Sandown-class minehunter

{{Short description|1989 class of British minehunters}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} {{Use British English|date=June 2017}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image=Sandown Class Mine Hunter HMS Ramsey Departs HMNB Clyde for the Middle East MOD 45152718.jpg |image_caption=HMS ''Ramsey'' at HMNB Clyde, 2011 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview | name = ''Sandown'' class | builders = Vosper Thornycroft, Woolston | operators = *{{naval|UK}} *{{navy|Estonia}} *{{navy|Saudi Arabia}} *{{navy|Ukraine}} *{{navy|Romania}} | class_before = {{sclass2|Ton|minesweeper|1}} | class_after = Future command and support vessels for autonomous systems, Autonomous minehunting systems | subclasses = | cost = | built_range = | in_service_range = 1989 | in_commission_range = | total_ships_building = | total_ships_planned = | total_ships_completed = 15 | total_ships_canceled = | total_ships_active = 11+ (1 Royal Navy, 3 each Estonian and Royal Saudi Navies; 2 transferred to Ukraine and 2+ being transferred to Romania) | total_ships_laid_up = 1 (Royal Navy static training vessel) | total_ships_lost = | total_ships_retired = | total_ships_preserved = }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | type = Minehunter | displacement = {{convert|600|t|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/hms-sandown-specs.htm |title=Sandown Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels - Specifications |date=11 July 2011 |website=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=8 June 2014}}</ref> | length = {{convert|52.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|10.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = {{convert|2.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | power = | propulsion = * Paxman Valenta 6RP200E diesels * {{convert|1523|shp|kW|abbr=on}} * Diesel-electric drive * Combimac electric motors 100kW * Voith Schneider Propellers * Schottel bow thrusters | speed = {{convert|13|kn|abbr=on|lk=in}} | range = | endurance = | complement = 34 (accommodation for up to 40) | sensors = * Radar Type 1007 I-Band/Kelvin Hughes Ltd SharpEye navigation radar<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-navigation-radar-system-for-royal-navy |title=New navigation radar system for Royal Navy |author=Ministry of Defence |date=28 January 2016 |website=GOV.UK |access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> * Sonar Type 2093 | EW= * SeaFox mine disposal system * Diver-placed explosive charges | armament = * 1 × DS30B Mk 1 30 mm gun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-all-rounder-the-30mm-automated-small-calibre-gun-in-focus/ |title=The all-rounder – the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun in focus |work= Navy Lookout|date=13 January 2021 |access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref> * 3 × Miniguns (replaced by Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |title=In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service |publisher=Navy Lookout |date=5 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}}</ref> * 2 × General purpose machine guns | notes = }} }}

The '''''Sandown'' class''' is a class of fifteen minehunters built primarily for the Royal Navy by Vosper Thornycroft. The ''Sandown'' class also serve with the Royal Saudi Navy, the Estonian Navy, and the Ukrainian Navy. The first vessel was commissioned into Royal Navy service on 9 June 1989 and all the British ships were named after coastal towns and cities. Although the class had a primary mine countermeasures role, they have had a secondary role as offshore patrol vessels. {{As of| 2025|post=,}} only one vessel of the class (HMS ''Bangor'') remains in active service with the Royal Navy.

==Development== These small ({{convert|53|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}) fibreglass vessels are single role mine hunters (SRMH) rather than minesweepers. Twelve ships were built for the Royal Navy and three ships were exported to Saudi Arabia. Three Royal Navy vessels were decommissioned following the Strategic Defence Review in 2003; ''Sandown'' (January 2005), ''Inverness'' (April 2005) and ''Bridport'' (July 2004). A further ship, ''Cromer'', was decommissioned and transferred to a training role at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in 2001 as ''Hindostan''.

The three decommissioned vessels were sold to Estonia in September 2006. They were re-equipped with TCS (Tactical Control System) and the Atlas Elektronik Seafox ROV for mine disposal. The sonar system was also updated. The first ship (ex-''Sandown''), delivered in 2007, has been named {{ship|EML|Admiral Cowan|M313|2}},<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/021/ER_39.pdf |title=Queen Elizabeth II to Hand Ship's Badge to Estonian Navy |journal=Estonian Review |date=4 October 2006 |volume=16 |number=39 |page=6 |access-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927211258/http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/021/ER_39.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> the second (ex-''Inverness''), was delivered in 2008 and named {{ship|EML|Sakala|M314|2}} and the last (ex-''Bridport'') named {{ship|EML|Ugandi|M315|2}} in 2009.

In the 1990s, the design of the ''Sandown''-class was adapted by Spanish company Izar (later Navantia) for the Spanish Navy's six-ship ''Segura''-class minehunters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spanish Navy to modernize fleet of 6 Segura class minehunters. |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2023/spanish-navy-to-modernize-fleet-of-6-segura-class-minehunters |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Army Recognition Group |date=6 October 2023}}</ref>

==Future== The 2021 defence white paper announced that all mine countermeasures vessels in the Royal Navy would be retired during the 2020s and replaced by automated systems. It was indicated that the remaining ''Sandown''-class ships would be retired first<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/unmanned-systems-set-to-replace-all-royal-navy-mine-warfare-vessels |title=Unmanned Systems Set to Replace All Royal Navy Mine Warfare Vessels |work=maritime-executive.com |date=24 March 2021 |access-date=21 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324234528/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/unmanned-systems-set-to-replace-all-royal-navy-mine-warfare-vessels |archive-date=2021-03-24 |url-status=live}}</ref> with the entire class to be withdrawn from service by 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/minesweepers-out-of-service-dates-revealed/ |title = Minesweepers out of service dates revealed |date=2021-09-06 |last=Allison |first=George |work=UK Defence Journal}}</ref> They will be replaced with autonomous minehunting systems and specialized "motherships" deployed by the Royal Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-wants-three-new-build-mine-hunting-motherships/ | title=The Royal Navy wants three new-build mine hunting motherships |website=Navy Lookout | date=24 June 2024 | access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref> While experiencing some delays, the first command and support vessel for trialling autonomous systems (RFA Stirling Castle) entered service, initially with the RFA in Spring 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-fleet-auxiliary-in-2023/ |title=The Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 2023 |date=15 December 2023|accessdate=2023-12-15|website=Navy Lookout}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Why has the Royal Navy decommissioned 6 ships in a year? |url=https://www.navylookout.com/why-has-the-royal-navy-decommissioned-6-ships-in-a-year/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=23 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mothership to support autonomous mine hunting systems arrives in the UK |url=https://www.navylookout.com/mothership-to-support-autonomous-mine-hunting-systems-arrives-in-the-uk/ |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=30 January 2023}}</ref> though in 2025 it was indicated that she would be transferred to the navy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-stirling-castle-to-be-transferred-from-royal-fleet-auxiliary-to-royal-navy/ |title=RFA Stirling Castle to be transferred from Royal Fleet Auxiliary to Royal Navy |date=30 May 2025 |publisher=Navy Lookout |accessdate=30 May 2025}}</ref>

In June 2021, during a visit by {{HMS|Defender|D36|6}} to Odesa, it was revealed that an agreement had been reached for two Sandown class ships to be transferred to the Ukrainian Navy upon decommissioning.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-giving-two-sandown-class-mine-hunters-to-ukraine/|title=UK giving two Sandown class mine hunters to Ukraine |last=Allison |first=George |work=UK Defence Journal |date=22 June 2021}}</ref> ''Pembroke'' and ''Blyth'' were decommissioned on 4 August 2021 and following a refit by Babcock, were to be transferred to the Romanian Navy instead.<ref name="transfer">{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1582985004379799552 |title=Ex-HMS Pembroke and HMS Blyth have been sold to the Romanian Navy |number=1582985004379799552 |user=NavyLookout |date=20 October 2022 |access-date=21 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/august/04/20210804-ramsey-blyth |title=Thank you Blyth and Ramsey for your service as minehunters pay off |publisher=Royal Navy |date=4 August 2021 |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804160729/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/august/04/20210804-ramsey-blyth |archive-date=2021-08-04 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2023 it was reported that the transfer of ''Blyth'' had occurred and that HMS ''Pembroke'' would also be transferred to the Romanian Navy in the following year.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1707383037942472882?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout ex-HMS Blyth has been transferred to Romania with, yet to decommission, @hms_pembroke to follow next year|number=1707383037942472882 |user=NavyLookout |date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref>

In September 2022, {{HMS|Shoreham|M112|6}} was spotted operating around Firth of Forth carrying the name ''Cherkasy'' (Ukrainian: Черкаси) and the pennant number M311. Though still reportedly in commission with the Royal Navy, she was now training sailors of the Ukrainian Navy prior to also being handed over to that Navy.<ref name="mil">{{cite web |title=The Sandown-class minehunters for the Ukrainian Navy received their names |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-sandown-class-minehunters-for-the-ukrainian-navy-received-their-names/ |website=MINITAPHUM |access-date=17 September 2022}}</ref> In October 2022 it was reported that ''Shoreham'' had been decommissioned from Royal Navy service.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1582985004379799552 |title=Ex-HMS Pembroke and HMS Blyth have been sold to the Romanian Navy |number=1582985004379799552 |user=NavyLookout |date=20 October 2022 |access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref> She, and her sister ship ex-HMS ''Grimsby'' (now ''Chernihiv''), were formally commissioned into the Ukrainian Navy in July 2023.<ref name=TG />

In 2025, the decision to retire all the ''Sandown''-class vessels was modified when it was reported that HMS ''Bangor'' would be returned to the U.K. from the Persian Gulf to continue in service for a further five years being based out of HMNB Clyde.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-mine-warfare-update-hms-bangor-extended-in-service-for-5-years/|title=Royal Navy mine warfare update – HMS Bangor extended in service for 5 years |date=21 November 2021 |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=21 November 2025 }}</ref>

==Ships in class== thumb|Map with nations whose navies use the ''Sandown''-class minehunter in blue {| class="wikitable" |- ! Navy !! Name !! Pennant number !! Builder !! Launched !! Commissioned !! Status |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" | {{naval|UK}} |{{HMS|Cromer|M103|2}} |M103 |Vosper Thornycroft |1990 |1992 |Decommissioned in 2001; transferred to Britannia Royal Naval College as static training ship and renamed ''Hindostan'' |- |{{HMS|Walney|M104|2}} |M104 |Vosper Thornycroft |1991 |1992 |Decommissioned; awaiting disposal |- |{{HMS|Penzance|M106|2}} |M106 |Vosper Thornycroft |1997 |1998 |Decommissioned<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1748757709766221981?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout HMS Bangor is the last Sandown class MCMV left in RN service. Images recently released of HMS Penzance decommissioning ceremony held before she left Faslane for the final time on 9th January. |user=NavyLookout |number=1748757709766221981 |date=20 January 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1746514604283285759 |title=@NavyLookout .@HMSPenzance sailed from Leith yesterday and entered Rosyth flying her paying off pennant. |number=1746514604283285759 |user=NavyLookout |date=14 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2023}}</ref> |- |{{HMS|Bangor|M109|2}} |M109 |Vosper Thornycroft |1999 |2000 |In active service |- |{{HMS|Ramsey|M110|2}} |M110 |Vosper Thornycroft |1999 |2000 |Decommissioned; awaiting disposal<br> Used as parts hulk for ''Cherkasy'' / ''Chernihiv'' <ref name="transfer"/> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | {{navy|Saudi Arabia}} |''Al Jawf'' |420 |Vosper Thornycroft | 1993 | |In active service |- |''Shaqra'' |422 |Vosper Thornycroft | 1993 | |In active service |- |''Al Kharj'' |424 |Vosper Thornycroft | 1993 | |In active service |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | {{navy|Estonia}} |{{ship|EML|Admiral Cowan|M313|2}}<br />(ex-{{HMS|Sandown|M101|2}}) |M313 |Vosper Thornycroft |1988 |1989 / 2007 |In active service |- |{{ship|EML|Sakala|M314|2}}<br />(ex-{{HMS|Inverness|M102|2}}) |M314 |Vosper Thornycroft |1990 |1991 / 2008 |In active service |- |{{ship|EML|Ugandi|M315|2}}<br />(ex-{{HMS|Bridport|M105|2}}) |M315 |Vosper Thornycroft |1992 |1993 / 2009 |In active service |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | {{navy|Romania}} |{{ship|Romanian minehunter|Sublocotenent Ion Ghiculescu|M270|2}}<br />(ex-{{HMS|Blyth|M111|2}}) |M270 |Vosper Thornycroft |2000 |2001 / 2023 |In active service<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-defense-26576655-foto-romania-preluat-primul-vanator-mina-din-clasa-sandown-marea-britanie-nume-primit-cea-mai-recenta-nava-din-dotarea-fortelor-navale.htm|title=România a preluat primul vânător de mine din clasa Sandown de la Marea Britanie. Ce nume a primit cea mai recentă navă din dotarea Forțelor Navale|author=Victor Cozmei|language=ro|work=HotNews|date=2 October 2023}}</ref> |- |{{ship|Romanian minehunter|Căpitan Constantin Dumitrescu||2}}<br />(ex-{{HMS|Pembroke|M107|2}}) |M271 |Vosper Thornycroft |1997 |1998 / 2025 |In active service<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.ro/comunicat.php?id=967|title=Vânătorul de mine M 271 "Căpitan Constantin Dumitrescu" a intrat în serviciul Forțelor Navale Române|language=ro|website=navy.ro|date=4 August 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | {{navy|Ukraine}} |''Chernihiv''<br />(ex {{HMS|Grimsby|M108|2}}) |M310 |Vosper Thornycroft |1998 |1999/2023 |Decommissioned from RN in 2022; transferred to Ukraine's Minesweeper Division in 2023<ref name=TG>{{cite web |title=Ukraine Commissioned Two MCM Vessels |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/07/ukraine-commissioned-two-mcm-vessels/ |website=Naval News |first=Tomasz |last=Grotnik |date=13 July 2023 |access-date=13 July 2023 }}</ref> |- |''Cherkasy''<br />(ex {{HMS|Shoreham|M112|2}}) |M311 |Vosper Thornycroft |2001 |2001/2023 |Decommissioned from RN in 2022; transferred to Ukraine's Minesweeper Division in 2023<ref name=TG /> |}

==See also== *List of mine countermeasure vessels of the Royal Navy

'''Equivalent minehunters of the same era''' * {{sclass|Avenger|mine countermeasures ship|4}} * {{sclass|Frankenthal|minehunter|4}} * {{sclass|Alkmaar|minehunter|4}} * {{sclass|Landsort|mine countermeasures vessel|4}} * Type 082 * {{sclass|Lerici|minehunter|4}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Bibliography== *{{Cite book |title=Britain's Modern Royal Navy |first=Paul |last=Beaver |publisher=Patrick Stephens Limited |date=1996 |isbn=1-85260-442-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/britainsmodernro0000beav }}

==External links== {{Commons category|Sandown-class minehunter}} *{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/patrol-and-mine-hunters/mine-counter-measure-vessels |title=Mine Countermeasures Vessels - Sandown Class |website=Royal Navy}}

{{Sandown class minehunter}} {{Post1991EstonianShips}}

Category:Sandown-class minehunters Category:Minehunters of the United Kingdom Category:Minehunters of Estonia Category:Ships of the Royal Saudi Navy