^ HMS Enterprise (H88)
The Echo class is a class of multi-purpose hydrographic survey ships in commission with the Royal Navy. The ships are primarily tasked with conducting survey work in support of submarine and amphibious operations, however, the class also has a secondary role in mine countermeasures.
The two vessels of the class are the most recent additions to the Royal Navy's Hydrographic Squadron. Each ship displaces approximately 3,700 tonnes, and is equipped with a state of the art suite of equipment.
The Echo class are the first Royal Navy ships to be fitted with azimuth thrusters. Both azimuth thrusters and the bow thruster can be controlled through the integrated navigation system by a joystick providing high manoeuvrability.
1. HMS Echo (H87) Commissioned 2003
2. HMS Enterprise (H88) Commissioned 2003
Type:
Hydrographic survey
Mine countermeasures
Displacement: 3,740 t (3,680 long tons; 4,120 short tons)
Length: 90.6 m (297 ft 3 in)
Beam: 16.8 m (55 ft 1 in)
Draught: 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
3 × diesel generators (4.8 MW)
2 × 1.7 MW (2,279 hp) azimuth thrusters
1 × 0.4 MW (536 hp) bow thruster
Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Range: 9,300 nmi (17,200 km) at 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Endurance: 35 days
Boats and landing
craft carried: Survey motor boat
Crew Complement: 72
Sensors and
processing systems: Integrated survey system
Armament:
2 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannons
2 × Miniguns
4 × General purpose machine guns
