Zobel Class Fast Boats - Type 142 & 142a (Zobel Klasse Schnellboots - Type 142 & 142a)
Page - Link	Description
A. Overview	Overall brief description of the 142 & 142a Schnellboots
B. Graupner kit errors	What's wrong with the Graupner 2145 kit
C. About Lew's model	Wiesel, P6093, 1/40 scale Graupner kit extensively modified, radio controlled
D. Photos of Lew's Wiesel	Photos of Lew's Wiesel
E. Real Photos	Real Schnellboot photo Collection
F. Deck large top view	Schnellboot - a top view (drwing) of the boat
G. Update the kit	Schnellboot (type 142A): how to upadate the kit (instructions and drawings)

A. Overview

All ten Zobel Class Type 142 Schnellboots Moored Together.

Forward

     This site gives information on the ten Zobel class (type 142) 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.)

     The purpose of this site is to be the most complete "one-stop" internet source of information on the type 142a Schnellboots as well as bringing forth information on how to modify and build the GraupnerTM model kit so as to achieve a more realistic look to the model.

     This is all based on experience gained in building the Graupnet Wiesel #2145 kit and the dissapointment with the results.  That was followed by extensive research, photos, data, communications with museums and other Zobel class model builders.  After all of this research and documentation, I believe that this is the...

Most Comprehensive Place Online for the  Zobel Class Schnellboots.

     The drop-down menu at the top (under "Schnellboot") is divided into the following sections:

- A. Overview (this page) - some info on the original schnellboots
- B. Kit Errors - points out the lack of detail plus wrong reproduction and omissions by the manufacturer
- C. About Lew's model - Lew's model (model is still under construction)
- D. Photos of Lew's Wiesel - the results of building a more accurate model Zobel schnellboot
- E. Real Photos - some of Lew's photos of the original schnellboots (a good reference guide)
- F. Deck large top view - shows many details of Lew's Wiesel
- G. Update the Kit - focuses in on what modifications that need to be done to build a realistic model

Identifying the Zobel Class Schnellboots

    Each of the boats had different designations.  The large "P" numbers were NATO assigned.  The German Navy  identified the boats by their hull "S-__" number followed by their name.  The photo at the right shows the NATO assigned number on the vessel's superstructure as well as on the transom.  The boat's name was located on a board on each side of the engine house.

     Each of the boats were named after a different small furred animal.  Each of the boats had an emblem (badge) that had a drawing of the animal.  This  emblem was located on both sides of the bow (lower right photo). 


     The boats had a crest of the sponsoring town ("Godparent") which appeared on both sides of the radar mast.  (The crest shown on the left is that of the city of Ratingen, sponsor of the Wiesel.)



     Another badge (photo at left), that of the 7. Schnellbootgeschwader (7th Fast Attack Craft Squadron based at Kiel on the Black Sea) was located on the pilot house under the forward (starboard) windshield panel (visible on the real photos page on this site).  The black crest cross on a white background is the cross of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Es symbolisiert bleibende Werte wie Ritterlichkeit, Gerechtigkeit und Tapferkeit. It symbolizes enduring values of chivalry, justice and courage.

Evolution of the Zobel Class "Schnellboots"

    The Federal Republic of Germany's ten Zobel class (type 142) fast torpedo patrol boats ("schnellboots") were the last generation descendant of the WW-II German S-Boat.

     The type 142 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, four engines driving four propellers, two rudders, and carried two 40mm Bofors guns in single mounts.

     These ten type 142 boats were built in 1961-63 for West Germanys navy (Bundesmarine) and modified in the early 1970's.  The following were built by Lurssen Werft, Bremen, Germany: Zobel; Wiesel; Oselot; Nerz; Gepard; Frettchen; Dachs.  The following were built by Kroger Werf, Rendsburg, Germany: Puma; Hyane; Hermelin.

    On April 1, 1961, the 7th Speedboat squadron was placed with the 105 command Navy based in Kiel and was organized as a fast speedboat wing of the Federal Marine. Acht Monate später, am 12.12.1961, wurde der "Zobel" als erstes Boot in Dienst gestellt.  On December 12, 1961 the first type 142 boat arrived and was put into service in service.  Rasch folgten die anderen Boote, bis mit der Indienststellung von "Ozelot" am 25.10.1963 die Aufstellungsphase abgeschlossen war. Other boats quickly followed, until the Inauguration of Ocelot on October 25, 1963. and the preparation phase was completed.

     Lacking sufficient deck space for surface to surface missiles, this class was replaced in the early/mid 1980's by the larger type 143 Albatros class and 143a Gepard class schnellboots. 

     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).

Specifications

Type 142 schnellboots

Type 142A (upgraded) Schnellboots

     By the early 1970's all ten boats were modified and the "a" suffix was added to the type number.  (Photo, next 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 WM20, these Zobel class boats were the first to use this new integrated weapons system.  The WM20 had a range of 20 nautical miles.

     The model 3RM20 sensor (Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information) had a maximum range of 40 miles and allowed computer control of the two deck guns (visual/EO sensor) and the two wire-guided 21-inch 15nm/anti-ship torpedoes.  The DM2A1 Seehecht torpedoes were fired over the stern and had a cruising speed of 23 knots and a maximum speed of 35 knots.

     The WM-20 radar (Air Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, Altitude Information, IFF Information) can track one air and three surface targets simultaneously.   It provided Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information Radar.  The ORG7/3 (Surface Search, Bearing Information, IFF Information, Classification) was visual/EEO.

Communication Systems:


     Electrical (power generation) was changed to two Diesel generators with over 123 HP/91 KW/100 kVA and a gas turbine generator producing 65 kVA.

     After the upgrade modifications the additional weight (now 235 tons) decreased the top speed to 37knots (42.6 MPH).

General Information:
    

This site page was updated April 27, 2021