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Landing platform dock HMS Albion (L14)

Landing platform dock HMS Albion (L14) 0Landing platform dock HMS Albion (L14) 1Landing platform dock HMS Albion (L14) 2Landing platform dock HMS Albion (L14) 3

Classification

Ship class:
Albion-class landing platform dock
Type:
Amphibious transport dock (LPD)

Basic information

Operator:
Royal NavyRoyal Navy
Country of build:
Builder:
BAE Systems Surface Ships
Ordered:
Laid down:
Launched:
Commissioned (service):
Status:
Active

Ship measurements

Displacement:
19,560 t
Length:
176 m
Beam:
28.9 m
Draft:
7.1 m

Machine

Propulsion:
  • 2 * Wärtsilä Vasa 16V 32E diesel generators
  • 2 * Wärtsilä Vasa 4R 32E diesel generators
  • GE power conversion full electric propulsion system, 2 * motors and drives
  • Bow thruster
Speed:
18 knots
Range:
8,000 miles (7,000 nmi; 13,000 km)

Personnel

Complement:
325
Embarked units:
405
Total capacity:
710

Combat assets

Cargo capacity:
  • 67 vehicles
Boats & landing craft:
  • 4 * LCU MK10
  • 4 * LCVP MK5
Electronics:
  • 2 * Type 1007/8 I-band radars
  • 1 * Type 996 E/F band radar (until 2011)
  • 1 * Type 997 E/F-band radar (from 2017)
Armament:
  • 2 * 20mm Phalanx CIWS (from 2017)
  • 2 * Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
  • Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns (as of 2023)
  • 6 * 7.62 mm general purpose machine guns
Aircraft:
  • Aviation facilities
  • Two landing spots for helicopters up to the size of a Chinook

HMS Albion is a landing platform dock of the Royal Navy, the first of the two-ship Albion class. Built by BAE Systems Marine in Barrow-in-Furness, Albion was launched in March 2001 by the Princess Royal. Her sister ship, Bulwark, was launched in November 2001, also from Barrow. Affiliated to the city of Chester and based in Plymouth, she is the ninth ship to carry the name Albion (after Albion, an ancient name of Great Britain), stretching back to the 74-gun 1763 warship, and last carried by an aircraft carrier decommissioned in 1973 after 19 years service. Designed as an amphibious warfare ship, Albion carries troops, normally Royal Marines, and vehicles up to the size of the Challenger 2 main battle tank. She can deploy these forces using four Landing Craft Utility (LCUs) and four Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs). A flight deck supports helicopter operations.

Albion's future came under review as part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. She was the fleet flagship from December 2010 until October 2011, and then again from March 2018 until January 2021.

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