Piratini-class patrol boat

The six Piratini-class patrol boats are a series of patrol vessels that were built for the Brazilian Navy at the Rio de Janeiro Navy Arsenal. Based on the United States Coast Guard Cape-class cutter design, they were built between 1970 and 1971 as coastal patrol vessels. In 1993 they were moved from coastal patrol to riverine patrol.

Description
Based on the United States Coast Guard Cape-class cutter design, the patrol vessels have a standard displacement of 105 LT and a full load displacement of 146 LT with a length between perpendiculars of 29.0 m, a beam of 5.8 m and a 2.0 m draught. The ships are powered by four Cummins VT-12M diesel engines driving two shafts rated at 1100 bhp. This gives the Piratini class a maximum speed of 17 kn and a range of 1700 nmi at 12 kn.

The Piratini class was initially armed with a .50 calibre machine gun mount and an 81 mm mortar mount. In 1988, the 81 mm mortar mount was removed. The main armament was later altered to two 12.7 mm machine guns and one 20 mm Oerlikon cannon. They were initially designed for coastal patrol. In 1993, the class was designated for riverine patrol.

Service history
The class was constructed as part of the offshore agreement with the United States. All six vessels were completed in 1970–1971. In 2009, Piratini, Penedo and Poti were based at Ladário Fluvial Base in Mato Grosso, the others, in Amazonas.