Meko 140-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Frigate / corvette |
| Manufacturer | AFNE "Río Santiago" |
| Year commissioned | 1985 |
| Units | Espora class |
Operators
Description
The MEKO 140 is a naval vessel design produced by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss as part of the MEKO family of ships. Developed in the late 1970s, the design is an evolution of the Portuguese Navy's João Coutinho-class corvettes. The MEKO concept utilizes modularity in armament, electronics, and other equipment to facilitate maintenance and allow for the installation of different weapon systems according to requirements.
The Argentine Navy selected the MEKO 140 A16 variant to operate in conjunction with its MEKO 360 destroyers. Six vessels were constructed in Argentina by the Río Santiago Shipyards (AFNE). While the designers categorized the vessels as frigates, the Argentine Navy designates the ships as the Espora class and classifies them as corvettes.
The class entered service in 1985. All six completed vessels remain in active commission. They are deployed as part of the Argentine Navy’s High Seas Fleet (Flota de Mar).
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 1790 tons |
| Range | 4000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 100 members |
| Width | 11.1 m (36.4 ft) |
| Length | 91.2 m (299.2 ft) |
| Air Park |
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| Propulsion | 2 Diesel engines 15,210 kW (20,400 shp) 2 shafts/propellers |
| Thrust | 2600 hp |
| Armament |
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| Maximum speed | 27 knots |
Further Reading
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