RFA ENGADINE |
Ship No 500
The ENGADINE was another first of type ordered by the Admiralty, for a true Helicopter support ship.
She was one of the largest vessels built in the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb shipbuilders.
As the shipyard was so busy at the time some of the building of units was sub-contracted out to the Burntisland Shipyard on the other side of the River Forth.
She was built to Merchant Navy standards as she was to operate as an auxiliary and not as a warship, manned by a crew from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) with a permanent staff of Royal Navy on board as well, she was the only ship in the RFA at the time fitted with stabilisers.
The ENGADINE was renowned for her high standard of accommodation.
She was in effect a floating helicopter school with room for up to eight helicopters at a push.
She had a deadweight of about 8,000 tons and at 6384 grt, with a length between perpendiculars of 385 feet and a beam of 58 feet with a design draught of 35 feet and 4 inches.
She was launched from the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb on 16th of September 1966.
RFA ENGADINE was to provide service with the fleet for 30 years before being scrapped in 1996.
You will soon be able to read much more about her on the new website.
1 comment:
I love that photo on your header. Great shot, wow.
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