The Type Two HSL was a 63 ft high-speed launch craft made by British Power Boat Company (BPBC). The craft were used during the Second World War for air-sea rescue operations to save Allied aircrew from the sea. The Type Two superseded the 64 ft HSL, and was itself replaced by the Type Three 68 ft "Hants and Dorset" also built by the BPBC.

The BPB 63Ft High Speed Launch was the second design from the company and was often referred to as the BPB Type Two HSL. Otherwise it was known as the WHALEBACK from its distinctive curved hull and humped cabin. The design was an adaptation of an existing craft that was in production by BPB for the Royal Navy as MASB's.

For defence against enemy aircraft, on top of the cabin were two aircraft-style turrets made by Armstrong-Whitworth each with a single .303 in Vickers machine gun. The Type Two was supplied to RAF marine craft units from the middle of 1940. Around 70 "Whalebacks" were built for the RAF between 1940 and 1942. They were used throughout the war.

2025年3月14日 · The Type Two HSL was a 63 feet (19 m) high speed launch craft made by British Power Boat Company (BPBC). The craft were used during the Second World War for air-sea rescue operations to save Allied aircrew from the sea.

A high-speed launch (HSL) is a type of military boat typically used for air-sea rescue operations. The British Royal Air Force (RAF) and others used HSLs especially during World War II.

The BPB 63ft High Speed Launch was the second design from the company and was often referred to as the BPB Type Two HSL. Otherwise it was known as the WHALEBACK from its distinctive curved hull and humped cabin. The design was an adaptation of an existing craft that was in production by BPB for the Royal Navy as MASB's.

The Type Two HSL was a 63 ft high-speed launch craft made by British Power Boat Company (BPBC). The craft were used during the Second World War for air-sea rescue operations to save Allied aircrew from the sea. The Type Two superseded the 64 ft HSL, and was itself replaced by the Type Three 68 ft "Hants and Dorset" also built by the BPBC.

In view of the difficulty experienced by crews of the BPB 63ft HSLs in trying to defend themselves with two single machine guns and the consequent need for additional guns to be mounted, the specification for the Thornycroft 67ft HSL called for improved defensive power.

The 63ft HSL was equipped with WIT as well as an aircraft style intercom which linked the Captain with the Coxswain, gunners, and wireless operator. Some launches were later fitted with IFF and a radio direction loop which was either of the open type or enclosed pattern. VHF was also fitted to some launches.

2016年1月3日 · RAF Launch 130 is a British Power Boat Company, 63ft High Speed Launch Type 2; model: David McNair-Taylor. David’s Comments: “This model is built from a Deans Marine Kit but it did need some modification; most of the kit fittings were replaced with ones of the correct pattern or by scratchbuilt additional items.