NAVDEX 2023: Royal Navy showcases Sandown-class minehunter HMS Bangor.

NAVDEX is held alongside IDEX, the International Defence Exhibition, and Conference, and features a purpose-built exhibition hall, ADNEC Marina for visiting naval ships, a pontoon for small crafts, daily water demonstrations, and an outdoor display area. For this edition, the Royal Navy sends the Sandown Minehunter class HMS Bangor.

Royal Navy Sandown class minehunter HMS Bangor. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Sandown class is a type of minehunter vessel used primarily by the Royal Navy, as well as the Royal Saudi Navy and the Estonian Navy. These vessels have a displacement of 600 tonnes, a length of 52.5 meters, a beam of 10.9 meters, and a draught of 2.3 meters.

They are powered by Paxman Valenta 6RP200E diesel engines, which provide 1,523 shp and drive Combimac electric motors and Voith Schneider propellers. The Sandown class can reach a top speed of 13 knots.

The Sandown class has a complement of 34 crew members, with accommodation for up to 40. The vessels are equipped with advanced sonar systems, including the Type 2093 sonar, as well as the Radar Type 1007 I-Band/Kelvin Hughes Ltd SharpEye navigation radar.

Additionally, the Sandown class has electronic warfare capabilities, such as the SeaFox mine disposal system and diver-placed explosive charges.

For armament, the Sandown class has a 30mm DS30M Mark 2 Automated Small Calibre Gun, as well as three Miniguns and two general-purpose machine guns.

The Sandown class has a primary role as a minehunter, with the ability to detect and neutralize mines in shallow waters. However, they also have a secondary role as offshore patrol vessels, making them a versatile addition to any naval fleet.