BNS Somudra Avijan of the modern Bangladesh Navy is nothing more than the former United States Coast Guard's USCGC Rush (723) given an extended service life through resale. The original hull was constructed at Avondale Shipyards and launched on November 16th, 1968. It was acquired by the nation of Bangladesh on May 5th, 2015 and formally commissioned into service on March 19th, 2016, homeporting out of Chattogram and carrying the pennant number of "F29" on her hull. She continues in active service as of this writing (2022).
The original American design was built to the Hamilton-class standard. These became the largest operating ships of the USCG upon their introduction (replacing the earlier Treasury-class) until succeeded by the Legend-class. Twelve total hulls were built to the standard and these were all eventually sold off to allied nations including Bangladesh (2), Nigeria (2), the Philippines (2), Sri Lanka (2), and Vietnam (2). A single example was retired and retained by the USCG.
The warship was classified as a "high-endurance cutter" in the inventory of the USCG but generally carries the capabilities and size of a patrol frigate. The ship has a displacement of 3,250 tons and a running length of 378 feet with a beam measuring 43 feet and a draught down to 15 feet - the latter quality making her ideal for close-to-shore operations. Internally, the ship is powered through a COmbined Diesel-Or-Gas (CODOG), the original arrangement encompassing 2 x Fairbanks-Morse 38TD8-1/8-12 12-cylinder marine diesels of 7,000 horsepower output and 2 x Pratt & Whitney FT4A-6 gas turbines of 36,000 horsepower. All told, the vessel can make headway at speeds of 29 knots under ideal conditions and range out to 14,000 nautical miles (16,000 miles).
The ship's profile remains faithful to the original American form: there are a pair of masts seated inline. The turret takes its usual place over the raised forecastle. The superstructure holds the bridge section in an elevated position for excellent vision out over the hull. The superstructure is generally unbroken as it leads to the stern. The smoke funnels are enclosed and of a relatively squat design. The helicopter pad is seated ahead of the stern.
Aboard is a crew of 178 made up of officers and enlisted personnel. Food stores allow the ship to remain at-sea for up to 45 days before requirement replenishment. The design carries the AN/SPS-40 air-search radar as well as the Mk.92 Fire Control System alongside other pertinent operating components to tackle modern roles on the high seas. A Marck 36 SRBOC system serves as a decoy launcher.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Offshore Bombardment
Offshore bombardment / attack of surface targets / areas primarily through onboard ballistic weaponry.
✓Offshore Operation
Activities conducted near shorelines in support of allied activities.
✓Land-Attack
Offshore strike of surface targets primarily through onboard missile / rocket weaponry.
✓Maritime Patrol
Active patroling of vital waterways and maritime areas; can also serve as local deterrence against airborne and seaborne threats.
✓Airspace Denial / Deterrence
Neutralization or deterrence of airborne elements through onboard ballistic of missile weaponry.
✓Fleet Support
Serving in support (either firepower or material) of the main surface fleet in Blue Water environments.
SHALLOW DRAUGHT
Vessel's hull design is such that it can operate in close-to-shore / shallow water environments.
PRIMARY TURRET(S)
Main armament is housed in primary turret(s) arrangement offering enhanced protection.
OVER-THE-HORIZON
An Over-the-Horizon operational capability is granted to the vessel, typically through launched fixed-wing / rotary-wing aircraft.
Length
378.0 ft 115.21 m
Beam
43.0 ft 13.11 m
Draught
15.0 ft 4.57 m
Displacement
3,250 tons
Installed Power:
CODOG (COmbined Diesel-Or-Gas): 2 x Fairbanks-Morse 38TD8-1/8-12 12-cylinder diesel engines developing 7,000 horsepower with 2 x Pratt & Whitney FR4A-6 gas tubrines developing 36,000 horsepower; 2 x Shafts astern.
Surface Speed
29.0 kts (33.4 mph)
Range
15,642 nm (18,000 mi | 28,968 km)
kts = knots | mph = miles-per-hour | nm = nautical miles | mi = miles | km = kilometers
1 kts = 1.15 mph | 1 nm = 1.15 mi | 1 nm = 1.85 km
1 x 76mm OTO-Melara turreted deck gun over forecastle.
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
1 x Medium-lift navy helicopter supported from the stern-based helipad section.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective naval campaigns / operations / periods.
Images Gallery
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Image from the US DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Bangladesh
