Class overview | |
---|---|
Name | D-class (RFD 320) |
Builders | RFD |
Operators | ![]() |
Preceded by | D-class (RFD PB16) |
Succeeded by | D-class (RFD PB16) |
Built | 1966–1967 |
In service | 1966–1983 |
Completed | 6 |
Retired | 6 |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | RFD 320 |
Complement | 2 or 3 |
The D-class (RFD 320) lifeboat is a class of inflatable boat operated between 1967 and 1983 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
They were manufactured by R.F.D. Co.Ltd of Gadalming, Surrey, a company founded by engineer Reginald Foster Dagnall. Over time, RFD became a synonym for "Rapid Flotation Devices".
Utilization
[edit]For more than 60 years the D-class has served as the workhorse of the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) fleet. The D-class is one of the few RNLI types not to feature a rigid hull. The D-class was specifically designed as a light and highly manoeuvrable rapid response craft, especially suited to close shore work.
There were only six D-class (RFD 320) boats in the RNLI Fleet, and all were utilised as Boarding Boats.
RNLI Fleet
[edit]Op. No.[a] | Name | In service [1] | Station | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
D-77 | Unnamed | 1967–1980 | Boarding Boat (Y1) | |
D-78 | Unnamed | 1967–1976 | Boarding Boat (Y2) | |
D-79 | Unnamed | 1967–1981 | Boarding Boat (Y3) | |
D-80 | Unnamed | 1967–1983 | Boarding Boat (Y4) | |
D-118 | Unnamed | 1966–1980 | Boarding Boat (Y6) | |
D-119 | Unnamed | 1966–1976 | Boarding Boat (Y7) |
- ^ Op. No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat.
References
[edit]- ^ Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 72–78.