INTREPID

FEARLESS Class (LPD)

 assault ships
Although smaller than the USN's RALEIGH class of LPD, these ships were basically British copies of this concept. These ships were intended to give the Royal Marines better assault platforms, and had increase range and capacity over previous designs. In the late 1970s operating funds were short, and INTREPID was put into reserve while FEARLESS was attached to a training squadron. When FEARLESS entered refit in 1979, INTREPID took her place until 1981 when she was again paid off. Both ships took part in the Falkland's conflict, with INTREPID being recommissioned to do so. Each ship could carry 4 LCVP Mk.3 in davits, and 4 LCU Mk.9 landing craft could be disembarked through the dock. Cargo capacity was approximately 15 tanks plus 27 vehicles. Both ships were in urgent need of replacement during the 1990s, so much so that INREPID gained the nickname "Decrepit". These ships are being replaced by the new ALBION class LPDs.

FEARLESS Class
Specifications
Displacement:
 12,120 tons full load; 16,950 tons ballasted (for LCM launch / recovery)
Dimensions:
 158.5 x 24.4 x 6.3 meters (520 x 80 x 20.5 feet)
Propulsion:
 2 shafts, English Electric geared steam turbines;
2 Babcock and Wilcox boilers, 22,000 shp;
20 knots
Crew:
 580 + 400 troops (up to 700 troops can be carried but not supported)


Aviation

Helicopters:
 Landing deck for 5 Westland Wessex helicopters (later 5 Westland Sea King  HC4)

Surface Action


Original
 Final
Guns:
 2 - 40mm/60 Mk.9 Bofors single mounts
 4 - 30mm/75 BMARC twin mounts (INTREPID)
2 - 20mm GAM B01 BMARC single mounts (FEARLESS)
Radar:
 Type 993 surface / low-level air search
Type 978 navigation
 Type 994 surface / low-level air search
Type 1006 navigation


Air Defence


Original
 Final
Guns:
 2 - 40mm/60 Mk.9 Bofors single mounts
 2 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS
4 - 30mm/75 BMARC twin mounts (INTREPID)
2 - 20mm GAM B01 BMARC single mounts (FEARLESS)
Missiles:
 4 Seacat GWS22 quad launcher SAM
 2 - Seacat GWS20 quad launcher SAM (later removed)
Radar:
 Type 993 surface / low-level air search
 Type 994 surface / low-level air search
Fire Control:
 Seacat optical fire control
 Seacat optical fire control


Undersea Warfare

None



Electronic Warfare


Original
 Final
Attack:
 2 - Corvus 8-barreled chaff
 4 - Sea Gnat 6-barreled launchers
ESM:
Marconi Mentor A
ComInt:


Ships:
 
Name
Pendant
Completed
Comments
Fate
FEARLESS
 L 10
 1965
 Dartmouth Training Squadron 1976, refit 1979, served in Falklands.
 Paid off 2002.
INTREPID
 L 11
 1967
 Paid off 1976, recommissioned 1979, paid off 1981, recommissioned for Falklands.
 Paid off 1991 (extended readiness), Disposed 1999.

Photos:

 (click on thumbnail for bigger image) 
 

Fearless
FEARLESS with an LCVP hanging over the side of the ship from davits. Two Seacat launchers can be seen mounted on a platform ahead of the superstructure, with a third launcher mounted on the port side just aft of the port funnel. The barrels of the two 40mm guns can be seen on either side of the bridge.   M.D. Thomas photo.
Fearless
FEARLESS, this time from the starboard side. Two LCVPs are ready for launch from the davits, and several Wessex helicopters can be seen on the landing deck.  M.D. Thomas photo.
Intrepid
The landing dock stern door on INTREPID. M.D. Thomas photo.
Intrepid
INTREPID, with an LCVP and whaler hanging from the davits.An LCVP can be seen hanging from the forward davits, in the retracted position.  M.D. Thomas photo.
Intrepid
INTREPID.  M.D. Thomas photo.
Intrepid
A close-up view of INTREPID's superstructure. The aft port Seacat launcher can be seen above the aft port LCVP davits.  M.D. Thomas photo.
Intrepid
A bow-on view of INTREPID, showing the two forward port and starboard Seacat launchers, the two 40mm guns on either side of the bridge, and the Type 993 radar at the mast head.  M.D. Thomas photo.

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