HMAS Launceston (FCPB 207) Patrol Boat Model 80cm

Key Features of the HMAS Launceston model

• A masterfully handcrafted replica of the HMAS Launceston, capturing its precision and detail.
• Designed from original naval drawings and meticulously built by skilled artisans over 14 weeks, dedicating hundreds of hours to perfection.
• Expertly constructed from individually cut and shaped wooden planks, ensuring unmatched craftsmanship and accuracy.
• Built with on-frame construction and hand-painted to replicate the authentic colors and tones of the real vessel.
• Fully assembled and display-ready, complete with a custom nameplate and an informative history sheet.
• Size specifications: 80cm x 14cm x 32cm, scale 1:52.

The History of HMAS Launceston

The HMAS Launceston (FCPB 207) was a Fremantle-class patrol boat that served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1980 to 2006. It was the second naval vessel to bear the name Launceston, honoring the city in Tasmania, Australia. Built by NQEA Australia in Cairns, Queensland, the vessel was designed to perform coastal defense, surveillance, and border protection duties. The Fremantle-class patrol boats, including HMAS Launceston, were introduced to replace the older Attack-class boats, offering improved speed, endurance, and operational capabilities.

Throughout its service, HMAS Launceston played a vital role in maritime security operations, including fisheries patrols, immigration enforcement, and anti-smuggling missions. These tasks were crucial in protecting Australia’s vast coastline and maritime interests, particularly in the northern waters. The vessel frequently operated in cooperation with other Australian defense and law enforcement agencies to ensure national security and safeguard natural resources.

Like other Fremantle-class patrol boats, HMAS Launceston was powered by two MTU diesel engines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Armed with a Bofors 40mm gun and two .50 caliber machine guns, it was well-equipped for its patrol duties. However, despite its effectiveness, by the early 2000s, the Fremantle-class vessels were reaching the end of their operational lives. They were gradually replaced by the Armidale-class patrol boats, which offered enhanced endurance, modern technology, and improved crew accommodations.

After 26 years of service, HMAS Launceston was decommissioned on 11 May 2006. It was eventually scuttled off the coast of Tasmania as part of an artificial reef project. Its legacy lives on, not only through its service history but also through naval heritage and the ongoing tradition of Australian patrol vessels protecting the nation’s waters.