AVIATION TRAINING SHIPS

Argus was procured for a helicopter training role. This former Ro-Ro container ship was converted for her new task by Harland and Wolf, completing in 1988. 

The former Ro-Ro deck is used as a hanger with four sliding WT doors able to operate at a speed of 10 m/min. Argus can replenish other ships underway. There is one lift port midships and one abaft the funnel. 

Domestic facilities are somewhat limited if she is used in the Command support role. She was the first RFA to be fitted with a command system. 

Argus has a subsidiary role as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship and in January 2009 the MoD announced that RFA Argus is to be upgraded with state of the art medical equipment in an extensive refit worth over £23M, that will see the ship renovated for her crucial role in providing hospital facilities to troops in war zones. New medical equipment to be installed includes the latest advances in CT scanning equipment, used to assess casualties by 3D X-ray imagery, as well as new sterilising kit. As a Primary Casualty Receiving Facility, Argus can accommodate 100 casualties at any time ensuring wounded service personnel can receive swift primary care.

Studies are underway relating to a Joint Casualty Treatment Ship (JCTS) programme intended to replace the capability currently provided by RFA Argus in a 2020 timeframe. This programme would aim to deliver a ship-borne medical facility broadly similar in scope to a field hospital, capable of treating a full range of casualties, whether from sea, land or air environments.
 

Photo Crown Copyright