Hi Corveleyn

Nice photograph which led me to take a look for further information on the Internet - found this piece - Copyright Navy League of the United States Feb 1997 - Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

"Morocco commissions French-built OPV
Sea Power, Feb 1997

The Rais Charkaoui. the third of five 64-meter offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by Morocco from the French yard Leroux & Lotz three years ago, was formally handed over to the Royal Moroccan Navy at Lorient in mid-December. The fourth of the class, Rais Maaninou, and a fifth unit, to be named Rais al Mounastiri, are under construction.

The OPV design emphasizes robust simplicity, good seakeeping capabilities, and maximum internal volume. During sea trials in December the ship demonstrated remarkably little pitch and roll in a moderate sea, thanks to its passive flume-stabilization system. A rigid inflatable boat can be launched and recovered by means of an enclosed stern well, but there is no provision for a helicopter deck on the Moroccan ships.

The Rais Charkaoui will be armed with two single 20mm guns. The ships, although manned by navy personnel, are funded by the Ministry of Fisheries and are intended to protect fishing grounds and to carry out search and rescue, firefighting, salvage, and pollution-control missions.

Copyright Navy League of the United States Feb 1997 - Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved."

Regards

Steve Ellwood