Durango-class patrol vessel

The Durango class is an offshore patrol vessel class in service with the Mexican Navy. The Durango class, comprising four ships, was designed and constructed in Mexico in 1999–2000. The class entered service in 2000 and is used primarily for drug interdiction and patrol.

Description
The Durango-class design is based on the Holzinger-class patrol vessels but with a different superstructure. They have a standard displacement of 1,300 LT and 1470 LT at full load. The vessels measure 81.4 m long with a beam of 10.5 m and a draft of 3.9 m. The patrol vessels are propelled by two shafts powered by two Caterpillar 3616 V16 diesel engines rated at 6197 hp. They have a maximum speed of 20 kn. For electrical power, the Durango class are equipped with two 260 kilowatt generators and one 190 kW generator.

The patrol vessels are armed with a single Bofors 57 mm/70 caliber gun Mk 3 mounted forward capable of firing 220 rounds/minute to a range of 17 km. The ships mount an Alenia 2 combat data system and Saab EOS 450 optronic director for fire control. They are equipped with air and surface search radar. The Durango class has a complement of 74 including 10 officers with the capability to transport 55 additional personnel. Vessels of the class carry an 11 m interceptor craft capable of over 50 kn. The vessels also mount a helicopter deck over the stern and a hangar and are capable of operating one medium helicopter.

Construction and service
The four ships of the class were ordered as a follow on to the Sierra-class corvettes on 1 June 1998. Their design was derived from the Holzinger class and are slightly larger than the Sierra class. Durango and Sonora were based at Guaymas in 2009 and Guanajuato and Veracruz at Coatzacoalcos. The ships are primarily used for drug interdiction and patrol. In 2017 Durango took part in the multi-national naval exercise UNITAS 2017.