ASV Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp is a smaller version of the Fantome class survey launches used by the Royal Australian Navy, modified for operations in Antarctic waters.^[1] The vessel has a full load displacement of 5.77 tonnes (5.68 long tons; 6.36 short tons), is 8.15 metres (26 ft 9 in) long at the waterline and 9.2 metres (30 ft 2 in) in length overall, and has a draught of 0.53 metres (1 ft 9 in).^[1] Propulsion is provided by two Volvo Penta AQAD 41D/SP290 diesels, which provide 400 brake horsepower (300 kW) to the two outdrives.^[1] Maximum speed is 22.5 knots (41.7 km/h; 25.9 mph), and Wyatt Earp has a range of 306 nautical miles (567 km; 352 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph).^[1] When built, the boat's sensor suite includes a JRC JMA-2141 navigation radar, an STN Atlas Elektronik Deso 22 echo sounder, and a differential GPS receiver.^[1] Wyatt Earp has a complement of four to five.^[1][2]

Wyatt Earp was built by Pro Marine at Seaford, Victoria.^[1] She entered service in 1993.^[1]

Wyatt Earp is operated by the Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS).^[3] The vessel is not used on a constant basis; her deployment can only occur if a resupply ship chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division is capable of transporting and serving as a base ship to Wyatt Earp and the AHS's Deployable Geospatial Support Team.^[3]

The boat was deployed to the Antarctic during 2003 and 2004.^[2]

Wyatt Earp was not sent to the Antarctic again until December 2013.^[2] During the two-month operation, the survey craft was deployed from Aurora Australis on seven occasions for survey work in the waters around Casey Station.^[2]