Military Hans Högman
Copyright © Hans Högman 2023-10-02

Ships of the Swedish Navy - 8

Swedish Warships - Surface Combatants - 7

List of various types of Swedish Motorized Surface Combatants

Battleship Coastal defense ship Cruiser, part-1, part-2 Destroyer, part-1, part-2, part-3 Frigate Corvette Motor torpedo boat Torpedo boat / Missile boat Patrol boat Picket boat Surveillance boat Minelayer / Minehunter / Minesweeper

Definitions

In the description of the ships, there are some concepts and terms that may be worth describing. Pennant No., the recognition number that Swedish warships normally, in peacetime, have painted on the side of certain types of ships. For submarines, it is an abbreviation of the submarine's name. [Hull No. in the US]. Delivered refers to the time when the ship was formally delivered to the Navy from the shipyard. Launched, refers to the time when the ship was christened and launched. Decommissioned normally refers to the time when the ship is permanently removed from the Navy organization. Displacement, expressed in tons, is given with two values, standard displacement, and displacement when the ship is fully equipped. If only one value is given, it refers to standard displacement. For submarines, displacement is given in surface mode and submerged mode. Speed is given in knots and refers to the contracted speed. For submarines, the speed is given in surface mode and submerged mode. Dimensions, given in meters for length, beam, and draft. The length may be given in two dimensions: the waterline and the maximum overall length. If only one length is given, the maximum length is referred to. Beam means the maximum width. Complement, the crew size. It normally refers to the peacetime crew size. Submarine diving depths indicate the maximum permitted diving depth in peacetime. ihp = Indicated horsepower (the theoretical power of a reciprocating engine if it is completely frictionless) The abbreviation "HMS" means “Hans Majestäts Skepp / Hennes Majestäts Skepp” and is used in the Swedish Navy as a prefix before the ship's name, such as HMS Visby. However, HMS was not used by the Swedish Navy until after 1950. For older ships, i.e. built before 1950, "HM" (His Majesty's) was used followed by the ship type and name, e.g. HM Kryssare Tre Kronor. HSwMS is a sometimes used designation for military ships from Sweden when traveling outside Sweden's territorial waters, instead of HMS. In the UK, the same abbreviation stands for Her Majesty's Ship or His Majesty's Ship and has been used in the Royal Navy since the 1660s. The USA uses the designation USS, United States Ship. During WW II, from June 23, 1940, Swedish warships were marked with white transverse lines on their decks and sides so that they could be clearly identified as neutral ships and thus avoid accidental fire from the belligerents.

Minesweeper

Minesweepers are small warships that tow mine clearance devices, known as "sweeps", for disabling mines. Classic contact mines, which are moored to the bottom and float just below the surface of the water, are cleared by minesweepers dragging a sweep wire behind them that cuts the mine's anchor lines. The Second World War saw the introduction of magnetic mines, naval mines that explode when a steel ship disturbs the earth's magnetic field. This type of mine is cleared by a wooden or plastic minesweeper towing a magnetic float (so-called “pig”) behind it.

Swedish Minesweepers

There were no minesweepers specifically built for minesweeping in the Swedish Navy before the First World War. Instead, older torpedo boats and other smaller vessels were used for this task before the war. These boats had then been extra equipped for minesweeping. Our first proper minesweepers and their equipment were acquired at the end of the First World War (1917-1918). They were 3 Sökaren class minesweepers. In the early 1930s, 4 Jägaren class picket boats with minesweeping capacity were acquired. However, the vessels had some limitations as minsweepers. In 1935, 2 Norwegian whalers (Styrbjörn class) were purchased and used to train auxiliary minesweeper crews. In the Swedish Navy they were named HMS Starkodder (51) and HMS Styrbjörn (52). It was not until 1937 that 2 ship types were acquired that met all the requirements for functional minesweeping. They were HMS Arholma and HMS Landsort, and M1 and M2. The Swedish Navy has traditionally invested heavily in good mine clearance capabilities, both by developing mine technology and clearance methods. Sökaren class minesweeper: The Sökaren class was a series of 3 minesweepers consisting of the ships HMS Sökaren (47), HMS Sveparen (48), and HMS Sprängaren (49). They were acquired with funds left over from the 1912 Coastal Defense Ship Collection. The first two were launched in 1917, the Sprängaren in 1918. All 3 were delivered to the Navy in 1918. The boats were initially referred to as picket boats, but they were our first ships that were built for minesweeping from the outset and were equipped with minesweeping equipment. They were also equipped with mine rails for mine laying. From 1930, the ships were called tenders as they were better suited for use as auxiliary vessels. 1. HMS Sökaren (16 / 47), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1953. 2. HMS Sveparen (17 / 48), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1964. 3. HMS Sprängaren (18 / 49), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1962. The vessels were 27.8 m long and the beam was 7 m. Displacement 232 tons. Speed: 10 knots. Complement: 16 men. The machinery consisted of a 2-cylinder standing compound steam engine (piston steam engine) and a Howden water tube boiler. 400 ihp. 1 propeller. They were armed with a 57 mm cannon m/16. It was later supplemented with a 25 mm automatic cannon and a machine gun. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Sprängaren 48, launched in 1918, delivered to the navy in 1918. Length 27.8 m, beam 7 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo200072. Before 1940, these ships were numbered HMS Sökaren (16), HMS Sveparen (17), and HMS Sprängaren (18). Thereafter, 47, 48, and 49. The Sökaren was decommissioned in 1953, the Sveparen in 1964, and the Sprängaren in 1962. The Sökaren ran aground in October 1953 in Baggensfjärden near Saltsjöbaden (Stockholm archipelago) and sank. Styrbjörn class minesweeper: The Styrbjörn class consisted of two former whaling ships acquired from Norway in 1935. In the Swedish Navy, they were named HMS Starkodder (51) and HMS Styrbjörn (52). As Norwegian whaling ships, they were named Graham and Klo. The ships were acquired for training the wartime crews of the auxiliary picket boats and were equipped with an older 37 mm m/98B cannon, which was replaced in 1940-1941 by a more modern 20 mm m/40 anti-aircraft automatic gun. They were also equipped with the m/34 protective sweep. Initially, they had bow numbers 1 and 2, but during the war, they were given the numbers 51 and 52 respectively. Both ships were part of the Gothenburg Squadron during the war and served around the Swedish west coast. They were very seaworthy and were used during the war for patrolling, but were also used for mine laying and icebreaking. In 1948 the ships were reclassified as tenders. HMS Starkodder (1 / 51), launched in 1925 in Norway, in Swedish service from 1935. Decommissioned in 1959. HMS Styrbjörn (2 / 52), launched in 1923 in Norway, in Swedish service from 1935. Decommissioned in 1959. The Starkodder was 35.4 m long and the beam was 7.0 m. Displacement 375 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement: 12 men. The Styrbjörn was 32.6 m long and the beam was 6.7 m. Displacement 350 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement 12 men. The machinery consisted of a 3-cylinder triple-expansion steam engine, 750 ihp. One fire tube boiler. 1 propeller. The armament was a 37 mm cannon m/98B (later a 20 mm anti- aircraft automatic gun m/40), and one 8 mm machine gun m/36. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Starkodder (51), launched in 1925 in Norway, purchased by the Swedish Navy in 1935. Length 35.4 m, beam 7 m. Photo in 1944. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo83454A. Minesweepers M1 and M2: Two prototype mine sweeping ships were built in steel in 1937, HMS M1 and HMS M2. The experimental vessels were shallow-draft 30 m long minesweepers for mine clearance in narrow and shallow channels and bays that required good maneuverability. They were equipped with 3 propellers. HMS M1 (1), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1938. Decommissioned in 1952. HMS M2 (2), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1938. Decommissioned in 1953. The vessels were 30.7 m long and the beam was 4.3 m. Displacement 61 tons. Speed: 18 knots. Complement: 13 men. The machinery on the M1 consisted of three 600 hp Ellwe diesel engines with 3 propellers. The machinery on the M2 consisted of three NOHAB- Hellelman diesel engines of 630 hp. 3 propellers. The armament consisted of a dual 8 mm machine gun m/36 and depth charges. During the war, the machine gun was replaced by a 40 mm automatic cannon m/40. At that time the ships were not primarily used for mine sweeping but for mine reconnaissance and mine destruction. The image shows the minesweeper M2, launched in 1937, delivered to the Navy in 1938. Length 30.7 m, beam 4.3 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo56193A. Minsweepers of the M3 class / the 39-boats (Minsweepers less): After the experiences with the M1 and M2 but especially with the fish transport vessel / auxiliary picket vessel HMS Axel 385 (designed by Jac Iversen) from 1934 as a model, a series of 12 minesweepers were built between 1939 and 1940 in wood (Honduras mahogany except for the M13 which was built in oak). They were the HMS M3 - HMS M14. The class was called the 39-boats, referring to the year of ordering (1939). The ships were equipped with KaMeWa propellers and had very good maneuverability. On these 39-boats, the mast is located forward of the wheelhouse, while on the following 40-boats, it is located aft of the funnel. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS M3, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1955. 2. HMS M4, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1955. 3. HMS M5, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1955. 4. HMS M6, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1955. 5. HMS M7, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1959. 6. HMS M8, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. 7. HMS M9, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1960. 8. HMS M10, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1960. 9. HMS M11, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1957. 10. HMS M12, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1957. 11. HMS M13, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. 12. HMS M14, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. The vessels were 25 m long and the beam was 5.1 m. Displacement 51 tons. Speed: 13 knots. Complement: 12 men. The machinery consisted of two 400 hp Bolinder- Munktell diesel engines for the M3 - M6. The M7- M14 (except for M8) had two 400 hp Ellwe diesel engines. The M8 had two Scania D815 diesel engines of 396 hp. 2 propellers. They were armed with a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40 and an 8 mm machine gun m/36 (not all ships). The ships were decommissioned between 1955 and 1960. The image shows the minesweeper HMS M11 (39- boats), launched in 1940, delivered to the Navy in 1940. Length 25 m, beam 5.1 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo24136. Minesweepers of the M15 class / the 40-boats (Minesweepers less): Between 1941 and 1942, another 12 minesweepers, the HMS M15 - HMS M26, were built and played a major role in Swedish coastal defense. The ship class is M15. The class was called the 40-boats, referring to the year of order (1940). The 40-boats were very similar to the 39-boats. On the 39-boats, the mast is located in front of the wheelhouse, while on the 40-boats it is located behind the funnel. From the outset, the 40-boats had an open maneuvering area at the stern of the bridge. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS M15, launched in 1941 och delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1984. 2. HMS M16, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1984. 3. HMS M17, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1986. 4. HMS M18, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1986. 5. HMS M19, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1942. Decommissioned in 1965. 6. HMS M20, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned <2005. 7. HMS M21, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1942. Decommissioned in 2007. 8. HMS M22, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2004. 9. HMS M23, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1989. 10. HMS M24, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2005. 11. HMS M25, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2004. 12. HMS M26, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1989. The vessels were 27.7 m long and the beam was 5 m. Displacement 70 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement: 12 men. The machinery consisted of two Frich full diesel engines, 400 hp. 2 propellers. They were armed with a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40 and an 8 mm machine gun m/36 (not all ships due to delivery problems). The 20 mm gun was originally equipped with a dome, but it was replaced during the war with a steel plate that provided better shrapnel and wind protection. Both the 40-boats and the 39-boats were heavily used during the war as minesweepers and mine disposal units, as well as in the post-war minesweeps. The minesweeper M20 is preserved as a museum ship, owned by the Maritime History Museum but managed and operated since 2005 by the M20 Association. The image shows the minesweeper HMS M15 (40- boat), launched in 1941, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 27.7 m, beam 5 m. Photo August 1951, image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo193007. Arholma class minesweepers (Minesweepers larger): The Arholma class was a series of 14 (2+6+6) steel minesweepers built between 1937 and 1940, which were rapidly built during World War II. HMS Arholma (53) and HMS Landsort (54) were launched as early as 1937. In 1939 it was decided that six more ships would be built. In 1940, the decision was made to build yet another six ships in the class. All 12 ships were launched between 1940 and 1941. For its size, the Arholma class was heavily armed and can be compared to the coastal destroyers of the time. The last six ships were also adapted for naval cadet training. The ships were: HMS Arholma (53), HMS Landsort (54), HMS Bremön (55), HMS Holmön (56), HMS Sandön (57), HMS Ulvön (58), HMS Bredskär (59), HMS Grönskär (60), HMS Ramskär (61), HMS Örskär (62), HMS Koster (63), HMS Kullen (64), HMS Vinga (65), and HMS Ven (66). During World War II, the Arholma-class minesweepers were widely used and formed a very important part of the Swedish neutrality watch. The The image shows the minesweeper HMS Ramskär (61), launched in 1940, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 56.7 m, beam 7.6 m. Photo between 1941 and 1945. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo70447AF. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Arholma (53), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1939. Decommissioned in 1960. 2. HMS Landsort (54), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1939. Decommissioned in 1964. 3. HMS Bremön (55), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1966. 4. HMS Holmön (56), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1964. 5. HMS Sandön (57), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1964. 6. HMS Ulvön (58), launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1968. 7. HMS Bredskär (59), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 8. HMS Grönskär (60), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1963. 9. HMS Ramskär (61), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 10. HMS Örskär (62), launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 11. HMS Koster (63), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1964. 12. HMS Kullen (64), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 13. HMS Vinga (65), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1964. 14. HMS Ven (66), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. The vessels were 56.7 m long and the beam was 7.6 m. Displacement 460 tons. Speed: 18 knots. Complement: 46 men. The machinery consisted of two de Laval steam turbines of 1,600 hp each, two oil boilers type Normand. 2 propellers. The armament was two 10.5 cm guns m/40 (the Arholma, Landsort, and some others initially had two 7.5 cm guns m/05 or m/12 due to delivery problems), a dual 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32, two 8 mm machine guns m/36, 40 naval mines, two depth charge dispensers, two depth charge launchers, and 24 depth charges. All ships were successively rearmed with the 10.5 cm guns. The ships were also equipped with magnetic loops on the outside. Gradually they were also equipped for anti-submarine warfare, including the installation of a simple high-frequency sonar. A major modernization began in 1948, with a modern 40 mm m/48 cannon replacing the dual 25 mm gun. Later, the original 10.5 cm gun was replaced by a 57 mm illumination shell launcher. The number of depth charges was increased to 51. Combat management and navigation equipment were modernized. In the early 1950s, ships were equipped with modern hydrophones. The ships were decommissioned between 1959 and 1966. HMS Bremön (55) was handed over to the Naval Museum in Karlskrona in 1987 and is now moored at Stumholmen. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Ulvön (58), launched in 1941, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 56.7 m, beam 7.6 m. Photo in 1948. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo88509AB.
Minesweepers of the Hanö class: The Hanö class consisted of a series of 6 minesweepers, M51 - M56, delivered to the Navy in the early 1950s. The ships were initially intended to be built of wood, but in the end, steel was chosen. They were equipped with KaMeWa propellers (Swedish-designed propellers). The image shows the minesweeper HMS Utö (M56), launched in 1952, delivered to the Navy in 1953. Length 42 m, beam 7 m. Photo 1960-1970s. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: B35:20. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Hanö (M51 / V51), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1982. 2. HMS Tärnö (M52 / V52), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1988. 3. HMS Tjurkö (M53 / V53), launched in 1951 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1992. 4. HMS Sturkö (M54 / V54), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1987. 5. HMS Ornö (M55 / V55), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1993. 6. HMS Utö (M56 / V56), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1982. The vessels were 42.0 m long and the beam was 7.0 m. Displacement 275 tons. Speed: 14.5 knots. Complement: 25 men. The machinery consisted of two Nohab diesel engines with a total of 910 hp. 2 propellers. The armament consisted of two 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic guns m/48. The two 40 mm pieces were gradually fitted with plastic domes. The magnetic mine protection consisted of magnetic loops fitted on the outside. Later, the ships were equipped with m/55 illumination shell launchers. In the 1960s, a so-called fishing astic (hydrophone 105 of fiskeastic type) was added as a mine detector and for monitoring submarines. Around 1965, the ships were reclassified as picket boats and were then given the designations V51 - V56 (Source: Hofsten). Some sources indicate that the reclassification took place only in 1979. HMS Hanö served from 1955 to 1976 as an auxiliary vessel for the Icelandic fishery and from 1962 also for the North Sea fishery at the Shetland Islands for a few years. The 40 mm gun on the foredeck was then replaced by a 20 mm automatic gun m/40. The picture shows the minesweeper HMS Tjurkö (M53), here as a picket boat (V53). Launched in 1952, delivered to the Navy in 1953. Length 42 m, beam 7 m. Photo: Ola Lejonborn during the Tall Ships Race, Karlskrona, 1980. Image: Kalmar Läns Museum, ID: KLMF.OL00838. Minesweepers of the Arkö class: Modern magnetic mines became increasingly sensitive and could be triggered even by lighter magnetic fields. The Swedish Navy therefore studied German and American wooden minesweepers to see how much better their mine protection was compared to steel minesweepers. Minesweepers built of steel and equipped with electrical demagnetization loops did not provide adequate protection against modern magnetic mines. Even wooden boats built on metal frames did not provide adequate protection as the sensitivity of the mines has increased dramatically. The outcome of the studies of the American and German wooden minesweepers was good and a series of 12 new wooden minesweepers were ordered (M57 - M68), Arkö class. The hulls were to be built of pine planks in three layers glued together, as metal frames could give rise to magnetic fields. However, the ships contained so much metal material, generators and other ferritic objects that they still had to be fitted with "demagnetization loops". All major magnetic components such as guns and engines were fitted with electrical compensation loops to counteract their effect on the earth's magnetic field. The order for the new minesweepers was placed in 1955. The 12 minesweepers were: HMS Arkö (M57), HMS Spårö (M58), HMS Karlsö (M59), HMS Iggö (M60), HMS Styrsö (M61), HMS Skaftö (M62), HMS Aspö (M63), HMS Hasslö (M64), HMS Vinö (M65), HMS Vållö (M66), HMS Nämdö (M67) and HMS Blidö (M68). The ships were delivered to the Navy between 1958 and 1964. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Arkö (M57), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1995. 2. HMS Spårö (M58), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1985. 3. HMS Karlsö (M59), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1984. 4. HMS Iggö (M60), launched in 1961 and delivered to the Navy in 1961. Decommissioned in 1986. 5. HMS Styrsö (M61), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 6. HMS Skaftö (M62), launched in 1961 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1990. 7. HMS Aspö (M63), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 8. HMS Hasslö (M64), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 9. HMS Vinö (M65), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1963. Decommissioned in 1981. 10. HMS Vållö (M66), launched in 1963 and delivered to the Navy in 1963. Decommissioned in 1980. 11. HMS Nämdö (M67), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 2009. 12. HMS Blidö (M68), launched in 1963 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1995. The vessels were 44.7 m long and the beam was 7.5 m. Displacement 312 tons. Speed: 16 knots. Complement: 24 men. The machinery consisted of two Daimler-Benz diesel engines 820 Gb-1 of 1.600 hp made of aluminum and bronze. 2 KaMeWa propellers. The sweeping equipment was also made of aluminum or stainless steel so that the magnetic signature would be as small as possible. The armament consisted of a 40 mm automatic cannon m/48, a 57 mm illumination shell launcher m/55. In the mid-1960s, a so-called fishing astic (hydrophone 105) was added as a mine detector and for monitoring submarines. In the mid-1960s, rottenness was discovered in the wood-built ships, which was extensive in some units and affected the service life of the Arkö class ships. Attempts were made to replace the deck on HMS Hasslö with fiberglass reinforced polyester with good results. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Vinö (M65), launched in 1962, delivered to the Navy in 1963. Built in wood. Length 44.7 m, beam 7.5 m. Photo 1960-1970s. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo29124. During the mid-term modification in the early 1980s, the magnetic mine protection was further improved. Furthermore, the ships were equipped with a dome over the 40 mm gun on the foredeck and with a modern remote control system for the 40 mm gun, which meant that it could be fired from the wheelhouse. The illumination shell launcher was removed and the m/58 machine gun was added instead. HMS Nämdö M67 was transferred in 1995 to the Coastal Fleet School Division as a training and command ship where she remained until her decommissioning in 2009.

Fishing boat type of minesweepers

The fishing boat (Swe: Fiskebåt) type minesweeper was a series of Swedish minesweepers used to train crews for the auxiliary minesweepers. These auxiliary vessels were civilian trawlers that, upon mobilization, would be enlisted as warships in the Swedish Navy with the task of clearing naval mines. Orust class minesweepers: HMS Orust (M41) and HMS Tjörn (M42) were two wooden minesweepers of the fishing boat type of minesweepers designed to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for minesweeping upon mobilization. The vessels were constantly in service until 1973 when they were put into storage. Thereafter, they were only used for wartime exercises until 1977 when they were decommissioned. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Orust (51 / M41), launched in 1948 and delivered to the Navy in 1948. Decommissioned in 1977. 2. HMS Tjörn (52 / M42), launched in 1948 and delivered to the Navy in 1949. Decommissioned in 1977. The vessels were 21.5 m long and the beam was 6.1 m. Displacement: 100 tons. Speed: 7 knots. Complement: 10 men. The machinery consisted of a Skandia ignition bulb engine of 210 hp. 1 propeller. The armament consisted of a 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32. This was later replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40 which in turn was replaced by a 20 mm anti- aircraft automatic gun m/40. In the late 1960s, a Simrad trawler hydrophone 105 was added. The image shows a fishing boat minesweeper, HMS Orust (51/M41), launched in 1948, delivered to the Navy in 1948. Length 21.5 m, beam 6.1 m. Photo in 1956. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo62452. Hissingen class minesweeper: The Hisingen-class fishing boat minesweepers were 7 in number and built of wood. Their purpose was to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for mine sweeping upon mobilization. The vessels' pennant numbers were M43 -M49 and they were delivered to the Navy in the early 1960s. As with the fishing boat minesweepers HMS Orust and HMS Tjörn, the Navy Administration had only produced specifications for the vessels but no detailed drawings. This was left to the shipyards, and since five different shipyards were used for the Hisingen class minesweepers, the ships differed slightly in appearance. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Hisingen (M43), launched in 1960 och levererades till flottan 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 2. HMS Blackan (M44), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1961. Decommissioned in 1999. 3. HMS Dämman (M45), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 4. HMS Galten (M46), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 5. HMS Gillöga (M47), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998. 6. HMS Rödlöga (M48), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998. 7. HMS Svartlöga (M49), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998 The vessels were 24 m long and the beam was 6.5 m. Displacement 130 tons. Speed: 9 knots. Complement: 10 men. The machinery varied between the ships. HMS Hisingen had two Scania-Vabis DS10 diesel engines of 370 hp. HMS Blackan, Dämman, and Galten had a Skandia diesel engine of 380 hp. HMS Gillöga, Rödlöga, and Svartlöga had a Skandia diesel engine of 400 hp. 1 propeller. There were engine problems on the ships equipped with the Skandia diesel engines, which gradually led to engine replacement with Scania's 470 hp V8 diesel engine. In the early 1980s, Hisingen had its engines replaced with two Scania DS311 diesel engines. The armament on HMS Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman, and Galten consisted of a 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32. On Gillöga, Rödlöga and Svartlöga it consisted of a 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/36. At the end of the 1960s, all the vessels were equipped with the same armament when the first 4 vessels' 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun was changed to the same 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun as the last 3 vessels. Around 1970, all 7 vessels, as well as HMS Orust and Tjörn, received the Simrad trawler hydrophone 105. Between 1985 and 1986 the Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman and Galten were converted to scuba diving boats. In connection with this, the gun was replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40. Between 1985 and 1986 the Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman, and Galten were converted to clearance diver boats. In connection with this, the gun was replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40. Between 1986 and 1991 the Gillöga, Rödlöga, and Svartlöga were used as buoy boats. Thereafter, all 7 vessels were used in the clearance diving units until they were decommissioned at the end of the 1990s. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Dämman M45 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1960, delivered to the Navy in 1960. Length 24 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo: 1970s. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: B32:1.
Gåssten class minesweeper: The Gåssten class fishing boat minesweepers were 3 in number and built of wood (not HMS Viksten). Their purpose was to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for minesweeping upon mobilization. The ships' pennant numbers were M31 -M33 and were delivered to the Navy in 1973 - 1974. The purpose was to replace the older fishing minesweepers HMS Orust and HMS Tjörn. The first two ships, HMS Gåssten and HMS Norsten, had conventional wooden hulls of the side trawler type, while the third ship, HMS Viksten, was constructed with a plastic hull of the stern trawler type, a frameless sandwich hull. HMS Viksten was the first full-scale plastic ship to be built in Sweden. Although the Viksten was slightly longer but had the same machinery, the displacement was still less for Viksten compared to the Gåssten and Norsten which were built of wood. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Norsten M32 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1973, delivered to the Navy in 1973. Length 24 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo Lennart Bergqvist, October 1973. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: V58141. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Gåssten (M31), launched in 1972 and delivered to the Navy in 1973. Decommissioned in 1998. 2. HMS Norsten (M32), launched in 1973 and delivered to the Navy in 1973. Decommissioned in 1998. 3. HMS Viksten (M33), launched in 1974 and delivered to the Navy in 1974. Decommissioned in 2007. HMS Gåssten and Norsten were 24 m long and their beam were 6.5 m. Displacement 135 tons. Speed: 10 knots. Complement: 11 men. HMS Viksten was 25.3 m long and its beam was 6.5 m. Displacement 115 tons. Speed: 11 knots. Complement: 11 men. The machinery consisted of two Scania-Vabis DS10 diesel engines of 460 hp. 2 propellers. During the 1990s the two diesel engines were replaced by a 440 hp diesel engine to reduce the noise signature. The armament was a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Viksten M33 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1974, delivered to the Navy in 1974. Length 25.3 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo Erling Klintefors. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: MM.V 01676.
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Military Hans Högman
Copyright © Hans Högman 2023-10-02

Ships of the Swedish Navy - 8

Swedish Warships - Surface

Combatants - 7

List of various types of Swedish Motorized

Surface Combatants

Battleship Coastal defense ship Cruiser, part-1, part-2 Destroyer, part-1, part-2, part-3 Frigate Corvette Motor torpedo boat Torpedo boat / Missile boat Patrol boat Picket boat Surveillance boat Minelayer / Minehunter / Minesweeper

Definitions

In the description of the ships, there are some concepts and terms that may be worth describing. Pennant No., the recognition number that Swedish warships normally, in peacetime, have painted on the side of certain types of ships. For submarines, it is an abbreviation of the submarine's name. [Hull No. in the US]. Delivered refers to the time when the ship was formally delivered to the Navy from the shipyard. Launched, refers to the time when the ship was christened and launched. Decommissioned normally refers to the time when the ship is permanently removed from the Navy organization. Displacement, expressed in tons, is given with two values, standard displacement, and displacement when the ship is fully equipped. If only one value is given, it refers to standard displacement. For submarines, displacement is given in surface mode and submerged mode. Speed is given in knots and refers to the contracted speed. For submarines, the speed is given in surface mode and submerged mode. Dimensions, given in meters for length, beam, and draft. The length may be given in two dimensions: the waterline and the maximum overall length. If only one length is given, the maximum length is referred to. Beam means the maximum width. Complement, the crew size. It normally refers to the peacetime crew size. Submarine diving depths indicate the maximum permitted diving depth in peacetime. ihp = Indicated horsepower (the theoretical power of a reciprocating engine if it is completely frictionless) The abbreviation "HMS" means “Hans Majestäts Skepp / Hennes Majestäts Skepp” and is used in the Swedish Navy as a prefix before the ship's name, such as HMS Visby. However, HMS was not used by the Swedish Navy until after 1950. For older ships, i.e. built before 1950, "HM" (His Majesty's) was used followed by the ship type and name, e.g. HM Kryssare Tre Kronor. HSwMS is a sometimes used designation for military ships from Sweden when traveling outside Sweden's territorial waters, instead of HMS. In the UK, the same abbreviation stands for Her Majesty's Ship or His Majesty's Ship and has been used in the Royal Navy since the 1660s. The USA uses the designation USS, United States Ship. During WW II, from June 23, 1940, Swedish warships were marked with white transverse lines on their decks and sides so that they could be clearly identified as neutral ships and thus avoid accidental fire from the belligerents.

Minesweeper

Minesweepers are small warships that tow mine clearance devices, known as "sweeps", for disabling mines. Classic contact mines, which are moored to the bottom and float just below the surface of the water, are cleared by minesweepers dragging a sweep wire behind them that cuts the mine's anchor lines. The Second World War saw the introduction of magnetic mines, naval mines that explode when a steel ship disturbs the earth's magnetic field. This type of mine is cleared by a wooden or plastic minesweeper towing a magnetic float (so-called “pig”) behind it.

Swedish Minesweepers

There were no minesweepers specifically built for minesweeping in the Swedish Navy before the First World War. Instead, older torpedo boats and other smaller vessels were used for this task before the war. These boats had then been extra equipped for minesweeping. Our first proper minesweepers and their equipment were acquired at the end of the First World War (1917- 1918). They were 3 Sökaren class minesweepers. In the early 1930s, 4 Jägaren class picket boats with minesweeping capacity were acquired. However, the vessels had some limitations as minsweepers. In 1935, 2 Norwegian whalers (Styrbjörn class) were purchased and used to train auxiliary minesweeper crews. In the Swedish Navy they were named HMS Starkodder (51) and HMS Styrbjörn (52). It was not until 1937 that 2 ship types were acquired that met all the requirements for functional minesweeping. They were HMS Arholma and HMS Landsort, and M1 and M2. The Swedish Navy has traditionally invested heavily in good mine clearance capabilities, both by developing mine technology and clearance methods. Sökaren class minesweeper: The Sökaren class was a series of 3 minesweepers consisting of the ships HMS Sökaren (47), HMS Sveparen (48), and HMS Sprängaren (49). They were acquired with funds left over from the 1912 Coastal Defense Ship Collection. The first two were launched in 1917, the Sprängaren in 1918. All 3 were delivered to the Navy in 1918. The boats were initially referred to as picket boats, but they were our first ships that were built for minesweeping from the outset and were equipped with minesweeping equipment. They were also equipped with mine rails for mine laying. From 1930, the ships were called tenders as they were better suited for use as auxiliary vessels. 1. HMS Sökaren (16 / 47), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1953. 2. HMS Sveparen (17 / 48), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1964. 3. HMS Sprängaren (18 / 49), launched in 1917 and delivered to the Navy in 1918. Decommissioned in 1962. The vessels were 27.8 m long and the beam was 7 m. Displacement 232 tons. Speed: 10 knots. Complement: 16 men. The machinery consisted of a 2-cylinder standing compound steam engine (piston steam engine) and a Howden water tube boiler. 400 ihp. 1 propeller. They were armed with a 57 mm cannon m/16. It was later supplemented with a 25 mm automatic cannon and a machine gun. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Sprängaren 48, launched in 1918, delivered to the navy in 1918. Length 27.8 m, beam 7 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo200072. Before 1940, these ships were numbered HMS Sökaren (16), HMS Sveparen (17), and HMS Sprängaren (18). Thereafter, 47, 48, and 49. The Sökaren was decommissioned in 1953, the Sveparen in 1964, and the Sprängaren in 1962. The Sökaren ran aground in October 1953 in Baggensfjärden near Saltsjöbaden (Stockholm archipelago) and sank. Styrbjörn class minesweeper: The Styrbjörn class consisted of two former whaling ships acquired from Norway in 1935. In the Swedish Navy, they were named HMS Starkodder (51) and HMS Styrbjörn (52). As Norwegian whaling ships, they were named Graham and Klo. The ships were acquired for training the wartime crews of the auxiliary picket boats and were equipped with an older 37 mm m/98B cannon, which was replaced in 1940-1941 by a more modern 20 mm m/40 anti- aircraft automatic gun. They were also equipped with the m/34 protective sweep. Initially, they had bow numbers 1 and 2, but during the war, they were given the numbers 51 and 52 respectively. Both ships were part of the Gothenburg Squadron during the war and served around the Swedish west coast. They were very seaworthy and were used during the war for patrolling, but were also used for mine laying and icebreaking. In 1948 the ships were reclassified as tenders. HMS Starkodder (1 / 51), launched in 1925 in Norway, in Swedish service from 1935. Decommissioned in 1959. HMS Styrbjörn (2 / 52), launched in 1923 in Norway, in Swedish service from 1935. Decommissioned in 1959. The Starkodder was 35.4 m long and the beam was 7.0 m. Displacement 375 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement: 12 men. The Styrbjörn was 32.6 m long and the beam was 6.7 m. Displacement 350 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement 12 men. The machinery consisted of a 3-cylinder triple- expansion steam engine, 750 ihp. One fire tube boiler. 1 propeller. The armament was a 37 mm cannon m/98B (later a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40), and one 8 mm machine gun m/36. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Starkodder (51), launched in 1925 in Norway, purchased by the Swedish Navy in 1935. Length 35.4 m, beam 7 m. Photo in 1944. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo83454A. Minesweepers M1 and M2: Two prototype mine sweeping ships were built in steel in 1937, HMS M1 and HMS M2. The experimental vessels were shallow-draft 30 m long minesweepers for mine clearance in narrow and shallow channels and bays that required good maneuverability. They were equipped with 3 propellers. HMS M1 (1), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1938. Decommissioned in 1952. HMS M2 (2), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1938. Decommissioned in 1953. The vessels were 30.7 m long and the beam was 4.3 m. Displacement 61 tons. Speed: 18 knots. Complement: 13 men. The machinery on the M1 consisted of three 600 hp Ellwe diesel engines with 3 propellers. The machinery on the M2 consisted of three NOHAB-Hellelman diesel engines of 630 hp. 3 propellers. The armament consisted of a dual 8 mm machine gun m/36 and depth charges. During the war, the machine gun was replaced by a 40 mm automatic cannon m/40. At that time the ships were not primarily used for mine sweeping but for mine reconnaissance and mine destruction. The image shows the minesweeper M2, launched in 1937, delivered to the Navy in 1938. Length 30.7 m, beam 4.3 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo56193A. Minsweepers of the M3 class / the 39-boats (Minsweepers less): After the experiences with the M1 and M2 but especially with the fish transport vessel / auxiliary picket vessel HMS Axel 385 (designed by Jac Iversen) from 1934 as a model, a series of 12 minesweepers were built between 1939 and 1940 in wood (Honduras mahogany except for the M13 which was built in oak). They were the HMS M3 - HMS M14. The class was called the 39-boats, referring to the year of ordering (1939). The ships were equipped with KaMeWa propellers and had very good maneuverability. On these 39-boats, the mast is located forward of the wheelhouse, while on the following 40-boats, it is located aft of the funnel. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS M3, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1955. 2. HMS M4, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1955. 3. HMS M5, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1955. 4. HMS M6, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1955. 5. HMS M7, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1959. 6. HMS M8, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. 7. HMS M9, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1960. 8. HMS M10, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1960. 9. HMS M11, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1957. 10. HMS M12, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1957. 11. HMS M13, launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. 12. HMS M14, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. The vessels were 25 m long and the beam was 5.1 m. Displacement 51 tons. Speed: 13 knots. Complement: 12 men. The machinery consisted of two 400 hp Bolinder- Munktell diesel engines for the M3 - M6. The M7-M14 (except for M8) had two 400 hp Ellwe diesel engines. The M8 had two Scania D815 diesel engines of 396 hp. 2 propellers. They were armed with a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40 and an 8 mm machine gun m/36 (not all ships). The ships were decommissioned between 1955 and 1960. The image shows the minesweeper HMS M11 (39- boats), launched in 1940, delivered to the Navy in 1940. Length 25 m, beam 5.1 m. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo24136. Minesweepers of the M15 class / the 40-boats (Minesweepers less): Between 1941 and 1942, another 12 minesweepers, the HMS M15 - HMS M26, were built and played a major role in Swedish coastal defense. The ship class is M15. The class was called the 40-boats, referring to the year of order (1940). The 40-boats were very similar to the 39-boats. On the 39-boats, the mast is located in front of the wheelhouse, while on the 40- boats it is located behind the funnel. From the outset, the 40-boats had an open maneuvering area at the stern of the bridge. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS M15, launched in 1941 och delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1984. 2. HMS M16, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1984. 3. HMS M17, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1986. 4. HMS M18, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1986. 5. HMS M19, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1942. Decommissioned in 1965. 6. HMS M20, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned <2005. 7. HMS M21, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1942. Decommissioned in 2007. 8. HMS M22, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2004. 9. HMS M23, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1989. 10. HMS M24, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2005. 11. HMS M25, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 2004. 12. HMS M26, launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1989. The vessels were 27.7 m long and the beam was 5 m. Displacement 70 tons. Speed: 12 knots. Complement: 12 men. The machinery consisted of two Frich full diesel engines, 400 hp. 2 propellers. They were armed with a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40 and an 8 mm machine gun m/36 (not all ships due to delivery problems). The 20 mm gun was originally equipped with a dome, but it was replaced during the war with a steel plate that provided better shrapnel and wind protection. Both the 40-boats and the 39-boats were heavily used during the war as minesweepers and mine disposal units, as well as in the post-war minesweeps. The minesweeper M20 is preserved as a museum ship, owned by the Maritime History Museum but managed and operated since 2005 by the M20 Association. The image shows the minesweeper HMS M15 (40- boat), launched in 1941, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 27.7 m, beam 5 m. Photo August 1951, image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo193007. Arholma class minesweepers (Minesweepers larger): The Arholma class was a series of 14 (2+6+6) steel minesweepers built between 1937 and 1940, which were rapidly built during World War II. HMS Arholma (53) and HMS Landsort (54) were launched as early as 1937. In 1939 it was decided that six more ships would be built. In 1940, the decision was made to build yet another six ships in the class. All 12 ships were launched between 1940 and 1941. For its size, the Arholma class was heavily armed and can be compared to the coastal destroyers of the time. The last six ships were also adapted for naval cadet training. The ships were: HMS Arholma (53), HMS Landsort (54), HMS Bremön (55), HMS Holmön (56), HMS Sandön (57), HMS Ulvön (58), HMS Bredskär (59), HMS Grönskär (60), HMS Ramskär (61), HMS Örskär (62), HMS Koster (63), HMS Kullen (64), HMS Vinga (65), and HMS Ven (66). During World War II, the Arholma-class minesweepers were widely used and formed a very important part of the Swedish neutrality watch. The The image shows the minesweeper HMS Ramskär (61), launched in 1940, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 56.7 m, beam 7.6 m. Photo between 1941 and 1945. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo70447AF. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Arholma (53), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1939. Decommissioned in 1960. 2. HMS Landsort (54), launched in 1937 and delivered to the Navy in 1939. Decommissioned in 1964. 3. HMS Bremön (55), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1966. 4. HMS Holmön (56), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1964. 5. HMS Sandön (57), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1964. 6. HMS Ulvön (58), launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1968. 7. HMS Bredskär (59), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 8. HMS Grönskär (60), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1963. 9. HMS Ramskär (61), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 10. HMS Örskär (62), launched in 1941 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 11. HMS Koster (63), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1964. 12. HMS Kullen (64), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1966. 13. HMS Vinga (65), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1940. Decommissioned in 1964. 14. HMS Ven (66), launched in 1940 and delivered to the Navy in 1941. Decommissioned in 1959. The vessels were 56.7 m long and the beam was 7.6 m. Displacement 460 tons. Speed: 18 knots. Complement: 46 men. The machinery consisted of two de Laval steam turbines of 1,600 hp each, two oil boilers type Normand. 2 propellers. The armament was two 10.5 cm guns m/40 (the Arholma, Landsort, and some others initially had two 7.5 cm guns m/05 or m/12 due to delivery problems), a dual 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32, two 8 mm machine guns m/36, 40 naval mines, two depth charge dispensers, two depth charge launchers, and 24 depth charges. All ships were successively rearmed with the 10.5 cm guns. The ships were also equipped with magnetic loops on the outside. Gradually they were also equipped for anti-submarine warfare, including the installation of a simple high-frequency sonar. A major modernization began in 1948, with a modern 40 mm m/48 cannon replacing the dual 25 mm gun. Later, the original 10.5 cm gun was replaced by a 57 mm illumination shell launcher. The number of depth charges was increased to 51. Combat management and navigation equipment were modernized. In the early 1950s, ships were equipped with modern hydrophones. The ships were decommissioned between 1959 and 1966. HMS Bremön (55) was handed over to the Naval Museum in Karlskrona in 1987 and is now moored at Stumholmen. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Ulvön (58), launched in 1941, delivered to the Navy in 1941. Length 56.7 m, beam 7.6 m. Photo in 1948. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo88509AB.
Minesweepers of the Hanö class: The Hanö class consisted of a series of 6 minesweepers, M51 - M56, delivered to the Navy in the early 1950s. The ships were initially intended to be built of wood, but in the end, steel was chosen. They were equipped with KaMeWa propellers (Swedish- designed propellers). The image shows the minesweeper HMS Utö (M56), launched in 1952, delivered to the Navy in 1953. Length 42 m, beam 7 m. Photo 1960-1970s. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: B35:20. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Hanö (M51 / V51), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1982. 2. HMS Tärnö (M52 / V52), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1988. 3. HMS Tjurkö (M53 / V53), launched in 1951 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1992. 4. HMS Sturkö (M54 / V54), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1987. 5. HMS Ornö (M55 / V55), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1993. 6. HMS Utö (M56 / V56), launched in 1952 and delivered to the Navy in 1953. Decommissioned in 1982. The vessels were 42.0 m long and the beam was 7.0 m. Displacement 275 tons. Speed: 14.5 knots. Complement: 25 men. The machinery consisted of two Nohab diesel engines with a total of 910 hp. 2 propellers. The armament consisted of two 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic guns m/48. The two 40 mm pieces were gradually fitted with plastic domes. The magnetic mine protection consisted of magnetic loops fitted on the outside. Later, the ships were equipped with m/55 illumination shell launchers. In the 1960s, a so-called fishing astic (hydrophone 105 of fiskeastic type) was added as a mine detector and for monitoring submarines. Around 1965, the ships were reclassified as picket boats and were then given the designations V51 - V56 (Source: Hofsten). Some sources indicate that the reclassification took place only in 1979. HMS Hanö served from 1955 to 1976 as an auxiliary vessel for the Icelandic fishery and from 1962 also for the North Sea fishery at the Shetland Islands for a few years. The 40 mm gun on the foredeck was then replaced by a 20 mm automatic gun m/40. The picture shows the minesweeper HMS Tjurkö (M53), here as a picket boat (V53). Launched in 1952, delivered to the Navy in 1953. Length 42 m, beam 7 m. Photo: Ola Lejonborn during the Tall Ships Race, Karlskrona, 1980. Image: Kalmar Läns Museum, ID: KLMF.OL00838. Minesweepers of the Arkö class: Modern magnetic mines became increasingly sensitive and could be triggered even by lighter magnetic fields. The Swedish Navy therefore studied German and American wooden minesweepers to see how much better their mine protection was compared to steel minesweepers. Minesweepers built of steel and equipped with electrical demagnetization loops did not provide adequate protection against modern magnetic mines. Even wooden boats built on metal frames did not provide adequate protection as the sensitivity of the mines has increased dramatically. The outcome of the studies of the American and German wooden minesweepers was good and a series of 12 new wooden minesweepers were ordered (M57 - M68), Arkö class. The hulls were to be built of pine planks in three layers glued together, as metal frames could give rise to magnetic fields. However, the ships contained so much metal material, generators and other ferritic objects that they still had to be fitted with "demagnetization loops". All major magnetic components such as guns and engines were fitted with electrical compensation loops to counteract their effect on the earth's magnetic field. The order for the new minesweepers was placed in 1955. The 12 minesweepers were: HMS Arkö (M57), HMS Spårö (M58), HMS Karlsö (M59), HMS Iggö (M60), HMS Styrsö (M61), HMS Skaftö (M62), HMS Aspö (M63), HMS Hasslö (M64), HMS Vinö (M65), HMS Vållö (M66), HMS Nämdö (M67) and HMS Blidö (M68). The ships were delivered to the Navy between 1958 and 1964. The ships in the class: 1. HMS Arkö (M57), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1995. 2. HMS Spårö (M58), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1985. 3. HMS Karlsö (M59), launched in 1957 and delivered to the Navy in 1958. Decommissioned in 1984. 4. HMS Iggö (M60), launched in 1961 and delivered to the Navy in 1961. Decommissioned in 1986. 5. HMS Styrsö (M61), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 6. HMS Skaftö (M62), launched in 1961 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1990. 7. HMS Aspö (M63), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 8. HMS Hasslö (M64), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1962. Decommissioned in 1989. 9. HMS Vinö (M65), launched in 1962 and delivered to the Navy in 1963. Decommissioned in 1981. 10. HMS Vållö (M66), launched in 1963 and delivered to the Navy in 1963. Decommissioned in 1980. 11. HMS Nämdö (M67), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 2009. 12. HMS Blidö (M68), launched in 1963 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1995. The vessels were 44.7 m long and the beam was 7.5 m. Displacement 312 tons. Speed: 16 knots. Complement: 24 men. The machinery consisted of two Daimler-Benz diesel engines 820 Gb-1 of 1.600 hp made of aluminum and bronze. 2 KaMeWa propellers. The sweeping equipment was also made of aluminum or stainless steel so that the magnetic signature would be as small as possible. The armament consisted of a 40 mm automatic cannon m/48, a 57 mm illumination shell launcher m/55. In the mid-1960s, a so-called fishing astic (hydrophone 105) was added as a mine detector and for monitoring submarines. In the mid-1960s, rottenness was discovered in the wood-built ships, which was extensive in some units and affected the service life of the Arkö class ships. Attempts were made to replace the deck on HMS Hasslö with fiberglass reinforced polyester with good results. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Vinö (M65), launched in 1962, delivered to the Navy in 1963. Built in wood. Length 44.7 m, beam 7.5 m. Photo 1960- 1970s. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo29124. During the mid-term modification in the early 1980s, the magnetic mine protection was further improved. Furthermore, the ships were equipped with a dome over the 40 mm gun on the foredeck and with a modern remote control system for the 40 mm gun, which meant that it could be fired from the wheelhouse. The illumination shell launcher was removed and the m/58 machine gun was added instead. HMS Nämdö M67 was transferred in 1995 to the Coastal Fleet School Division as a training and command ship where she remained until her decommissioning in 2009.

Fishing boat type of minesweepers

The fishing boat (Swe: Fiskebåt) type minesweeper was a series of Swedish minesweepers used to train crews for the auxiliary minesweepers. These auxiliary vessels were civilian trawlers that, upon mobilization, would be enlisted as warships in the Swedish Navy with the task of clearing naval mines. Orust class minesweepers: HMS Orust (M41) and HMS Tjörn (M42) were two wooden minesweepers of the fishing boat type of minesweepers designed to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for minesweeping upon mobilization. The vessels were constantly in service until 1973 when they were put into storage. Thereafter, they were only used for wartime exercises until 1977 when they were decommissioned. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Orust (51 / M41), launched in 1948 and delivered to the Navy in 1948. Decommissioned in 1977. 2. HMS Tjörn (52 / M42), launched in 1948 and delivered to the Navy in 1949. Decommissioned in 1977. The vessels were 21.5 m long and the beam was 6.1 m. Displacement: 100 tons. Speed: 7 knots. Complement: 10 men. The machinery consisted of a Skandia ignition bulb engine of 210 hp. 1 propeller. The armament consisted of a 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32. This was later replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40 which in turn was replaced by a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40. In the late 1960s, a Simrad trawler hydrophone 105 was added. The image shows a fishing boat minesweeper, HMS Orust (51/M41), launched in 1948, delivered to the Navy in 1948. Length 21.5 m, beam 6.1 m. Photo in 1956. Image: Maritime History Museum, ID: Fo62452. Hissingen class minesweeper: The Hisingen-class fishing boat minesweepers were 7 in number and built of wood. Their purpose was to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for mine sweeping upon mobilization. The vessels' pennant numbers were M43 -M49 and they were delivered to the Navy in the early 1960s. As with the fishing boat minesweepers HMS Orust and HMS Tjörn, the Navy Administration had only produced specifications for the vessels but no detailed drawings. This was left to the shipyards, and since five different shipyards were used for the Hisingen class minesweepers, the ships differed slightly in appearance. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Hisingen (M43), launched in 1960 och levererades till flottan 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 2. HMS Blackan (M44), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1961. Decommissioned in 1999. 3. HMS Dämman (M45), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 4. HMS Galten (M46), launched in 1960 and delivered to the Navy in 1960. Decommissioned in 1999. 5. HMS Gillöga (M47), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998. 6. HMS Rödlöga (M48), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998. 7. HMS Svartlöga (M49), launched in 1964 and delivered to the Navy in 1964. Decommissioned in 1998 The vessels were 24 m long and the beam was 6.5 m. Displacement 130 tons. Speed: 9 knots. Complement: 10 men. The machinery varied between the ships. HMS Hisingen had two Scania-Vabis DS10 diesel engines of 370 hp. HMS Blackan, Dämman, and Galten had a Skandia diesel engine of 380 hp. HMS Gillöga, Rödlöga, and Svartlöga had a Skandia diesel engine of 400 hp. 1 propeller. There were engine problems on the ships equipped with the Skandia diesel engines, which gradually led to engine replacement with Scania's 470 hp V8 diesel engine. In the early 1980s, Hisingen had its engines replaced with two Scania DS311 diesel engines. The armament on HMS Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman, and Galten consisted of a 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/32. On Gillöga, Rödlöga and Svartlöga it consisted of a 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/36. At the end of the 1960s, all the vessels were equipped with the same armament when the first 4 vessels' 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun was changed to the same 40 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun as the last 3 vessels. Around 1970, all 7 vessels, as well as HMS Orust and Tjörn, received the Simrad trawler hydrophone 105. Between 1985 and 1986 the Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman and Galten were converted to scuba diving boats. In connection with this, the gun was replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40. Between 1985 and 1986 the Hisingen, Blackan, Dämman, and Galten were converted to clearance diver boats. In connection with this, the gun was replaced by a 20 mm automatic cannon m/40. Between 1986 and 1991 the Gillöga, Rödlöga, and Svartlöga were used as buoy boats. Thereafter, all 7 vessels were used in the clearance diving units until they were decommissioned at the end of the 1990s. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Dämman M45 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1960, delivered to the Navy in 1960. Length 24 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo: 1970s. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: B32:1.
Gåssten class minesweeper: The Gåssten class fishing boat minesweepers were 3 in number and built of wood (not HMS Viksten). Their purpose was to train crews for service on board trawlers modified for minesweeping upon mobilization. The ships' pennant numbers were M31 - M33 and were delivered to the Navy in 1973 - 1974. The purpose was to replace the older fishing minesweepers HMS Orust and HMS Tjörn. The first two ships, HMS Gåssten and HMS Norsten, had conventional wooden hulls of the side trawler type, while the third ship, HMS Viksten, was constructed with a plastic hull of the stern trawler type, a frameless sandwich hull. HMS Viksten was the first full-scale plastic ship to be built in Sweden. Although the Viksten was slightly longer but had the same machinery, the displacement was still less for Viksten compared to the Gåssten and Norsten which were built of wood. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Norsten M32 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1973, delivered to the Navy in 1973. Length 24 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo Lennart Bergqvist, October 1973. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: V58141. The vessels in the class: 1. HMS Gåssten (M31), launched in 1972 and delivered to the Navy in 1973. Decommissioned in 1998. 2. HMS Norsten (M32), launched in 1973 and delivered to the Navy in 1973. Decommissioned in 1998. 3. HMS Viksten (M33), launched in 1974 and delivered to the Navy in 1974. Decommissioned in 2007. HMS Gåssten and Norsten were 24 m long and their beam were 6.5 m. Displacement 135 tons. Speed: 10 knots. Complement: 11 men. HMS Viksten was 25.3 m long and its beam was 6.5 m. Displacement 115 tons. Speed: 11 knots. Complement: 11 men. The machinery consisted of two Scania-Vabis DS10 diesel engines of 460 hp. 2 propellers. During the 1990s the two diesel engines were replaced by a 440 hp diesel engine to reduce the noise signature. The armament was a 20 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun m/40. The image shows the minesweeper HMS Viksten M33 of the fishing boat type, launched in 1974, delivered to the Navy in 1974. Length 25.3 m, beam 6.5 m. Photo Erling Klintefors. Image: Marinmuseum, ID: MM.V 01676.