/ MTBs

MTB is an abbreviation for Motor Torpedo Boat used during WW 2. At that time many countries operated MTBs. This type of warships is characterised by its small size and heavy weapon load. In the Norwegian navy today MTB means Missile Torpedo Boat. Internationally the ships is often mentioned as FPBs - Fast Patrol Boats or FACs - Fast Attack Craft.

The abbreviation KNM - Kongelige Norske Marine - means Royal Norwegian Navy.

The Norwegian concept of FPB operations has been developed based on experience from WW2 and continuously adapted to the possible threat scenarios. How the FPBs operates is different both from "Blue water" operations and other countries FPB operations. The operation area of the FPBs is mainly the Norwegian coast with a coastline of 2200 km. However, operations outside Norway as a part of multinational force may be possible. The main and dimensioning task for the Norwegian FPBs is anti invasion.

The FPBs are an integrated element of the Norwegian defence structure and have the following main characteristics:

• A large number of relative small, cost-effective vessels
• Designed for surface operations in coastal waters.
• A large weapon load compared to size of the ship.
• High transit speed.
• The crew are well organised and trained.

The FPBs are organised in squadrons as tactical units and the RNoN have today three squadrons with 12 FPBs under command. Organising the FPBs in squadrons gives several advantages as more striking power, more flexibility, better weapon efficiency, mutual support and improved endurance.

The FPBs have different tasks in peacetime, times of tension and wartime. During peacetime the tasks are mainly to demonstrate naval presence and maintain sovereignty. Further to maintain the recognised surface picture, give support and assistance to civilian authorities, search and rescue (SAR) and not at least exercise and training for tasks in times of tension and wartime.

In times of tension the FPBs are present in the area at an early stage of the crisis due to the high mobility. The main tasks are to maintain the readiness and prepare for war by carrying out surveillance operations.

In wartime the main task for the FPBs is anti invasion and sea denial. The surveillance will be intensified and protection of sea lines of communication (SLOC) will be carried out if not occupied with the main task. Attack on enemy replenishment shipping is also a possible task.

The new Skjold class FPBs will most likely also have a task in naval gunfire support (NGS).

The most important feature in the FPB operation concept is the covert operations by utilising the coast to own advantage. The islands, the skerries and the fjords are used to keep the FPBs undetected and able to engage the enemy without being detected. The topography gives the FPB passive air defence, reduces the lookout sector and reduces the probability for the enemy sensors to detect the FPB. Further the topography compensates for own weapon limitation by giving the FPB opportunity to get closer to the target before the attack.

During the picture compilation phase, the FPB has waiting position (WP) at rock, at anchor or small jetties. Besides using own sensors, the FPB utilises all information sources available. Passive sensors are used as much as possible.

The attack phase is conducted by optimum use of the FPB advantages as the mobility (short reaction and redeployment time), the ability to surprise, to concentrate fire and use the flexible weapon load to achieve necessary results.

HAUK-class MTB

KNM Falk, HAUK-class MTB.

L o a: 36,5 m
Beam: 6,2 m
High: 14,2 m
Draft: 2 m
Speed: in excess of 30 knots
Displacement: 150 tons
Main engines: 2 x MTU 16V 3600 Hp (Total 7200 Hp)

Weapons:
6 Penguin MK 2 SSM
2 Torpedo TP 613
Mistral Simbad + Manpad SAM
Bofors 40mm L/70

Delivered from Bergens Mekaniske Verksteder, Laksevåg:
P-986 KNM Hauk
P-987 KNM Ørn
P-988 KNM Terne
P-989 KNM Tjeld
P-990 KNM Skarv
P-991 KNM Teist
P-992 KNM Jo
P-993 KNM Lom
P-994 KNM Stegg
P-995 KNM Falk

Delivered from Westermarin verft, Alta:
P-996 KNM Ravn
P-997 KNM Gribb
P-998 KNM Geir
P-999 KNM Erle

SKJOLD-class MTB

KNM Skjold, SKJOLD-class MTB.

L o a: 47 m
Beam: 13,5 m
High: 15 m (On cushion)
Draft: 2,3 m / 0,9 m
Speed: In excess of 55 knots
Displacement: 260 tons
Main engines: 2 gas turbines Rolls Royce Allison 571 KF 8160 Hp (Total 16320 Hp)

Weapons:
8 NSM Kongsberg Anti Shipping Missile
Mistral Manpad SAM
Oto Melara 76 mm Super Rapid

Delivered from Kværner Mandal, Gismerøya in Mandal:
P-960 KNM Skjold

Planned:
P-961 KNM ?
P-962 KNM ?
P-963 KNM ?
P-964 KNM ?
P-965 KNM ?
P-966 KNM ?
P-967 KNM ?