HMS Smiter (P272)

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Smiter.

HMS Smiter is an Archer-class patrol and training vessel of the Royal Navy.^[1][2]

HMS Smiter on the Solent outward bound from Portsmouth Naval Base 17 June 2016.
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Smiter
Operator	Royal Navy
Builder	Watercraft Marine
Laid down	1985
Launched	1985
Completed	22 January 1986
Commissioned	4 September 1986
Homeport	HMNB Portsmouth
Identification	MMSI number: 235009950 Callsign: GAAS
Motto	"Strike hard and often"
Status	In active service
Badge
General characteristics
Class & type	Archer-class patrol vessel
Displacement	54 tonnes
Length	20.8 m (68 ft)
Beam	5.8 m (19 ft)
Draught	1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Propulsion	2 shafts, Rolls-Royce M800T diesels, 1,590 bhp
Speed	14 kn (26 km/h) 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited due to engine fitted)
Range	550 nmi (1,020 km)
Complement	18 (training)[N 1] 12 (operational)
Sensors & processing systems	Decca 1216 navigation radar
Armament	1 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannon on fo'c'sle ("for but not with") 3 × General purpose machine guns[N 2]

Operational history

Upon being accepted into service, she initially served with the Clyde Division of the Royal Naval Reserve until 11 October 1990. She then transferred to the University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) of Glasgow. In September 2012, she became the training vessel of the Oxford University Royal Naval Unit. She replaced HMS Tracker in this role, which transferred to the Faslane Force Protection Squadron.

In June 2017, Smiter, in company with HM Ships Archer, Ranger and Exploit, deployed to the Baltic to take part in the NATO BALTOPS exercise, marking the first time that the Royal Navy P2000's were involved in such an exercise.^[3]

Role

Smiter provides sea training for members of the Oxford University Royal Naval Unit.

Notes

1. 5 ship's company, 1 training officer, 12 URNU students.
2. When operational and not in URNU role.