Explorer-class general-purpose vessel

The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels of the Royal Australian Navy that served between 1960 and 1995.[1]

MV Bass moored off Ballast Point in 2012
Class overview
NameExplorer
BuildersWalkers Limited, Maryborough, Queensland
Operators Royal Australian Navy
Built1959-1960
In service1960 to 1995
In commission1960-1982
Completed2
Active0
General characteristics
TypeGeneral Purpose Vessel
Displacement
  • 207 tonnes standard
  • 260 tonnes full load
Length
  • 90 ft (27 m) between perpendiculars
  • 101 ft (31 m) overall
Beam22 ft (6.7 m)
Draught8 ft (2.4 m)
PropulsionDiesel twin screw, 342 shaft horsepower (255 kW)
Speed9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph)
Complement14
Armament.50 cal machine guns fitted as required

Design

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The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels built for the RAN.[2] The ships had a displacement of 207 tons at standard load and 260 tons at full load.[2] Each was 90 feet (27 m) long between perpendiculars[citation needed] and 101 feet (31 m) long overall, had a beam of 22 feet (6.7 m), and a draught of 8 feet (2.4 m).[2] Propulsion machinery consisted of GM diesels, which supplied 348 shaft horsepower (260 kW) to the two propeller screws, and allowed the vessel to reach 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph).[2] The ship's company consisted of 14 personnel.[2] The ship's armament of light weapons (usually .50 calibre machine guns[citation needed]) were only fitted as needed.[2]

The two vessel, HMAS Bass and HMAS Banks, were built by Walkers Limited of Maryborough, Queensland.[3] Both were laid down in 1959, and were commissioned into the RAN in 1960.[3]

Operational history

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The Explorers' primary roles were hydrographic survey and reservist training, among other duties.[2]

In December 1982, both vessels were decommissioned.[2] Despite this, they remained active in training until the mid-1990s.[2]

Ships

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References

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Citations
  1. ^ a b c Wilson, Royal Australian Navy 21st Century Warships, p. 37
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gillett, Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946, p. 46
  3. ^ a b Gillett, Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946, p. 47
Bibliography
  • Gillett, Ross (1988). Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946. Brookvale, NSW: Child & Associates. ISBN 0-86777-219-0. OCLC 23470364.
  • Wilson, Michael (1999). Royal Australian Navy 21st Century Warships: Naval auxiliaries 1911 to 1999 (including Defence Maritime Services). Vol. Profile No. 4 (Revised ed.). Marrickville, NSW: Topmill Pty Ltd. ISBN 978-1-876270-72-8. OCLC 223731505.