HMS Chiddingfold (M37)

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Chiddingfold.
HMS Chiddingfold entering Portsmouth July 2013.
History
United Kingdom
Name: HMS Chiddingfold
Operator: Royal Navy
Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
Launched: October 1983
Sponsored by: Lady Anne Kennon
Commissioned: October 1984
Homeport: HMNB Portsmouth, Hampshire
Identification: Pennant number: M37
Nickname(s): "Cheery Chid"
Status: in active service
General characteristics
Class and type: Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel
Displacement: 750 t (740 long tons; 830 short tons)[1]
Length: 60 m (196 ft 10 in)
Beam: 9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
Draught: 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
Propulsion: 2 shaft Napier Deltic diesel, 3,540 shp
Speed: 17 kn (31 km/h; 20 mph)
Complement: 45 (6 officers & 39 ratings)
Sensors and
processing systems:		 Sonar Type 2193
Electronic warfare
& decoys:
  • SeaFox mine disposal system
  • Diver-placed explosive charges
Armament:

HMS Chiddingfold is a Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel of the British Royal Navy.

She was launched in October 1983 by her sponsor, Lady Anne Kennon, and formally entered the service of the Royal Navy in October 1984. Chiddingfold is a minehunter, and her purpose is to find and destroy mines, not only in a time of war but also in peacetime. There are about a quarter of a million mines still active from the Second World War alone and they pose a major threat to both military and civilian ships. Chiddingfold is able to enter some types of minefields without the mines detonating. This is because she is made of glass-reinforced plastic and all fixtures within the ship are made of non-ferrous metals, keeping the ship's magnetic signature to the bare minimum.

In January 2012, Chiddingfold began a year-long mid-life upgrade project, including the replacement of her engines, gearboxes, propellers and an upgraded thruster system; she was the first vessel of her class to undergo the refurbishment.[2]

HMS Chidingford on the Clyde in 2013

Affiliations

Chiddingfold has a connection with the village of Chiddingfold, and every year they have a stall at the Chiddingfold fete. HMS Chiddingfold is also affiliated with the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, one of the City of London's Livery Companies.

References

  1. ↑ Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels - MCM, globalsecurity.org
  2. ↑ "HMS Chiddingfold Gets Two New Engines at BAE Systems' Portsmouth Yard". Shipbuilding Tribune. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2012.


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