Gepard-class fast attack craft
# Gepard-class fast attack craft

The Type 143A Gepard class was a class of missile bearing fast attack craft (German: Schnellboot) and the last one in service with the German Navy before the remaining four operational ships were decommissioned on 16 November 2016. The Ghana Navy operates two such ships.

It is an evolution of the Albatros class, the main difference being the replacement of the second 76 mm gun by the RAM system. The Gepard-class vessels were gradually supplemented by Braunschweig-class corvettes and later replaced completely by them.

The ships in class were named after small to medium-sized predatory animals; Gepard is German for "cheetah".

## List of ships

| NATO pennant number | German pennant number | Name | Call sign | Commissioned | Decommissioned | Status |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| P6121 | S 71 | Gepard | DRCE | 7 December 1982 | 12 December 2014 | Museum ship in Wilhelmshaven |
| P6122 | S 72 | Puma | DRCF | 17 February 1983 | 14 December 2015 | |
| P6123 | S 73 | Hermelin | DRCG | 28 April 1983 | 16 November 2016 | |
| P6124 | S 74 | Nerz | DRCH | 14 July 1983 | 31 March 2012 | Transferred to Ghana Navy |
| P6125 | S 75 | Zobel | DRCI | 28 September 1983 | 16 November 2016 | |
| P6126 | S 76 | Frettchen | DRCJ | 16 December 1983 | 16 November 2016 | |
| P6127 | S 77 | Dachs | DRCK | 22 March 1984 | 31 March 2012 | Transferred to Ghana Navy |
| P6128 | S 78 | Ozelot | DRCL | 25 May 1984 | 18 December 2014 | |
| P6129 | S 79 | Wiesel | DRCM | 12 July 1984 | 14 December 2015 | |
| P6130 | S 80 | Hyäne | DRCN | 13 November 1984 | 16 November 2016 | |

The "S" and the number are part of the ship's full name. When the ships were first commissioned, their designation included only the number; however, the crews petitioned for full names, and the decision was made to combine the original names with the additional animal name.

Since 1 July 2006, all ships had formed part of the 7. Schnellbootgeschwader (7th Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), whereas for the eight years prior the flotilla was split into (hulls S 76–S 80) 2. Schnellbootgeschwader (2nd Fast Patrol Boat Squadron), and (hulls S 71–S 75) 7. Schnellbootgeschwader. The squadron was stationed in Warnemünde, where both predecessor squadrons had been based.

## Gallery

* S71 Gepard
* Exocet launchers onboard S74 Nerz
* RAM launcher onboard S74 Nerz
* S 75 Zobel
