Batch 2 River-class patrol vessel

batch 2 – mod infographic

the batch 2 ships fundamentally different in appearance , capabilities preceding batch 1. notable differences include 90.5 metres (296 ft 11 in) long hull, top speed of 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph), merlin-capable flight deck, displacement of around 2,000 tonnes , expanded capacity accommodating troops. batch 2 ships have different (full width) superstructure, , fundamentally different above-water hullform shape (greater bow flare, different & less-pronounced forward knuckle line compared batch 1 ships, lack of distinctive fwd & aft bulwarks of batch 1 vessels). class fitted kelvin hughes sharpeye integrated radar system navigation, terma scanter 4100 2d radar air , surface surveillance, , bae cms-1 combat management system. batch 2 ships therefore arguably represent distinctly separate class preceding batch 1.

batch 2 first royal navy ships fitted bae systems shared infrastructure operating system. bae describes shared infrastructure state-of-the-art system revolutionise way ships operate using virtual technologies host , integrate sensors, weapons , management systems complex warships require. replacing multiple large consoles dedicated specific tasks single hardware solution reduces number of spares required carried onboard , decrease through-life costs.

the class has been criticised in parliamentary evidence for: lacking helicopter hangar (even telescopic hangar), limit utility of helicopter deck preventing embarkation of helicopter other short periods; lacking medium calibre gun (such 76 mm); , poor value money. argued because of lacking features (which have been incorporated price) vessels not capable in ocean-going patrol capacity claimed.

the batch 2 ships royal navy include 29 modifications , enhancements on amazonas-class corvette built bae systems brazilian navy. royal navy ships built more stringent naval standards, features such magazine protection, improved hull integrity , fire safety modifications, greater redundancy.

the first, hms forth, christened @ ceremony @ bae systems scotstoun shipyard in glasgow on 9 march 2017.

forth expected replace clyde falkland islands guardship.

tamar , spey

the strategic defence , security review 2015 announced further purchase of 2 new batch 2 ships @ undisclosed date in future, , total fleet of 6 offshore patrol vessels. expectation @ time encompass 3 batch 2 ships announced in 2013, 2 additional batch 2 ships announced in 2015 defence review, , modified batch 1 ship, clyde. 3 batch 1 ships without flight decks withdrawn in favour of newer ships. defence review suggested ships used increase royal navy’s ability defend uk interests @ home , abroad.

during defence select committee in july 2016, first sea lord admiral sir philip andrew jones indicated option fleet of 6 offshore patrol vessels had been reduced five, clyde being replaced 1 of new batch 2 ships. first sea lord elaborated on potential uses batch 2 ships overseas, including possibility of forward basing ship @ falklands islands, or forward basing elsewhere. £287m order, 2 new ships , support 5 batch 2 ships, announced on 8 december 2016. hm ships tamar , spey join fleet in 2021.

on 21 april 2017, construction of hms tamar under way, first steel cut hms spey. predecessors, ships constructed @ bae systems govan shipyard, transferred scotstoun shipyard fitting out.