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Registration number
3545
Status
Registered
paula.palmer
Previous names
- 1942 - 1945 ASR 1310
- 1947 Torquil
Details
Function
Service Vessel
Location
Solent
Vessel type
RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Philip & Sons, Dartmouth
Built in
1942
Hull material
Wood
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
2
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
14.00 feet
(4.27m)
Depth
3.38 feet
(1.03m)
Length: Overall
60.00 feet
(18.29m)
Tonnage: Gross
25.00
History
TORQUIL was built in 1942 in Dartmouth. Her hull number is believed to be 1066 and RAF designation ASR 1310. She saw little action during the Second World War, although there are believed to be accounts from the pilot during the period.
After the war, she was sold to the Rover Corporation who converted her to a 'Gentleman's Yacht' and used her as a floating test bed during the development of the gas turbine. Later she was fitted with a diesel version of the Rolls Royce Meteor, the Rover Meteorite. The boat is currently fitted with these MK101 and 101A engines, along with the original pre-print manuals.
The hull frames and planking is largely original, during the conversion in the late '40s an outer cockpit and companionways were added. The decks have been replaced.
There's a video available on British Pathe of its test runs with the first gas turbines that can be found here: http://www.britishpathe.com/video/rover-gas-turbine-launch/query/launchings
Key dates
-
1942
Vessel built by Philip & Son, Dartmouth
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
