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IRIN Paykan (P224)

2003 MODERN NAVY

IRIN Paykan (P224) Story

The modern Iranian Navy ("Islamic Republic of Iran Navy") has assembled four Sina-class missile boats. These 275-ton ships are responsible for coastal defense of strategic waterways and interception of enemy ships. Paykan is one of four ships, commissioned in 2003.

She is one of three (Yoshan and Derafsh are the other two) representing the heavily Iranian version of the early Kaman class (10 ships built).

Paykan is directly named after Paykan (P224), a Kaman-class missile boat that was sunk by the enemy during Operation Mantis in April 1988. The U.S. Navy's attack was a response to Iran's naval mining of Persian Gulf waters during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988.

The respawn ship has an overall length of 154 feet, a beam of 23 feet, and a draft of up to 6 feet. Propulsion is provided by 4 marine diesel engines with 14,400 hp on 4 axles under the stern, giving the boat a top speed of 36 knots. Thirty-one employees are on board.

Armament includes 1 x 76mm deck gun and turret above the fore building, 1 x 40mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) automatic cannon and 2 or 4 x C802 Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM). Introduced in 1998, the missile originated in China and provided a powerful long-range weapon for a compact vessel.

Structurally, these containers are very traditional. The turret sits on an "A" base that provides an excellent arc of fire on the bow and sides. The bridge superstructure is slightly higher than the weapon, a lattice-shaped pylon containing the radar, communications and other related operating systems integrated into the hull superstructure. The structure faces the stern where the rocket launcher is attached.

Due to its compact size, the Paykan's tail does not support aircraft.

The Iranian Navy uses missile boats as fast attack/interceptors, and Paykan's shallow 6ft draft is ideal for nearshore operations. The ship also has limited deep-water capabilities, which would allow her to access wider areas of the Persian Gulf region.

In a total war, missile boatsand others like themwould be used in hit-and-run strikes against larger warships, in search-and-rescue (SAR) operations for downed pilots, and in intercepting logistics on the high seas ferry.