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Zobel Class - Type 142a Schnellboot     August 13, 2008
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     This page gives you brief information on modeling the ten Zobel class fast patrol boats built in the early 1960's for the German Navy.  Eight more boats based on the Zobel class schnellboot (fast boat) design were built for the Turkish Navy in the mid-1980's and became the "Kartal Class" patrol boats.

     In the 1970's GraupnerTM produced a model of this class, primarily with the "Wiesel" schnellboot identification.  Unfortunately, the kit is a semi-scale model and many builders follow the manufacturers instructions thinking they have a scale model.  On this site is information on transforming the semi-scale Graupner kit into a much more detailed model of the Zobel Class schnellboot.  Select from the "Links" menu on the upper right.
The Zobel Class "Schnellboots"
Zobel Class Schnellboot     Named after furred mammals, the Zobel class (type 142) Federal Republic of Germany fast patrol boat ("schnellboot") class were the last generation descendant of the WW-II German S-Boat.

     The Zobel class boats are the last descendents of the German E-boats of WW-II.   Their construction followed the post WW-II Jaguar class (type 140) and Seeadler class (type 141) schnellboots of the 1950's.  All have a similar hull design and carried two 40mm Bofors guns in single mounts.

     Ten Zobel class were built in 1961-63 for Germany, and another eight were built twenty years later for Turkey.   Six of the deactivated German Navy Zobel schnellboots  boats were transferred to Turkey for spare parts.
History (under German flag)
  
German War Esign     The ten type 142 Zobel class boats were originally built in the early 1960's with four forward facing torpedoes.  These boats had 4 diesel engines (4 shafts) totaling 12,000 BHP and two rudders. They weighed 190 tons (standard) up to maximum of 225 tons.  The hull was wood planking, with steel and light-metal keel and frames, and aluminum superstructure.  They were 139'4" long with a beam of 22'9" and draft of 9'9" and could reach a speed of 42 knots.  Range is 500 miles at top speed. Armament included two 40mm Bofors L/70 guns.   The crew consisted of 4 officers, 17 NCOs, and 18 seamen (39 total).

     By the early 1970's all ten boats were modified and became type 142a schnellboots.  (Photo, top right.)  The most noticeable modification was the addition of the new weapons fire-control system (sensors in the new large dome on the mast) from Hollandse Signaalapparaten (Nederland).  Known as the HSA M20, these Zobel class boats were the first to use this new system.   It allowed computer control of the two deck guns and the two wire-guided 21-inch torpedoes.  The torpedoes were now fired over the stern.  The M-20 can track one air and three surface targets simultaneously.  After the upgrade modifications the additional weight decreased the top speed to 37knots (42.6 MPH).

     Lacking sufficient deck space for surface to surface missiles, this class was replaced in the early 1980's by the larger type 143 Albatros class and 143a Gepard class schnellboots.
NATO
Number		 German
Hull
Number 		Name Call Sign Into Svc. Deact. Dest. NATO
Number		 German
Hull
Number		 Name Call Sign Into Svc. Deact. Dest.
P6092 S31 Zobel DBUQ 12/12/61 9/7/82 Private owner P6097 S39 Puma DBUV 12/21/62 12/17/81 Destroyed*
P6093 S32 Wiesel DBUR 6/25/62 3/6/84 Turkey P6098 S35 Gepard DBUW 4/18/63 11/9/82 Turkey
P6094 S33 Dachs DBUS 9/25/62 12/6/84 Turkey P6099 S40 Hyane DBUX 5/10/63 6/5/84 Turkey
P6095 S34 Hermelin DBUT 11/28/62 1/12/83 Private oner P6100 S36 Frettchen DBUY 6/26/63 8/9/83 Turkey
P6096 S35 Mink (Nerz) DBUU 1/11/63 7/8/82 Honduras P6101 S37 Ozelot DBUZ 10/25/63 1/10/84 Turkey

* The Puma was scrapped due to damage.

History (post-German ownership of the "Zobels")
    Eventually all of the Zobel class schnellboots were decommissioned.  Starting in 1982, six of decommissioned boats were transferred to Turkey, for spare parts for the Turkish Kartal (below) class patrol boats. One of the Original Zobel Class boats flew the Honduras flag (Nerz) and two were sold to private owners (Zobel and Hermelin).

Kartal Class (Zobel class boats built in Germany for Turkey)

Turkish Navy Seal     Nine new Kartal Class boats were built in Germany by Lürssen Werft using the Zobel Class Type 142a design.  These Kartal class boats (TCG's) were armed as follows: two (4) AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles, two 21 inch G-7A torpedo tubes (facing forward), two 40mm/70 AA, and four mines.   Top speed is 42 knots.  The latest information on them is all eight were/are still afloat under the Turkish flag.  Posted in 2005: "...no modernization was planned for Kartal class so far. It is more likely that these boats shall be used until they die for natural reasons."  On July 8, 2008, the official Turkish Navy site still listed the eight boats as active.

      Commissioned between 1977-1988, the following lists the numbers, names, and call signs: P321, Denizkusu, TBNF; P322, Atmaca, TBNE; P323, Sahin, TBND; P324, Kartal, TBNC; P325, Meltem, (lost in a collision with a Russian ship, salvaged and scrapped); P326, Pelikan, TBNJ; P327, Albatros, TBNK; P328, Simsek, TBNI; and P329, Kasirga, TBNH.
Helpful Links:

     This is probably the most comprehensive site (in German) for these boats, including models: www.schnellboot.net   You can find a number of photos as well as data and crew information.

     Check out the Nerz video .   This was probably taken in the early 1970's and converted to digital format and is on YouTube.  Look for the details!

     For a look at the early version, check out Marius' site.  His father was the commanding officer of the S35 Gepard (P6098).  Marius also went well beyond the Graupner kit, even changing to four props. 

     Another Zobel class schnellboot video that show one of the boats backing away from the dock is misidentified as a Seeadler class boat.

     Keep in mind that there are many photos of completed GraupnerTM kit models available on the Zobel Class (Type 142 & 142a) boats.  Most of them have been built to the Graupner's plans and instructions, which although well made, lack detail and missing features as mentioned on this site (Graupner's Errors).  It is best to search on one (even better, all) of the original boat(s) photos.

This site page was updated August 13, 2008

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