Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:04:58-1:05:38

How much an HDML displaced

A direct specifications question puts the Harbour Defence Motor Launch’s long range and anti-submarine equipment into the scale of a 54-ton fully loaded wooden craft.

Harbour Defence Motor LaunchesMarine EnginesShip DisplacementWooden Warships
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Question

How heavy was a Harbour Defence Motor Launch?

Short answer

It displaced about 54 tons fully loaded, with each of its two engines producing 152 brake horsepower.

Notes

The HDML displaced 54 tons with fuel, weapons, and stores aboard. Its twin engines produced 152 brake horsepower each. Those modest figures explain why the boat's strengths lay in endurance, patrol utility, and economical operation. The answer provides a useful scale comparison with faster motor torpedo boats and much larger escort vessels.