The MTM217 class is a series of nine landing craft mechanized in service with the Italian Navy. The nine ships of the class were constructed in three waves to complement the three s. The first three landing craft entered service in 1983, with successive waves of three in 1988 and 1993.
Background The MTM217 class is a landing craft designed to support amphibious military action. The vessels were designed for the transport of troops, light ground vehicles, or supplies from the s, as part of landing operations along coasts. The San Giorgio class were designed to offer different functions for the Italian Navy and as such, the landing craft reflect that mission variability, able to transport up to of cargo from ship to shore, launching from the San Giorgio-class ships via their well deck. MTM is short for .
The hull construction material is glass-reinforced plastic and the landing craft have a standard displacement of and at full load. The MTM217 class measure in length, with a beam of and a draught of . The vessels are powered by two Fiat-AIFO 8280 diesel engines turning two shafts, creating and giving them a maximum speed of . They have a maximum range of at 9 knots and a crew of three.
Construction and career The first three ships of the class were ordered for use aboard and were completed in 1987. The second batch of three were for and completed in 1988. Three more were ordered in March 1991 and completed in 1993 for . Eight of these craft are used as reserve craft by San Marco Marine Brigade at Brindisi Naval Station homeport.
Landing craft
Construction data for the MTM217 class Name Pennantnumber Builder Completed Notes MEN217 Fincantieri, Muggiero, La Spezia 9 October 1987 LCM17 MEN218 LCM18 MEN219 LCM19 MEN220 8 March 1988 LCM20 MEN221 LCM21 MEN222 LCM22 MEN227 Balzano shipyard 1993 LCM23 MEN228 LCM24 MEN551
References
References
External links Ships Marina Militare website