HMAS Albany
Template:Short description Template:Use Australian English Template:Use dmy dates
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HMAS Albany (ACPB 86), named for the city of Albany, Western Australia, is an Armidale-class patrol boat of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Design and construction
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". The Armidale class patrol boats are Script error: No such module "convert". long, with a beam of Script error: No such module "convert"., a draught of Script error: No such module "convert"., and a standard displacement of 270 tons.[1] The semi-displacement vee hull is fabricated from aluminium alloy, and each vessel is built to a combination of Det Norske Veritas standards for high-speed light craft and RAN requirements.[2] The Armidales can travel at a maximum speed of Script error: No such module "convert"., and are driven by two propeller shafts, each connected to an MTU 16V M70 diesel.[3] The ships have a range of Script error: No such module "convert". at Script error: No such module "convert"., allowing them to patrol the waters around the distant territories of Australia, and are designed for standard patrols of 21 days, with a maximum endurance of 42 days.[3][2]
The main armament of the Armidale class is a Rafael Typhoon stabilised Script error: No such module "convert". gun mount fitted with an M242 Bushmaster autocannon.[3] Two Script error: No such module "convert". machine guns are also carried.[4] Boarding operations are performed by two Script error: No such module "convert"., waterjet propelled rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs).[2] Each RHIB is stored in a dedicated cradle and davit, and is capable of operating independently from the patrol boat as it carries its own communications, navigation, and safety equipment.[2][5]
Each patrol boat has a standard ship's company of 21 personnel, with a maximum of 29.[3][2] The Armidales do not have a permanently assigned ship's company; instead, they are assigned to divisions at a ratio of two vessels to three companies, which rotate through the vessels and allow the Armidales to spend more time at sea, without compromising sailors' rest time or training requirements.[2][6] A 20-berth auxiliary accommodation compartment was included in the design for the transportation of soldiers, illegal fishermen, or unauthorised arrivals; in the latter two cases, the compartment could be secured from the outside.[7] However, a malfunction in the sewerage treatment facilities aboard Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". in August 2006 pumped hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide into the compartment, non-fatally poisoning four sailors working inside, after which use of the compartment for accommodation was banned across the class.[6][7]
Albany was constructed by Austal at their shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.[1] She was commissioned into the RAN in her namesake cityScript error: No such module "Unsubst". on 15 July 2006.[1]
Operational history
Albany is assigned to Attack Division, is based in Darwin and performs border protection and fisheries protection patrols.
Citations
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- ↑ a b c Saunders (ed.), IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013, p. 33
- ↑ a b c d e f Kerr, Plain sailing
- ↑ a b c d Wertheim (ed.), The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, p. 22
- ↑ Heron & Powell, in Australian Maritime Issues 2006, p. 132
- ↑ Heron & Powell, in Australian Maritime Issues 2006, p. 131
- ↑ a b Kerr, Patrol boats shake down fuel faults
- ↑ a b McKenna, Gas risk remains for navy boats
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References
- Books
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- Journal and news articles
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External links
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