[WIP] HM Royal Navy - 1:1 Scale Build - 'Hunt' Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV)
The Hunt class is a fleet of mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) that have been a cornerstone of the Royal Navy's mine warfare capability since the early 1980s. Originally designed to combine the roles of both minesweeper and minehunter, they have since been modified to focus on the more active role of mine hunting.
Design and Construction
A defining feature of the Hunt class is its unique construction. Upon their introduction, they were the largest warships ever built from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). This non-magnetic hull material is crucial for a minehunter, as it significantly reduces the ship's magnetic signature, a key factor in avoiding the triggering of magnetic sea mines.
Key Capabilities
The primary mission of a Hunt class MCMV is to detect and neutralize naval mines and other underwater ordnance, ensuring safe passage for both military and commercial shipping. Their capabilities include:
Advanced Sonar:
The ships are equipped with the Type 2193 sonar, a highly effective system capable of detecting and classifying objects as small as a football at a range of up to 1,000 meters.
Mine Disposal Systems:
Once a mine is located, it is typically destroyed from a safe distance using a remote-controlled system like the SeaFox Mine Disposal System or by clearance diving teams. This "man from the minefield" approach is a key part of modern minehunting doctrine.
Offshore Patrol:
In addition to their mine counter-measures role, the Hunt class vessels also serve a secondary function as offshore patrol vessels, contributing to maritime security and presence.
Service and Upgrades
Thirteen ships of the Hunt class were originally built. While some have been decommissioned or sold to allied navies, a number remain in active service with the Royal Navy. These vessels have undergone significant upgrades throughout their service life, including the replacement of their original Deltic diesel engines with modern Caterpillar engines and the integration of new command and control systems to keep them at the forefront of mine warfare technology.
Future
The Royal Navy is in the process of transitioning from its traditional MCMVs to a new generation of unmanned and autonomous minehunting systems. While the Hunt class has proven to be a highly effective and durable platform, with a projected service life extending into the 2030s, they will eventually be replaced by these more modern and automated solutions.
CREDITS:
30mm DS30m Mark2: Suspicious_Cat
