Tyne class lifeboat

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Tyne Class

Introduced in:	1982
First Withdrawn in:	2006
General Characteristics
Length:	14.3m (47ft)
Beam:	4.48m (14ft 8in)
Draft:	4ft 2in
Displacement:	26 tons
Construction:	Steel with Aluminium superstructure
Engines:	2 DDEC V6 diesels 2 GM V6 Diesels or 2 V8 Diesels
Speed:	17.6 knots
Range:	240n miles
Crew:	6 + doctor
Capacity:	Self righting 20, non self-righting > 100!

Tyne class lifeboats serve the shores of the UK as a part of the RNLI fleet. They are named for the River Tyne in north-east England. The class was introduced in 1982, and the last boat was built in 1990.

The unusual design of this lifeboat derives from the requirement to deploy from slipway stations built for previous generations of lifeboats, with limited clearance. The Tyne also lies afloat at stations where the approaches, or operating areas, are particularly shallow. As the lifeboat propellors are protected by heavy bilge keels, she is particularly well suited to operate where there is a danger of hitting the bottom, or tapping as it is known locally.

After over 20 years of service, they are gradually being replaced by the substantially larger and more powerful Tamar class lifeboat, for which new slipway stations are being constructed.