Joao Coutinho Class

History of the Joao Coutinho class

During the Cold War, the Portuguese Navy developed the "Joao" Coutinho Class, a series of advanced combat frigates commissioned in the early 1970s. Originally designed for patrolling Portuguese colonies in Africa, these ships, known for their compact size and versatility, became obsolete after being gradually decommissioned. The class consisted of six frigates, powered by 2 x 10,560hp OEW Pielstick marine diesel engines, with dimensions of 265.7 feet in length, 33.79 feet in beam, and a draft of up to 10.8 feet.

Armed with a variety of weapons, including a 3"/50 caliber Mk. 33, twin 40mm/L70 Bofors, and a "Hedgehog" anti-submarine warfare mortar, the Coutinho-class frigates played a significant role during the colonial conflicts (1961-1974). Construction was outsourced to foreign shipyards, with the first three built by Blohm und Voss in West Germany and the remaining trio completed by Empresa Nacional in Spain. These warships conducted armed patrols and provided fire support along the west and south coasts of Africa, contributing to the end of Portuguese colonial occupation.

After the colonial conflicts, the Coutinho-class frigates, having fulfilled their roles, operated within Portuguese territory until their eventual decommissioning and abandonment. Their service marked a chapter in Portuguese naval history, showcasing their contribution to geopolitical events during a critical period.

Specification

BASICS

Class Name: João Coutinho

Operator: Portugal

Builder: Navantia (Spain); Blohm & Voss (Germany).

In service: 1970 - current

Displacement: 1,438 t

Length: 85 m

Breadth: 12.5 m

Installed Power: 2 x 10,560hp OEW Pielstick diesel engines driving 2 x axles in the stern.

Speed: 23 knots

Range: 10,600 km at 18 knots

Armament: 1 x 2 pieces 76mm Mk33; 2 pieces AA Bofors 40 mm.

Aircraft: Landing strip for light helicopters

Crew: 100

Weapon

1 x 3"/50 caliber Mk. 33, twin-gun mounted turret deck gun.

1 x 40 mm /L70 Bofors anti-aircraft gun turret mounted twin-gun. "Hedgehog" Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Mortar (removed in 1987). Deep charge rack (removed in 1987)