HMS Tracker (P274)

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

HMS Tracker is an Archer-class (P2000) patrol and training vessel of the British Royal Navy.^[1][2] Along with the batch 2 Archer class, HMS Raider, Tracker is part of the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron based at HMNB Clyde.

HMS Tracker in 2006
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Tracker
Operator	Royal Navy
Builder	Ailsa Shipbuilding Company
Commissioned	January 1998
Homeport	HMNB Clyde
Identification	Pennant number: P274 MMSI number: 235009960 Callsign: GCUU
Status	In active service
General characteristics
Class and 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 MTU V12 diesel engines
Speed	20 kn (37 km/h) 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited by gearbox and shaft tourque)
Range	400 nmi (740 km)
Complement	12
Sensors and processing systems	Sperry Marine Navigation Radar
Armament	1 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannon on fo'c'sle ("for but not with") 3 × Mounted General purpose machine guns 5 × SA80A2 (Personal Rifles)
Armour	Ballistic protection fitted

Characteristics

Tracker is one of sixteen 20-metre, 54-tonne P2000 patrol craft operated by the Royal Navy. She is constructed from glass-reinforced plastic. As a "batch 2" vessel, Tracker has a sustainable top speed of 24 knots, faster than her batch 1 sister ships due to her more powerful turbocharged MTU diesels; she can exceed 24 knots in suitable sea conditions. Both Raider and Tracker operate in the force protection role, providing maritime security for high value shipping in the Firth of Clyde, and are armed with three general purpose machine guns.

Details

Tracker commissioned alongside her sister Raider in January 1998, with Tracker replacing Oxford University Royal Naval Unit's previous training craft, Loyal Chancellor. She served with Oxford University Royal Naval Unit for sea-based training of both students and regular personnel in UK and European waters. In October 2012 both Tracker and Raider joined the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron.