For other ships named HMS Express, see HMS Express (disambiguation).
HMS Express
CountryUnited Kingdom
OperatorRoyal Navy
BuilderVosper Thornycroft
Commissioned1988
Identification
StatusIn active service
HMS Express (P163)
ClassArcher-class patrol vessel
Displacement54 tonnes
Length20.8 m (68 ft 3 in)
Beam5.8 m (19 ft 0 in)
Draught1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 21 kn (39 km/h)
  • 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited due to engine fitted)
Range
  • 550 nmi (1,020 km)
Complement
  • 16 (training)[N 1]
  • 12 (operational)
Sensors
  • Decca 1216 navigation radar
Armament

HMS Express is an Archer-class patrol vessel P2000-type patrol and training vessel of the Royal Navy.[1][2]

Initially assigned to the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, her hull was black rather than the grey colour normally used for Royal Navy warships. On transfer to the Royal Navy she retained the black colour until 2005. She is assigned to the Wales University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) from Cardiff, Swansea and South Wales Universities. The students are given the rank of officer cadet in the Royal Navy Reserve.

Up to ten students from Wales URNU can be accommodated on board, as well as five permanent ships company drawn from the Royal Navy.

Notes

  1. ^ 5 ship's company, 1 training officer, 10 URNU students.
  2. ^ When operational and not in URNU role.

References

  1. ^ "Patrol Boats – Archer class". Royal Navy. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  2. ^ "Archer Class P2000 (URNU)". Armed Forces.net. Retrieved 9 March 2019.