[R&D] HMI Technics begins work on a range of small naval vessels

With shipbuilding capacity only growing in the DR, HMI Technics will gradually begin drafting and testing of new vessels able to be delivered from it in small batches for our navy and export. Four types of vessels are under consideration, for first deliveries by 1965 or 1966.

• HMI Technics La Espanola-class Torpedo Boat: Near direct copies of the WWII-era MS Boats bought from the Italians. Differences being modernized equipment, the application of a single 20mm Cristobal as its main cannon, and the replacement of the 533mm TP tubes with minelaying racks. The DR intends to have 8 by the end of the decade.

• HMI Technics Amaro Pargo-class Large Patrol Boats: Modernized copies of the seagoing Harbor Defense Motor Launches in the DR's current navy, soon of our coast guard. These will be armed with either specially-designed 57mm naval guns (using Bofors rounds, modelled after AT guns in DR service, or 20mm San Cristobal Autocannons, with a pair of twin Browning MGs and depth charges. The soon to be DR Coast Guard will eventually have approximately 22 by the end of the decade.

• HMI Technics Alto Velo-class: The Alto Velo class will be a small coastal patrol boat. It will be 30 feet long, 8.5 long ton boats armed with twin machine guns and used for law enforcement and search and rescue purposes. The future DR Coast Guard will have around 36 by the end of the decade.