High-speed launch

A high-speed launch (HSL) is a type of military boat typically used for air-sea rescue operations. The British Royal Air Force (RAF) and others used HSLs especially during World War II.

Whaleback HSL 164, a Type Two 63 ft HSL, off Colombo with a Hawker Hurricane overhead

The 64 ft. high-speed, air/sea rescue launch built by British Power Boat Company (BPBC) was one of the earliest high-speed offshore rescue vessel used by the Royal Air Force.[1] The prototype, numbered 100, gave its name to the class as the "100 class"; High Speed Launch 102 is the only surviving boat from that class.[1] It was tested in 1936 and production boats were delivered in 1937.[2]

Later designs included the 1941 Type Two 63 ft HSL "Whaleback", an adaptation of a motor anti-submarine boat, the first HSL to include gun turrets.[3] British Power Boat chief designer George Selman later designed the 68 ft. "Hants & Dorset" [4]

By May 1944, The RAF had 130 HSLs.[5]

References
  1. "High Speed Launch 102". Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust.
  2. Diane Canwell and Jon Sutherland (2013). RAF Air Sea Rescue 1918–1986. Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 195. ISBN 9781848843035.
  3. Diane Canwell and Jon Sutherland (2013). RAF Air Sea Rescue 1918–1986. Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 41. ISBN 9781848843035.
  4. Diane Canwell and Jon Sutherland (2013). RAF Air Sea Rescue 1918–1986. Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 199. ISBN 9781848843035.
  5. Pitchfork, Graham (2017). Shot Down and in the Drink: True Stories of RAF and Commonwealth Aircrews Saved from the Sea in WWII. Bloomsbury. p. 57. ISBN 9781472827258.
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