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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 - facilities
were improved significantly following upgrade period completed late 2001.
This included conversion of three decks into a permanent 100 bed hospital
with three operating theatres.
Studies are underway relating to a Joint Casualty Treatment
Ship programme intended to replace the capability currently provided by
RFA Argus. 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.
| RFA
ARGUS Specifications |
| Length |
175.1m |
| Displacement |
26,421 tonnes |
| Max Speed |
18 knots |
| Range |
20,000nm at 15 knots |
| Complement |
80 (22 officers) plus 35
permanent RN plus 137 RN Aviation personnel |
| Military lift |
3,300 tonnes diesel
1,100 tonnes aviation fuel 138 x 4 ton vehicles in lieu of
aircraft |
| Armament |
4 x 30mm Guns 4 x 7.62mm
MGs |
| Aircraft |
Provision to transport
12 x BAe Sea Harrier FA-2
6 x Westland Sea King HAS 5/6 or similar |
| NAME |
IN-SERVICE
DATE |
| RFA Argus (A135) |
1988 |
Photo Crown Copyright
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