H-138 Herald

Country:  United Kingdom

Class, [Type]: Improved Hecla, [AGS].

Builder: Robb Caledon, Leith, U.K.

Launch date: 04 October 1973.

Commission date: 31 October 1974.

Decommission date: 31 May 2001.

Displacement ( tons ): 2.000 standard, 2.945 full load.

Dimensions ( metres ): 79 x 15,4 x 4,9

Main machinery: 3 x Paxman 12YJCZ diesel ( 3.600 hp ).

Speed ( knots ): 14.

Range ( miles ): 12.000 at 11 knots.

Complement: 128 ( 12 officers ).

Guns: 2 x Oerlikon 20mm.

Radar: Navigation: Kelvin Hughes Type 1006, I band.

Countermeasures: ESM: UAR 1 ( radar interceptor ).

Helicopter: 1 x Westland Lynx HAS 3.

Callsign: GQIM ()

Comment: This ship is an improved Hecla class. His keel was laid the 9th of november 1972, and launched the 4th of october 1973. An Hydroplot satellite navigation system has been fitted. It also carries a gravimeter, magnetometer, sonars, and two 35 feet boats. A refit process ended on january 1988, in which the landing platform for the Lynx was strengthened and enlarged. It was also involved in the development of the remote controlled de-mining Scarab project. It is usually stationed at the North Sea, where it plays the role of support ship for the MCM forces of the RN.