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 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Explorer |
| Builders | Walkers Limited, Maryborough, Queensland |
| Operators |  Royal Australian Navy |
| Built | 1959-1960 |
| In service | 1960 to 1995 |
| In commission | 1960-1982 |
| Completed | 2 |
| Active | 0 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | General Purpose Vessel |
| Displacement |
|
| Length |
|
| Beam | 22 ft (6.7 m) |
| Draught | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Propulsion | Diesel twin screw, 342 shaft horsepower (255 kW) |
| Speed | 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) |
| Complement | 14 |
| Armament | .50 cal machine guns fitted as required |
Design
editThe 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
editThe 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
edit- HMAS Bass - Sold 1994.[1]
- HMAS Banks - Sold 1995.[1]
References
edit- Citations
- 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.