MHC 51 Osprey

The Osprey-class Mine Hunter-Killers designed to operate autonomously for 15 days with resupply provided by support ship or shore based facilities. It was designed along with MCM 1 Avenger class minesweepers to provide a state-of-the-art capability against mines to the US Navy. This capability was underscored during the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war in the Persian Gulf and during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm 1990-1991. The USS Osprey (MHC 51) Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) ship was commissioned on 10 November 1993. Thereafter, 11 ships have joined the US Navy completing a fleet of 12 vessels. They were designed to detect, classify and destroy moored and bottom mines. To do so, they were outfitted with underwater sonar and video systems, cable cutters and mine detonating devices that can be released and detonated by remote control. In addition, conventional minesweeping capability was provided to these ships. The Osprey-class hull is made of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) fiberglass. Two .50 caliber (12.7mm) guns were installed for self-defense purposes. The propulsion system consists of two diesel engines (800-hp each) and two Voith-Schneider (cycloidal) propulsion systems. The ships were constructed at Intermarine USA, Savannah, Georgia; and Avondale Industries Inc., Gulfport, Mississippi.

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