|
Fort Class (Fleet Replenishment Ships)
These ships combine the functions of fleet oilers and
stores ships. Being large and adaptable they are
equipped with an expansive flight deck, supported by
hangars for three Sea King-sized helicopters.
The
original plan was to build six of the class but the diminishing
requirement and undoubted budget problems has meant that only two of
these large and excellent ships have been constructed.
This class can embark and support both
anti-submarine helicopters and troop-carrying Sea
King Mk4 helicopters, which can transfer large
amounts of stores to other ships.
Four
dual-purpose replenishment rigs are fitted, enabling
transfer of fuel and stores to two ships
simultaneously. The variety of tasks that these
vessels can be employed upon is reflected in their
complements. The ship’s company of RFA officers and
ratings is supplemented by civilian Warship Support
Agency staff and RN personnel who maintain the
weapons. There are repair facilities for Merlin
Helicopters.
| FORT
CLASS Specifications |
| Length |
203.5m |
| Displacement |
36,580 tonnes |
| Max Speed |
20 knots |
| Complement |
Ships crew 134 (95 RFA
plus 15 RN plus 24 civilian stores staff)
Embarked Air Group up to 150 personnel (includes 28 officer air
crew) |
| Cargo capacity |
12,500 tonnes
liquids 6,200 tonnes solids |
| Helicopters |
5 x Sea King or Merlin
helicopters |
| Armament |
2 x 30mm Guns
2 x Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems |
| Sensors |
Sensor fit appropriate
for aircraft control |
| NAME |
IN-SERVICE
DATE
|
|
RFA
Fort Victoria (A387)
|
1994
|
Fort Grange Class (Fleet
Replenishment Ships)
These
ships were ordered in 1971 and after valuable service are approaching 25
years old. The role of Fort Rosalie and Fort Austin is to replenish
Royal Navy warships with dry stores such as food, spare parts and
ammunition while underway.
This complex task is carried out by the RFA and warship steaming along
side-by-side and transferring stores along a cable rigged between the
two vessels. Both ships are fitted with large flight decks and each ship
has hangar space allowing them to operate a number of Sea King
helicopters. Usually a single helicopter is embarked and ASW armaments for
helicopters are carried on board.
There are six cranes, three of 10 tons
lift and three of 5 tons.
| FORT
GRANGE CLASS Specifications |
| Length |
183.9m |
| Displacement |
36,580 tonnes |
| Max Speed |
20 knots |
| Range |
10,000nm at 20 knots |
| Complement |
114 (31 officers) plus
36 RNSTS (civilian supply staff) plus 45 RN aircrew |
| Cargo capacity |
3,500 tonnes ammunition
and stores |
| Helicopters |
Up to 4 x Sea King |
| Armament |
2 x 20mm Guns |
| NAME |
IN-SERVICE
DATE |
| Fort Rosalie (A385) |
1978 |
| Fort Austin (A386) |
1979 |
|
