|
Wave
Class (Large Fleet Tankers)
Following
a tendering process, contracts to build two ships were placed with VSEL
(BAE Systems) on 12 March 1997.
There have been many delays in the
construction of the two vessels but at last the first, Wave Knight,
entered service in March 2003, two years later than originally planned.
Wave Ruler entered service early in 2004. The ships
have a one spot flight deck with full hangar facilities for a Merlin
helicopter. There are three Replenishment rigs and one crane.
RFA Wave Knight is able to operate in support of amphibious forces,
anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations and protection of
vital sea areas and shipping.
| WAVE
CLASS Specifications |
| Length |
196.5m |
| Displacement |
31,500 tonnes |
| Max Speed |
18 knots |
| Range |
10,000nm at 15 knots |
| Complement |
80 plus 22 RN helicopter
personnel |
| Cargo capacity |
16,000 tonnes |
| Helicopters |
1 x Merlin helicopter |
| Armament |
2 x Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems
2 x BMARC 30mm guns |
|
NAME |
IN-SERVICE
DATE
|
| RFA Wave Knight (A389) |
2003 |
| RFA Wave Ruler
(A390) |
2004 |
Rover Class (Small Fleet Tankers)
These
small tankers have proved most valuable over many years in supplying HM
ships at sea with fuel, fresh water, limited dry cargo and refrigerated
stores in all parts of the world.
There
is no hangar but a helicopter platform is served by a stores lift, to
enable stores to be transferred at sea.
Three
of the class (five originally constructed) have been sold on.
| ROVER
CLASS Specifications |
| Length |
140.6m |
| Displacement |
11,522 tonnes |
| Max Speed |
19 knots |
| Range |
15,000nm at 15 knots |
| Complement |
50 (17 officers) |
| Cargo capacity |
6,600 |
| Armament |
2 x 20mm Oerlikon
4 x 7.62mm MGs |
| NAME |
IN-SERVICE
DATE |
|
RFA Gold Rover
(A271) |
1974
|
|
RFA Black Rover
(A273) |
1974
|
|
