![]() A WW I motor launch - ML 59
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Class overview | |
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Builders | Elco |
Operators | ![]() |
Built | 1915–1918 |
In commission | 1915–1920s |
Completed | 580 |
General characteristics ML.1–50 series | |
Type | Motor launch |
Displacement | 34 t |
Length | 75 ft (23 m) |
Propulsion | Petrol engine |
Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
Complement | 8 |
Armament |
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General characteristics ML.51–550 series | |
Type | Motor launch |
Displacement | 37 t |
Length | 86 ft (26 m) |
Propulsion | Petrol engine |
Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
Complement | 6 |
Armament |
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General characteristics ML.551–580 | |
Type | Motor launch |
Displacement | 37 t |
Length | 80 ft (24 m) |
Speed | 19 kn (35 km/h) |
Complement | 8 |
Armament |
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A motor launch (ML) is a small military vessel in Royal Navy service. It was designed for harbour defence and submarine chasing. Similar vessels were used by the Royal Air Force for armed high-speed air-sea rescue. Some vessels for water police service are also known as motor launches. Motor launches were slower than motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats