The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels of the
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the navy, naval branch of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The professional head of the RAN is Chief of Navy (Australia), Chief of Navy (CN) Vice admiral (Australia), Vice Admiral Mark Hammond (admiral), Ma ...
that served between 1960 and 1995.
[Wilson, ''Royal Australian Navy 21st Century Warships'', p. 37]
Design
The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels built for the RAN.
[Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', p. 46] The ships had a
displacement
Displacement may refer to:
Physical sciences
Mathematics and physics
*Displacement (geometry), is the difference between the final and initial position of a point trajectory (for instance, the center of mass of a moving object). The actual path ...
of 207 tons at standard load and 260 tons at full load.
[ Each was long ]between perpendiculars
Length between perpendiculars (often abbreviated as p/p, p.p., pp, LPP, LBP or Length BPP) is the length of a ship along the summer load line from the forward surface of the stem, or main bow perpendicular member, to the after surface of the ster ...
and long overall, had a beam of , and a draught of .[ Propulsion machinery consisted of GM diesels, which supplied to the two propeller screws, and allowed the vessel to reach .][ The ship's company consisted of 14 personnel.][ The ship's armament of light weapons (usually .50 calibre machine guns) were only fitted as needed.][
The two vessel, and , were built by ]Walkers Limited
Walkers Limited was an Australian engineering and shipbuilding company based in Maryborough, Queensland. It built large vessels and railway locomotives. The Walkers factory still produces locomotives and rolling stock as part of Downer Rail.
...
of Maryborough, Queensland
Maryborough ( ) is a city and a Suburbs and localities (Australia), suburb in the Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. In the , the suburb of Maryborough had a population of 15,287 people.
Geography
Maryborough is located on the Mar ...
.[Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', p. 47] Both were laid down in 1959, and were commissioned into the RAN in 1960.[
]
Operational history
The Explorers' primary roles were hydrographic survey
Hydrographic survey is the science of measurement and description of features which affect maritime navigation, marine construction, dredging, offshore wind farms, offshore oil exploration and drilling and related activities. Surveys may als ...
and reservist
A reservist is a person who is a member of a military reserve force. They are otherwise civilians, and in peacetime have careers outside the military. Reservists usually go for training on an annual basis to refresh their skills. This person ca ...
training, among other duties.[
In December 1982, both vessels were decommissioned.][ Despite this, they remained active in training until the mid-1990s.][
]
Ships
* - Sold 1994.
References
;Citations
;Bibliography
*
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{{Explorer-class GPV
Auxiliary training ship classes
Auxiliary research ship classes