Azteca class
BuildersAilsa Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Scott & Sons, Bowling; Lamont & Co. Ltd. and Mexican Navy Shipyards
Built range31
In service range20
Total ships active20
Total ships retired10
Azteca-class patrol vessel
Coastal patrol ship
Displacement148 long tons (150 t) (full load)
Length
  • 111 ft 10 in (34.09 m) oa
  • 101 ft 4 in (30.89 m) pp
Beam28 ft 3 in (8.61 m)
Draught6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Propulsion2 shafts, 2 Ruston Paxman Ventura diesels, 3,600 hp (2,700 kW)
Speed24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) (maximum)
Range2,400 nmi (4,400 km; 2,800 mi) at 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Complement24
SensorsSurface search radar Kelvin Hughes.
Armament

The Azteca-class patrol vessel are a class of patrol vessels in service with the Mexican Navy. They were designed and built by the British companies T.T. Boat Designs Ltd; Ailsa Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Scott & Sons, Bowling; Lamont & Co. Ltd. and Vera Cruz and Salina Cruz Shipyards for the Mexican Navy from 1976 to 1980. They are multi-role patrol craft with good nautical characteristics. Original units were powered by Paxman diesels of either 3,600 hp (2,700 kW) or 4,800 hp (3,600 kW). Original units were named with pre-Hispanic tribal names.

Design and description

The Azteca-class patrol vessels displace 148 long tons (150 t) at full load and are 111 feet 10 inches (34.1 m) long overall and 101 feet 4 inches (30.9 m) between perpendiculars. They have a beam of 28 feet 3 inches (8.6 m) and a draught of 6 feet 6 inches (2.0 m). The ships are propelled by two shafts driven by two Ruston Paxman Ventura diesels creating 3,600 horsepower (2,700 kW). This gives the vessels a maximum speed of 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) and a range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km; 2,800 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph). The ships are armed with one Bofors 40 mm gun, one 20 mm Oerlikon GAM-B01 cannon and two machine guns. The Azteca class has a complement of 24.[1][2]

Ships

Azteca class
Ship nameHull no.BuilderIn serviceStatus
CordovaPC 2021974
RayónPC 2061975
RejónPC 2071975
De la FuentePC 2081975April 12, 2025; Sunk as wreck dive site near San Carlos, Guymas, Mexico
GuzmánPC 2091975
RamírezPC 2101975
MariscalPC 2111975
JaraPC 2121975
ColimaPC 2141975
LizardiPC 2151975
MugicaPC 2161976
VelazcoPC 2181976
MacíasPC 2201976
TamaulipasPC 2231977
YucatánPC 2241977
TabascoPC 2251978
CochimiePC 2261978
PueblaPC 2281982
VicarioPC 2301977
OrtízPC 2311977

References

Citations

  1. ^ Gardiner and Chumbley, p. 264
  2. ^ Saunders 2002, p. 464

Sources

  • Faulkner, Keith (1999). Jane's Warship Recognition Guide. 2nd ed. Hutchinson, Robert (ed.). London: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780004722115.
  • Gardiner, Robert; Chumbley, Stephen; Budzbon, Przemysław (eds.) (1995). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995.. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-132-7.
  • Saunders, Stephen (ed.) (2002). Jane's Fighting Ships 2002–2003. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2432-8.
  • “Wreck Diving -.” Divesancarlos.com, 14 May 2025, divesancarlos.com/wreck-diving/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.