Centauro-class patrol boat

The Centauro-class patrol boat is a series of four patrol boats in service with the Portuguese Navy. It is an evolution of the preceding Argos-class patrol boat. This class is meant for fisheries inspection and control duties mainly in the Mainland Portugal shores – with some sporadic presence in the Madeira Archipelago. The Centauro class is Portuguese-designed and built at the Arsenal do Alfeite (Almada) and Estaleiros Navais do Mondego (Figueira da Foz).

Design and description
The Centauro-class patrol boats are an evolution of the Argos-class patrol boat, constructed of aluminium instead of the Argos' glass reinforced plastic design. The Centauro class measure 28.4 m long with a beam of 5.95 m and a draught of 1.45 m. The patrol boats have a standard displacement of 82 t and 94 t fully loaded. The vessels are powered by two Cummins KTA-50-M2 diesel engines turning two shafts creating 3600 hp. This gives the vessels a maximum speed of 26 kn, though they did make 28 kn during sea trials. They have a range of 1350 nmi at 15 kn or 640 nmi at 20 kn. The Centauros are equipped with two Cummins 6BT5.95(M) diesel generators producing 150 kW of electricity. The ships can operate in sea state 3.

The patrol boats mount a single Oerlikon 20 mm/70 Mk 4 gun for anti-air defence. The ships were equipped with navigational radar only. They also carry a 4 m launch carried on a launch-and-recovery ramp on the stern and the boat can be recovered at speeds up to 10 kn. The vessels have a complement of eight, including one officer.

Construction and career
The class were ordered in 1998 as an improved version of the Argos class. They were designed and built in Portugal. Upon entering service, the vessels were deployed for fisheries protection, search and rescue and general patrol. The Centauros take part in some naval exercises and some training. In 2006, one boat of this class, NRP Sagitário, became the first Portuguese warship with a female commander, the second lieutenant Gisela Antunes.