Heading into Portsmouth harbour. 13/9/06
HMS Atherstone M38 Hunt Class Mine MCMV
The Hunt Class are the largest warships ever constructed out of Glass Reinforced Plastic. Permanently Heading into Portsmouth harbour. 13/9/06fitted for the dual action functions of 'Sweeping' and 'Hunting' in one hull. They function as 'Minesweepers' in two ways. Destroying buoyant mines by sweeping them by cutting the mooring wires with a towed wire sweep and then blowing up the buoyant case on the surface. Dealing with ground mines (Bombs that sit on the sea bed listening for ship's noise and magnetic signatures) by using influence sweeps which simulate noise and magnetic signature. As Minehunters they 'hunt' for mines with a high definition sonar and then destroy them using explosives placed either by the Mine Clearance Divers or by the Remote Controlled Mine Disposal System Vehicles. In addition, the 1 x 30mm, 2 x 20mm guns and two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) enable them to function in a Secondary Role as very potent patrol Craft. The Hunt class are often found supporting the Fishery Protection Squadron around UK waters.