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FIGHTING SHIPS OF THE WORLD
UNITED KINGDOM
AIRCRAFT CARRYING SHIPS
ASTRONOMER aviation support ship (1977/1982)
Photo
Reliance 1984
Ships
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomer | B463-I-1 | Stocznia Północna, Gdańsk, Poland | 6.7.1976 | 1.1977 // 29.5.1982 | returned late 1982 |
Technical data
| Displacement standard, t | 27868 BRT, 18570dwt |
|---|---|
| Displacement full, t | ~38000 |
| Length, m | 204.0 |
| Breadth, m | 30.8 |
| Draught, m | 9.00 |
| No of shafts | 1 |
| Machinery | 1 Sulzer 10RND90 diesel |
| Power, h. p. | 29000 |
| Max speed, kts | 20.5 |
| Fuel, t | diesel oil 3327 |
| Endurance, nm(kts) | 17400 |
| Armament | 2 x 1 - 20/90 GAM-B01, helicopters |
| Electronic equipment | radars |
| Complement |
Air group
| Year | VSTOL attackers | Helicopters |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1982 | --- | some |
Graphics
Reliance 1984
Aircraft facilities
Aircraft based on deck.
Project history
Former container ship, requisitioned by MoD and used as aircraft support ship. Aircraft was based on deck and all aircraft equipment was stowed in containers.
Modernizations
None.
Naval service
Astronomer was returned to owner late in 1982 but next year, 16.11.1983, she was accepted by RFA service and commissioned as fleet replenishment ship A131 Reliance.
Many thanks to Wolfgang Stöhr for additional information on this page.
