RFA Reliant - Helicopter Support Ship

Originally constructed in Poland in 1977 as a ro-ro container ship for the Harrison Line, MV Astronomer was taken up from trade in the Falklands War. Converted at Devonport Dockyard for service as an aircraft transport, Astronomer departed Plymouth on June 8th. Upon arrival in the South Atlantic a month later, she replaced the Atlantic Convyeor which had fallen victim to an Argentine Exocet missile.

The Royal Navy was keen to develop the use of container ships as aircraft carriers, which had proven successful in the Falklands. In particular they wanted to evaluate the US Arapaho System: pre- manufactured, modular equipment designed to enable merchant vessels to support military helicopters. In December 1982 Astronomer was leased by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and a conversion at Cammal Lairds saw her fitted with the Arapaho system, a flight deck and hanger facilities. She commissioned into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as RFA Reliant in late 1983.

Displacing 27,867 tons Reliant measured 204 metres in length, 31 metres in breadth and 7.9 metres in draught. A single diesel engine produced a speed of 28 knots. Reliant's complement consisted of 61 Royal Fleet Auxiliary and 150 Royal Navy personnel. She could carry five Sea King Helicopters and was armed with four 20 mm guns.

After conducting sea trials Reliant arrived off Lebanon in 1984 to assist British troops in Beirut. She was later redeployed to the South Atlantic to act as a Helicopter Support Ship. Reliant soon proved the Apharo system unsatisfactory : she could not support AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Helicopters and 70 containers were needed to support just five AS (Anti Submarine) Helicopters. It was suggested she could be refitted to serve as a transport ship for the Royal Marines, as this would be a cheaper alternative than restoring her to her original configuration and returning her to her owners. However, Reliant decommissioned on 25th May 1986 and was stripped of all military equipment. Having been bought outright by the MoD she was sold into Merchant service.

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© Written and researched by Jeremy Olver. First uploaded 21st October 2000. Updated 10th November 2000. Disclaimer.