First sea trials for Paolo Thaon di Revel PPA multipurpose offshore ships built for Italian Navy.

According to a statement released by the OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation), on November 12, 2019, PPA1, named after “Paolo Thaon di Revel”, sailed its first nautical miles in the blue waters of the Gulf of La Spezia on 12th November 2019. The First Sea Going (FSG) is a crucial contractual milestone towards the delivery of the ship to the Italian Navy (FOAR), scheduled for May 2021.

PPA1 sailing in front of Alpi Apuane (Picture source © Italian Navy )

“Paolo Thaon di Revel” is the First of Class (FOC) PPA in Light configuration. During the FSG, several platform systems/equipment installed on-board have been set up and successfully tested.

The PPA contract was signed in May 2015; only 4 years and a half have elapsed before the FOC FSG, a worldwide remarkable achievement for OCCAR as contracting authority, given the innovative character of this vessel. PPA1 is expected to complete the sea trials in March 2021 and to be delivered to the Italian Navy in May 2021.

The first four ships (seven under current contract) are currently in the production stage. The second one, also in Light configuration, will be named after the Venetian Doge “Francesco Morosini”, and will be launched in March 2020.

The Paolo Thaon di Revel class (also known as PPA for "Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura") is a class of multipurpose offshore ships built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The procurement of the PPA-class offshore patrol vessels is part of the Italian Navy’s fleet renewal plan, which is aimed at replacing the aging fleet of patrol boats, corvettes and frigates.

The PPA will be able to carry up to 171 crew members. The overall length is approximately 143m, while the length between perpendiculars is 133m. The depth and beams of the vessel are 10.5m and 16.5m respectively. The overall length is approximately 143m, while the length between perpendiculars is 133m. The depth and beams of the vessel are 10.5m and 16.5m respectively.

A hangar located at the aft of the vessel can hold up to two NH90 or one EH101 medium-lift utility helicopter. A flight deck, which is placed next to the hangar near the stern of the ship, is intended to support the operations of one NH90 or one EH101 helicopter.

The PPA-class offshore patrol vessels will be armed with OTO Melara 127/64 LW high-caliber Vulcano gun system (main armament) and OTO Melara 76/62 medium-caliber gun. Two 25mm remotely controlled small-caliber gun systems will be used for close-range combat operations, anti-smuggling and maritime interdiction. MBDA’s surface anti-air missile-extended self-defense (SAAM-ESD) system and Teseo anti-ship missile system will be fitted to further increase the vessel’s anti-ship defense capability. The multi-role vessels will use a heavy-weight torpedo system to strike under-water targets.