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The new ships displace 16,100 tonnes and
replace RFAs Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. Compared to their predecessors
they carry more than twice as many vehicles and embarked troops. Using
their stern dock for landing craft and flight deck for helicopters, they
are able to offload in rougher weather twice as quickly.
The design is based on the Dutch LPD Rotterdam and Bay Class vessels are
designed to transport troops, vehicles, ammunition and stores as a
follow-up to an amphibious assault.
Offload is carried out by a flight deck capable of operating heavy
helicopters, an amphibious dock capable of operating one LCU and
mexeflotes which can be hung on the ship's sides. There is no beaching
capability.
The flight deck can accommodate two Merlin or Chinook helicopters, and a
hanger could be fitted in future if required. The ships can carry an
Embarked Military Force of 356 troops and large numbers of vehicles,
although this can be increased to 500 using undesignated space.
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RFA BAY CLASS
Specifications |
| Length |
176.0m |
| Displacement |
16,160 tons full load |
| Speed |
18 knots |
| Range |
8,000nm at 15 knots |
| Complement |
60 plus 356 troops |
| Military Lift |
Space for vehicles
equating to 36 Challenger Main Battle Tanks or 150 light trucks plus
200 tons ammunition |
| Helicopters |
Platform capable of
operating Chinook |
| Armament |
1 x 30mm cannon
CIWS Phalanx |
|
Name |
IN-SERVICE DATE |
| RFA Largs Bay (L3006) |
2006 |
| RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) |
2007 (estimated) |
| RFA Mounts Bay (L3008) |
2007 (estimated) |
| RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009) |
2008 (estimated) |
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