Motor launch (naval)
A WW I motor launch - ML 59
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Elco |
| Operators | Royal Navy |
| Built | 1915–1918 |
| In commission | 1915–1920s |
| Completed | 580 |
| General characteristics ML.1–50 series | |
| Type | Motor launch |
| Displacement | 34 t |
| Length | 75 ft (23 m) |
| Propulsion | Petrol engine |
| Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
| Complement | 8 |
| Armament |
|
| General characteristics ML.51–550 series | |
| Type | Motor launch |
| Displacement | 37 t |
| Length | 86 ft (26 m) |
| Propulsion | Petrol engine |
| Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
| Complement | 6 |
| Armament |
|
| General characteristics ML.551–580 | |
| Type | Motor launch |
| Displacement | 37 t |
| Length | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
| Complement | 8 |
| Armament |
|
A motor launch (ML) is a small military vessel in Royal Navy service. It was designed for harbour defence and submarine chasing. Similar vessels were used by the Royal Air Force for armed high-speed air-sea rescue. Some vessels for water police service are also known as motor launches. Motor launches were slower than motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats