Harbour launch

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Harbour Launch (Diesel) of HMS Malabar at HMD Bermuda ca 1988.jpg
A harbour launch (diesel) of HMS Malabar at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda ca 1988
Class overview
Operators Royal Navy
Built1850s-1968
In commission1850s-1990s
General characteristics HL(S) and HL(D)
TypeHarbour launch
Displacement24.6 t
Length56ft
Beam13ft 6in
Draught5ft 5in
Propulsionsteam engine or diesel engine
Speed9.5 kn (17.6 km/h)
Range230 Miles

The harbour launch was a type of small launch used by the Royal Navy for general duties around Royal Naval dockyards and sea ports. The first were built in the 1850s with the advent of the steam engine and were originally designated harbour service launches. From the 1890s to the 1960s they were built to the same common design, first with steam engines and later with diesel engines, by small yards contracted locally by dockyards and bases. In 1942, following the introduction of the Type Two 63 ft HSL by the Royal Air Force, Admiralty Fleet Order 1518 re-designated the harbour service launch as "Harbour Launch (Steam)" or "Harbour Launch (Diesel)", depending on the type of engine.[1][2]

References[]

  1. ^ British Military Powerboat Team: Harbour Launch (Diesel) D 49
  2. ^ Navy Steam Pinnace 199, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Newsletter. March 2016
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