The Type 143A Gepard class is Germany's last class of missile bearing fast attack craft (Schnellboot in German) and the only one still in service with the German Navy since 1990.
It is an evolution of the Type 143 Albatros class. It is planned that Gepard class vessels will gradually be supplemented by Braunschweig class corvettes from 2008 on and to be replaced by a new class of corvettes around 2015.
The class is named after small, wild animals often of a ferocious nature named respectively cheetah, puma, stoat, mink, marten, ferret, badger, wildcat, weasel and hyena.
Ships of the class
P6121 S 71 Gepard
P6122 S 72 Puma
P6123 S 73 Hermelin
P6124 S 74 Nerz
P6125 S 75 Zobel
P6126 S 76 Frettchen
P6127 S 77 Dachs
P6128 S 78 Ozelot
P6129 S 79 Wiesel
P6130 S 80 Hyäne
The "S" and the number are part of the ship's full name. When the ships were first commissioned, their designation included only the number; however, the crews petitioned for full names, and the decision was made to combine the original names with the additional animal name.
Since 1 July 2006, all ships are part of the 7. Schnellbootgeschwader (7th Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), whereas for the 8 years prior the flotilla was split into (hulls S 76—S 80) 2. Schnellbootgeschwader (2nd Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), and a smaller (hulls S 71—S 75) 7. Schnellbootgeschwader. The squadron is stationed in Warnemünde, where both predecessor squadrons were also based.
Fgs Dachs is seen here departing Faslane
Fgs Hyäne is seen here departing Faslane the same day
