OVERVIEW: The Huracan class PCFG is a four shaft, diesel-powered missile-armed patrol craft.

DETAILS:    The Huracan class are ex-Israeli Saar 4.5 class PCFGs.  It uses a semi-displacement hull form that displaces water at low speeds but can generate lift at cruising speed.  This provides excellent seakeeping and enhanced crew comfort, while remaining capable of achieving relatively high speed.  

Originally designed to lead a group of missile boats, the Saar 4.5 class has aviation facilities for an embarked AS565 (Dauphin)-sized helicopter to provide surveillance and OTH targeting services for the SAG.  These aviation facilities were retained after transfer to Mexico, although the Harpoon SSM was removed.  The current weapon fit is four Gabriel Mk2 SSM, one 6-barrel 20mm/76 Phalanx Mk15, two 20mm/70 Mk10 Oerlikon, four 12.7mm MG.  It also has multiple chaff launchers. 

 The sensors and electronic suit include a TH-D 1040 Neptune air and surface search radar, as well as a variety of EO and IR cameras.

Specifications:

Displacement: 	506t (full)
Speed: 		31 kts max
Engineering: 	4x MTU/Bazan 16V 956 TB91 diesels with 4 shafts
Range: 		3000 nm @ 17 kts & 1500 nm @ 30 kts
Complement: 	53
       		 
       		

NOTES: IOC: 1980 (Israel); 2004 (Mexico).   Ex-Israeli Saar 4.5 class  (Aliya-type). Transferred to Mexican service without the RGM-84C Harpoon. Units in class: HURACAN (P301); TORMENTA (P302).

SOURCES: Jane's Fighting Ships: 1987-88. IHS Global, 1987, pg. 276;  Jane's Fighting Ships 20115-2016; "HURACÁN Fast Missile Corvettes (1980/2004)." NAVYPEDIA - Fighting Ships of the World. Accessed April 30, 2023. https://www.navypedia.org/ships/mexico/mex_cf_huracan.htm.; "Sa'ar 4.5-class Missile Boat." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Last modified January 7, 2005. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%27ar_4.5-class_missile_boat.; Combat Feets of the World 1990/91, pg. 266-67.
