In 1989, the Philippines placed an order of 4 fast patrol craft with Trinity-Equitable (formerly Halter-Marine Equitable) for USD9.4 million.[1] The first of the four vessels, arrived on August 20, 1990, was named BRP Jose Andrada (PG-370). The lead ship of the class was named after Jose Andrada, who was one of the original officers of the Offshore Patrol of the Philippine Commonwealth government.[1] In April 1990, the Philippines ordered an additional ship and 3 more ships in August 1990. In March 1993, eleven more vessels were ordered. A total of 22 ships were acquired by the Philippines by 1999.[1]
It was initially designated as Fast Patrol Craft, and was classified with a hull initial "DF", but later on was re-designated as a Patrol Gunboat, and was finally re-designated as "PG".[1]
Technical Details
The class was built to US Coast Guard standards with aluminium hull and superstructure.[2] She is powered by two Detroit Diesel 16V-92TA Diesel Engines with a combined power of around 2,800 hp driving two propellers for a maximum speed of 28 knots (52 km/h). Maximum range is 1,200 nmi (2,200 km) at 12 knots (22 km/h), or alternatively 600 nmi (1,100 km) at 24 knots (44 km/h).[3]
The ship class was originally designed to carry one bow Mk.3 40 mm gun, one 81 mm mortar aft, and four 12.7 mm/50 caliber machine guns.[3][4] Instead, the class are armed with one 25mm Bushmaster chain gun on Mk.38 Mod.0 mount on second and later batches (PG-379 to PG-395), four M2HB Browning 12.7 mm/50 caliber machine guns on Mk.26 mounts, with two positioned forward and two aft; and two M60 7.62 mm/30 caliber machine guns, both mounted amidships. The ship can carry 4,000 rounds of 12.7 mm and 2,000 rounds of 7.62 mm A large "Big Eyes" binocular is also carried on tripod mounts, one on the forecastle and one just abaft the mast.[3]
All are equipped with a Raytheon AN/SPS-64(V)11 surface search and navigation radar but with a smaller antenna as those used in bigger Philippine Navy ships.[3] Like all other Philippine Navy ships, the entire class was installed with the Philippine Navy Vessel Tracking System (VTS) by the Naval Sea Systems Command.[5]
A 4-meter rigid inflatable boat powered by a 40-hp outboard motor is stowed amidships.[3]
^All sources refer to the same engine, although with different horsepower rating.[2][3] But official specs from manufacturer indicates a 1,400 hp rating for each engine. [1]