HMS Tracker (P274)

Tracker in Cornwall, England 2006
History
United Kingdom
Name:	HMS Tracker
Operator:	Royal Navy
Builder:	Ailsa Shipbuilding Company
Commissioned:	January 1998
Homeport:	HMNB Clyde
Identification:	Pennant number: P274
Status:	in active service
General characteristics
Class and type:	Archer-class patrol vessel
Displacement:	54 tonnes
Length:	20.8 m
Beam:	5.8 m
Draught:	1.8 m
Propulsion:	2 shafts, Rolls Royce MTU V12 diesel engines
Speed:	25 kn (46 km/h) 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited due to engine fitted)
Range:	550 nmi (1,020 km)
Complement:	12
Sensors and processing systems:	Decca 1216 navigation radar
Armament:	1 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannon on fo'c'sle ("for but not with") 3 × General purpose machine guns
Armour:	Ballistic protection fitted

HMS Tracker is an Archer-class (P2000) patrol and training vessel of the British Royal Navy. Along with her batch 2 sister-ship, HMS Raider, Tracker is part of the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron based at HMNB Clyde.

Tracker is one of sixteen 20-metre, 54-tonne P2000 patrol craft operated by the Royal Navy. She is constructed from glass-reinforced plastic. As a "batch 2" vessel, Tracker has a sustainable top speed of 24 knots, faster than her batch 1 sister ships due to her more powerful turbocharged MTU diesels; she can exceed 24 knots in suitable sea conditions. Both Raider and Tracker operate in the force protection role, providing maritime security for high value shipping in the Firth of Clyde, and are armed with three general purpose machine guns.

Tracker commissioned alongside her sister Raider in January 1998, with Tracker replacing Oxford University Royal Naval Unit's previous training craft, Loyal Chancellor. She served with Oxford URNU for sea based training of both students and regular personnel in UK and European waters. In October 2012 both Tracker and Raider joined the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron.