- Yes, as a tech tree vehicle
- Yes, as a premium vehicle
- Yes, as an event vehicle
- Yes, as a squadron vehicle
- No, I would not like to see the Fairmile B LCC in game.
ML 196 at sea with HMS Llandudno.
Description
The Fairmile B Landing Craft, Control type were Fairmile B motor launches outfitted with navigational equipment to lead landing operations. Several Fairmile Bs were given this treatment in 1944 in preparation for the attacks on Normandy. Specifically, they were equipped with navigational devices including:
- Type 970 radar
- DF loop control
- Echo sounding or asdic recorder
- Pitometer or Chernikeef log recorder
- Standard compass
- 9 or 20 mile measuring reel
This equipment allowed the navigational leaders to search for underwater hazards such as shallow waters or sea mines. The radar and log recorders allowed for accurate measurements of positions and directions in order to plot a safe route for landing forces. In addition to this equipment, the Fairmile B L.C.C. retained its standard armament of one 3-pounder, three Oerlikon guns, and fourteen depth charges. Converted units include ML 151, ML 196, ML 2248, and ML 6003, with potentially more being made. These navigational leaders operated similarly to U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Control ships at landings such as Normandy. Like the other Fairmiles, these vessels were either sold or scrapped in the postwar years.
Specifications
Fairmile B Landing Craft, Control
Dimensions
- Length: 112 ft. 0 in. (34.1 m)
- Beam: 18 ft. 3 in. (5.56 m)
- Draught: 3 ft. 8 in. (1.11 m) for’d, 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) aft
Displacement : 75.5 tons
Crew: 18
Propulsion: 2 x Hall-Scott Defender petrol engines (1,200 shp)
Max speed: 20 kt. (23.0 mph, 37 km/h)
Range: 1,500 miles @ 12 kt.
Armament:
- Primary: 3-pounder Hotchkiss cannon
- Secondary: 1 x 1 + 1 x 2 20mm Oerlikon cannon
- Additional: 14 x depth charges
Additional equipment:
- Smoke generator
Conclusion
This vessel type would not be too different in terms of gameplay to ML 345, but it is still historically significant and visually unique enough that I would recommend it for the British coastal tech tree.
Pictures
Sources
- ONI-226: Allied Landing Craft and Ships
- Allied Coastal Forces of World War II Volume I: Fairmile Designs & U.S. Submarine Chasers
- https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235020377-ml196-fairmile-b-landing-craft-control/