HMS Tracker (P274)

HMS Tracker is an Archer-class (P2000) patrol and training vessel of the British Royal Navy.[1][2] Along with the batch 2 Archer class, HMS Raider, Tracker is part of the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron based at HMNB Clyde.

HMS Tracker in 2006
History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Tracker
OperatorRoyal Navy
BuilderAilsa Shipbuilding Company
CommissionedJanuary 1998
HomeportHMNB Clyde
Identification
StatusIn active service
General characteristics
Class and typeArcher-class patrol vessel
Displacement54 tonnes
Length20.8 m (68 ft)
Beam5.8 m (19 ft)
Draught1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Propulsion2 shafts, Rolls-Royce MTU V12 diesel engines
Speed
  • 20 kn (37 km/h)
  • 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited by gearbox and shaft tourque)
Range400 nmi (740 km)
Complement12
Sensors and
processing systems
Sperry Marine Navigation Radar
Armament
ArmourBallistic protection fitted

Characteristics

Tracker is one of sixteen 20-metre, 54-tonne P2000 patrol craft operated by the Royal Navy. She is constructed from glass-reinforced plastic. As a "batch 2" vessel, Tracker has a sustainable top speed of 24 knots, faster than her batch 1 sister ships due to her more powerful turbocharged MTU diesels; she can exceed 24 knots in suitable sea conditions. Both Raider and Tracker operate in the force protection role, providing maritime security for high value shipping in the Firth of Clyde, and are armed with three general purpose machine guns.

Details

Tracker commissioned alongside her sister Raider in January 1998, with Tracker replacing Oxford University Royal Naval Unit's previous training craft, Loyal Chancellor. She served with Oxford University Royal Naval Unit for sea-based training of both students and regular personnel in UK and European waters. In October 2012 both Tracker and Raider joined the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron.

References

  1. "Patrol Boats – Archer class". Royal Navy. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  2. "Archer Class P2000 (URNU)". Armed Forces.net. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
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