SANDOWN CLASS - SINGLE-ROLE MINE HUNTER (MCMV)

The first of the dedicated single role Mine hunters (MCMV) entered service with the Royal Navy in 1989
HMS Blythe, the latest Single-Role Mine hunter, entered service in January 2001.

Of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, they are capable of operating in deep and exposed waters e.g. the approaches to the Clyde where the ballistic armed submarines are based. Sandown Class vessels are equipped with a mine-hunting sonar and mine-disposal equipment, making them capable of dealing with mines at depths of up to 200m.

REPLACEMENT MCM VESSELS

It would appear that a replacement programme for both the Hunt and Sandown MCM vessels is in the concept phase but it is unlikely that replacements will be available until at least the mid 2020s. There may be an update (capability insertion) to the current vessels around 2018 that could consist of unmanned surface/underwater vehicles that would provide a ‘stand off’ capability.

The 2010 SDR suggested that replacement vessels would have a common hull and a modular design. This would result in major cost savings for a new class that would support MCM, hydrographic and patrol operations – the Mine Counter Measures (MCM, Hydrography and Patrol Capability (MHPC) Programme.