View source for Pierre Radisson-class icebreaker

{{Short description|Arctic Ocean Icebreakers (Summer)}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = Brise glace des groseillers.jpg
| Ship image size = 300px
| Ship caption = ''Des Groseilliers'' in 2006
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Pierre Radisson'' or R class
| Builders = Various
| Operators = [[Canadian Coast Guard]]
| Class before = 
| Class after = 
| Subclasses = Improved R class
| Cost = 
| Built range = 1976–1988
| In service range = 1977–present
| In commission range = 
| Total ships building = 
| Total ships planned = 
| Total ships completed = 4
| Total ships cancelled = 
| Total ships active = 4
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = for ''Pierre Radisson'' as built
| Ship type = Medium [[icebreaker]] (CCG)
| Ship displacement = * {{convert|6400|LT|t}} standard
* {{convert|8180|LT|t}} fully loaded
| Ship tonnage = *{{GRT|5910}}
* {{NetT|1678}}
| Ship length = {{convert|98.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|19.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|7.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship ice class = [[Ice class#Arctic classes|Arctic Class 3]]
| Ship power = [[Diesel-electric transmission|Diesel-electric]]: 6 × Alco M251F, {{convert|17580|shp|kW|abbr=on}}; 6 GEC generators, 2 motors {{convert|13600|shp|abbr=on}}
| Ship propulsion = 2 shafts, [[bow thruster]]
| Ship speed = {{convert|16|kn|km/h}}
| Ship range = {{convert|15000|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{convert|13.5|kn|km/h}}
| Ship endurance = 120 days
| Ship complement = 38
| Ship boats = 
| Ship sensors = 
| Ship EW = 
| Ship armament = 
| Ship armour = 
| Ship aircraft = 1 × [[MBB Bo 105]] or [[Bell 206]]L helicopter
| Ship aircraft facilities = [[Hangar]] and [[flight deck]]
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''''Pierre Radisson''-class icebreakers''', also known as '''R-class icebreakers''', are a [[ship class|class]] of four [[icebreaker]]s constructed for and operated by the [[Canadian Coast Guard]]. The Canadian Coast Guard designates the four ships in the class as medium icebreakers. Built in two phases, the first three ships, {{ship|CCGS|Pierre Radisson||2}}, ''Franklin'' and {{ship|CCGS|Des Groseilliers||2}}, were built to a common design. The fourth, {{ship|CCGS|Henry Larsen||2}} was built to a modified design and is considered a subclass, the '''Improved R-class icebreaker'''. ''Franklin'' was later renamed ''Sir John Franklin'' before undergoing a re-design for use primarily as an Arctic [[research vessel]]. Upon the vessel's return to service, the ship was once again renamed {{ship|CCGS|Amundsen||2}}. All the vessels are named for people who sailed through Canada's northern waters. The class operates in the Arctic Ocean in the summer, patrolling, icebreaking and research missions.

==Design and description==
[[File:CCGS Pierre Radisson docked at Trois Rivieres with Bell 429 on deck.jpg|thumb|CCGS ''Pierre Radisson'' docked at Trois-Rivières with a Bell 429 GlobalRanger on deck]]
The ''Pierre Radisson'' class were designed for Coast Guard operations in the Arctic Ocean.{{sfn|Maginley|Collin|2001|p=154}} ''Pierre Radisson'', being the first ship constructed in the class, has a [[Displacement (ship)|standard displacement]] of {{convert|6400|LT|t}} and {{convert|8180|LT|t}} fully loaded. As built the vessel has a [[gross register tonnage]] (GRT) of 5,910, a {{NetT|1678|disp=long}} and {{DWT|2865|disp=long}}.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=miramar>{{csr|register=MSI|id=7510834|shipname=Pierre Radisson|accessdate=5 December 2016}}</ref> The ship is {{convert|98.3|m|ftin}} [[Length overall|long overall]] with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|19.5|m|ftin}} and a [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|7.2|m|ftin}}.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=miramar/> The tonnage was later remeasured to {{GT|5775|disp=long}}.<ref>{{csr|register=E|id=7510834|shipname=Pierre Radisson|accessdate=1 March 2019}}</reF>

The vessel is propelled by two fixed-pitch [[propeller]]s and one [[bow thruster]] powered by a [[Diesel-electric transmission|diesel-electric]] system comprising six [[Alco]] M251F [[diesel engine]]s that when driving the shafts create {{convert|17580|shp|kW|lk=in}} and six GEC generators creating 11.1 [[megawatt]]s sustained powering two motors that when driving the shafts create {{convert|13600|shp|abbr=on}}. The vessel is also equipped with one [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] 398 emergency generator.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=prcg1>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Fleet/Vessel?vessel_id=91 |title=CCG Fleet: Vessel Details – CCGS Pierre Radisson |publisher=Canadian Coast Guard |access-date=5 December 2016}}</ref> This gives the vessel a maximum speed of {{convert|16|kn|km/h|lk=in}}.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}} The vessel can carry {{convert|2450|m3|impgal|abbr=on}} of [[diesel fuel]] and has a range of {{convert|15000|nmi|lk=in|km}} at {{convert|15|kn|km/h}} and can stay at sea for up to 120 days.<ref name=prcg1/>

''Pierre Radisson'' is equipped with a Sperry navigational radar operating on the E/F and I bands.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}} The icebreaker has a [[flight deck]] and [[hangar]] which originally accommodated a [[MBB Bo 105]] or [[Bell 206|Bell 206L]] light helicopter,{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}} but currently supports the [[Bell 429 GlobalRanger]] and [[Bell 412|Bell 412EPI]] which were acquired by the Canadian Coast Guard in the 2010s to replace the older helicopters.<ref name=verticalmag>{{cite web |url=https://verticalmag.com/features/better-faster-stronger-canadian-coast-guards-new-helicopter-fleet/ |title=Better, Faster, Stronger: The Canadian Coast Guard's new helicopter fleet |last=Johnson |first=Oliver |work=Vertical Magazine |date=5 January 2018 |access-date=5 April 2021 }}</ref> The ship can carry {{convert|25.9|m3|impgal|abbr=on}} of [[aviation fuel]] for the helicopters. The vessel is certified as [[Ice class#Arctic classes| Arctic Class 3]] and has a complement of 31 with 11 officers and 20 crew.<ref name=prcg1/>

===Improved R class===
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption= for ''Henry Larsen'' as built
|Ship tonnage=*{{GT|6166}}
* {{NetT|1756}}
|Ship displacement={{convert|8290|LT|t}} full load
|Ship length= {{convert|99.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam= {{convert|19.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draught= {{convert|7.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship ice class=[[Ice class#Arctic classes|Arctic Class 4]]
|Ship propulsion=*[[Diesel-electric transmission|Diesel electric]] – 2 × GE AC and 3 × [[Wärtsilä]] Vasa 16V32
* {{convert|12174|kW|abbr=on}}
|Ship speed= {{convert|16|kn}}
|Ship range= {{convert|20000|nmi}} at {{convert|13.5|kn}}
|Ship boats=
|Ship endurance=90 days
|Ship complement= 31
|Ship capacity=40
|Ship sensors=1 × [[Sperry Marine Northrop Grumman|Sperry Marine]] Bridgemaster navigational radar
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=
|Ship armour=
|Ship aircraft=1 × light helicopter
|Ship aircraft facilities=Hangar and flight deck
|Ship notes=
}}
|}
Classified as a Medium Gulf/River Icebreaker by the Canadian Coast Guard, ''Henry Larsen'' was ordered to a modified design from the rest of the class. The vessel's hull form differs from her [[Ship class|classmates]], with a differently-shaped [[Bow (ship)|bow]] with a raised [[forecastle]] and underwater "ice knife".{{sfn|Maginley|Collin|2001|p=156}} The vessel also has a different propulsion system. Furthermore, the ship has a [[Wärtsilä]] air-bubbling system installed to allow the vessel to reduce hull friction and more easily break ice.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=henry>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Fleet/CCGS-Henry-Larsen |title=CCGS Henry Larsen |publisher=Canadian Coast Guard |date=28 July 2014 |access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref> ''Henry Larsen'' displaces {{convert|8290|LT|t}} at full load. The vessel has a {{GT|6166|disp=long}} and a {{NetT|1756|disp=long}} making her the largest vessel in the class. The icebreaker is {{convert|99.8|m|ftin}} long overall with a beam of {{convert|19.6|m|ftin}} and a draught of {{convert|7.3|m|ftin}}.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=hlcg>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Fleet/Vessel?vessel_id=70 |title=CCG Fleet: Vessel Details – CCGS Henry Larsen |publisher=Canadian Coast Guard |date=4 February 2015 |access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref>

The ship is propelled by two fixed-pitch propellers driven by a diesel-electric system comprising two GE AC electric motors and three Wärtsilä Vasa 16V32 [[diesel engine]]s. Combined, the system creates {{convert|12174|kW}}, giving the ship a maximum speed of {{convert|16|kn}}. The ship carries {{convert|1650|m3|impgal|abbr=on}} of diesel fuel, giving the ship a range of  {{convert|20000|nmi}} at {{convert|13.5|kn}} and can stay at sea for up to 90 days.{{sfn|Saunders|2004|p=95}}<ref name=hlcg/>

The icebreaker is equipped with a [[Sperry Marine Northrop Grumman|Sperry Marine]] Bridgemaster navigational radar. ''Henry Larsen'' has a flight deck and hangar located at the stern of the ship which originally accommodated a MBB Bo 105 or Bell 206L light helicopter,<ref name=henry/> but currently supports the Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Bell 412EPI which were acquired by the Canadian Coast Guard in the 2010s to replace the older helicopters.<ref name=verticalmag/> The ship can carry {{convert|22.0|m3|impgal|abbr=on}} of [[aviation fuel]] for the helicopters. The vessel is certified as [[Ice class#Arctic classes|Arctic Class 4]] and has a complement of 31 with 11 officers and 20 crew and 40 additional berths. The vessel is also equipped with a hospital ward.<ref name=henry/><ref name=hlcg/>

===''Amundsen'' modifications===
In 2003, ''Sir John Franklin'' was reactivated and transformed into a hybrid science ship. Part of the vessel's storage holds were transformed into laboratory space. The refit included the addition of a [[moon pool]], which enables scientists to lower scientific instruments from inside the hull without cutting a hole in the ice, multi-beam [[sonar]], the replacement of heating and electrical systems, and installation of state-of-the-art scientific equipment.<ref name=reportlaval>{{cite web |url=http://www.amundsen.ulaval.ca/docs/poms-report.pdf |title=Canadian Research Icebreaker CCGSAmundsen Platform Outcome Measurement Study (POMS) report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217193640/http://www.amundsen.ulaval.ca/docs/poms-report.pdf |archive-date=17 December 2016 |publisher=University of Laval |date = November 2014|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>

==Ships in class==
[[File:Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson.jpg|thumb|right|CCGS ''Pierre Radisson'']]
[[File:CCGS Amundsen.jpg|thumb|right|CCGS ''Amundsen'']]
[[File:CCGS Henry Larsen, Medium Icebreaker.jpg|thumb|right|CCGS ''Henry Larsen'' in St. John's Harbour, 2010]]
{| border="1" class="wikitable collapsible"
! colspan="5"| ''Pierre Radisson'' class construction data<ref name=miramar/><ref name=miramardg>{{csr|register=MSI|id=8006385|shipname=Des Groseilliers |accessdate=10 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=miramarhl>{{csr|register=MSI|id=8409329|shipname=Henry Larsen |accessdate=18 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=miramaramund>{{csr|register=MSI|id=7510846|shipname=Franklin|accessdate=14 December 2016}}</ref>
|-
! scope="col"| Name
! scope="col"| Builder
! scope="col"| Launched
! scope="col"| In service
! scope="col"| Status
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|CCGS|Pierre Radisson||2}}
| [[Burrard Dry Dock|Versatile Pacific Shipyards Limited]], [[Vancouver]]
| 3 June 1977
| June 1978
| In service
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|CCGS|Amundsen||2}} (ex-''Franklin'', ''Sir John Franklin'')
| [[Burrard Dry Dock]], [[North Vancouver (city)|North Vancouver]]
| 10 March 1978
| March 1979
| In service
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|CCGS|Des Groseilliers||2}}
| [[Port Weller Dry Docks]] Limited, [[St. Catharines, Ontario|St. Catharines]]
| 20 February 1982
| August 1982
| In service
|-
! colspan="5"| Improved R class
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|CCGS|Henry Larsen||2}}
| Versatile Pacific Shipyards Limited, Vancouver
| 23 August 1985
| 29 June 1988
| In service
|-
|}

==Service history==
The first three ships entered service between 1977 and 1982. ''Pierre Radisson'', the first ship of the class, underwent [[sea trials]] while transiting the [[Northwest Passage]] en route to [[Quebec City]].{{sfn|Maginley|Collin|2001|p=155}} During the transit, ''Pierre Radisson'' assisted {{ship|CCGS|Camsell}} which had been severely damaged by ice in the western Arctic.{{sfn|Maginley|2003|pp=125–26}} After completion, ''Franklin'', the second ship of the class, performed sea trials in the western Arctic and Northwest Passage. While transiting the Northwest Passage, heading to the icebreaker's assigned base in [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], ''Franklin'' lost a propeller in [[Viscount Melville Sound]] and was rescued by {{ship|CCGS|Louis S. St-Laurent}} and returned to the west coast. The two ships then transited to the [[Atlantic Canada|East Coast of Canada]] via the [[Panama Canal]]. In 1980, the vessel was renamed to ''Sir John Franklin'' at the request of the crew.{{sfn|Maginley|Collin|2001|pp=154–155}}{{sfn|Maginley|2003|p=126}} In 1983, ''Des Groseilliers'', the third vessel in the class, made her first voyage to the Arctic.{{sfn|Maginley|2003|p=127}}

In April 1984, after the opening of the navigation season on the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the [[Great Lakes]], the area froze up, driving six cargo ships ashore and a further eighteen became stuck in the ice. Five icebreakers were assigned to aid the merchant vessels, however, they proved unable to meet the task. ''Des Groseilliers'' and {{ship|CCGS|Griffon}} were sent to their aid, with ''Des Groseilliers'' arriving on 11 April and worked to free the stuck vessels and provide safe passage until 29 April.{{sfn|Maginley|2003|p=117}} 

In 1987, ''Sir John Franklin'' escorted the Arctic cargo ship/[[Tanker (ship)|oil tanker]] {{MV|Arctic}} to [[Nanisivik]]. In July 1989, the icebreaker again attempted to transit the Northwest Passage but was forced to break off the attempt after ice conditions were found to be too severe. In June 1994, at the height of the [[Turbot War]], ''Sir John Franklin'' was among the Coast Guard vessels sent to monitor the European fishing fleets on the [[Grand Banks]]. The ship was kept just out of sight but within radar range of foreign fishing trawlers. These actions led to the detainment and seizure of the Spanish fishing trawler ''Estai''.{{sfn|Maginley|2003|pp=126, 129–30, 195}}

In 1988, ''Henry Larsen'' joined the fleet. On the ship's maiden voyage from [[Victoria, British Columbia]] to [[Dartmouth, Nova Scotia]], the vessel transited the Northwest Passage, performing sea trials on the trip.{{sfn|Maginley|2003|p=130}} Following the 1995 transfer of the Canadian Coast Guard from the [[Department of Transport (Canada)|Department of Transport]] to the [[Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada)|Department of Fisheries and Oceans]], ''Sir John Franklin'' was deemed surplus to the fleet in 1996. In August 2003 after funding was received for the new dedicated research vessel, and ''Sir John Franklin'' was taken to [[Les Mechins, Quebec]] to be refitted as a research ship. The ship reentered service that year and was renamed ''Amundsen''.<ref name=reportlaval/><ref name=Dfo2003-08>{{cite web |url=http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2003/hqic-b-eng.htm |title=The CCGS Amundsen – The Canadian Coast Guard's New Scientific Icebreaker |publisher=[[Department of Fisheries and Oceans]] |date=August 2003 |access-date=17 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112170105/http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2003/hqic-b-eng.htm |archive-date=12 November 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[File:Ice Station SHEBA-CRREL.jpg|thumb|Ice station SHEBA base, ''Des Groseilliers'' (right) with {{ship|CCGS|Louis S. St-Laurent||2}}]]
As part of the [[Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean]] (SHEBA) experiment in 1997, ''Louis S. St-Laurent'' and ''Des Groseilliers'' sailed through the Northwest Passage to meet {{ship|CCGS|Sir Wilfrid Laurier}} in [[Alaska]]n waters. ''Sir Wilfrid Laurier'' then escorted ''Des Groseilliers'' to a point where ''Des Groseilliers''{{'}}s engines were shut off on 2 October and the ship was left with a minimum crew and a group of international scientists. The vessel was then left to drift in the [[pack ice]] for a year and dubbed "Ice Station SHEBA".{{sfn|Maginley|Collin|2001|p=155}}{{sfn|Maginley|2003|pp=133–34}}

''Pierre Radisson'' participated in [[Operation Nanook]] in 2008 and 2009, annual joint training exercises with elements of the [[Canadian Forces]] to conduct sovereignty and disaster patrols in the Canadian Arctic.<ref name=Sun2009-08-20a>{{cite web | url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/canada/2009/08/19/10520306.html | title=Military takes Arctic trip: Operation Nanook 09 let Canadian Rangers, regular Forces members exchange skills | date=20 August 2009 | first=Elizabeth | last=Thompson | work=[[Edmonton Sun]] | archive-url=https://archive.today/20090903170634/http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/canada/2009/08/19/10520306.html | archive-date=3 September 2009 | access-date=5 December 2016 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2011, it was announced that an image of ''Amundsen'' would be placed on the backside of the new [[Canadian fifty-dollar note|Canadian 50 Dollar polymer banknote]]. This was intended to mark Canada's northern frontier and arctic research<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/bank-note-series/polymer/design/ |title=Bank Note Design |publisher=[[Bank of Canada]] |access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=pr2011>{{cite press release  |url=http://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Polymer-Series-Factsheets.pdf  |title=Bank of Canada Unveils Polymer Bank Note Series: Celebrating Canada's Achievements at the Frontiers of Innovation  |publisher=Bank of Canada  |date=20 June 2011  |access-date=17 December 2016  |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220002158/http://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Polymer-Series-Factsheets.pdf  |archive-date=20 December 2011  |df=dmy-all  }}</ref> In September 2013, ''Henry Larsen'' was sent to aid [[sister ship]] ''Amundsen'' in recovering a MBB Bo 155 helicopter that had deployed from ''Amundsen'' and crashed near [[Banks Island]] killing three crew members including ''Amundsen''{{'}}s [[Sea captain|master]]. The helicopter had sunk in {{convert|420|m}} of water and ''Henry Larsen'' assisted ''Amundsen'' in keeping the ice clear while ''Amundsen'' brought the helicopter wreckage back to the surface.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674coast_guard_icebreakers_to_recover_chopper_lost_in_arctic_waters_dfo/ |title=Coast Guard icebreakers to recover chopper lost in Arctic waters: DFO |newspaper=Nunatsiaq News |date=19 September 2013 |access-date=18 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221020437/http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674coast_guard_icebreakers_to_recover_chopper_lost_in_arctic_waters_dfo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2014, ''Henry Larsen'' participated in Operation Nanook.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/operation-nanook-2014-search-and-rescue-exercise-enters-new-phase |title=Operation Nanook 2014 search and rescue exercise enters new phase |last=Pugliese |first=David |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=26 August 2014 |access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref>

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |last=Maginley |first=Charles D. |year=2003 |title=The Canadian Coast Guard 1962–2002 |url=https://archive.org/details/canadiancoastgua0000magi |url-access=registration |publisher=Vanwell Publishing Limited |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=1-55125-075-6}}
* {{cite book |last1=Maginley |first1=Charles D. |last2=Collin |first2=Bernard |name-list-style=amp |year=2001 |title=The Ships of Canada's Marine Services |publisher=Vanwell Publishing Limited |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=1-55125-070-5}}
* {{cite book |editor-first=Stephen |editor-last=Saunders |year=2004 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–2005 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=0-7106-2623-1 }}

{{T1200 class icebreaker}}
{{Icebreakers of Canada}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pierre Radisson}}
[[Category:Ships of the Canadian Coast Guard|+Pierre Radisson class]]
[[Category:Icebreakers of the Canadian Coast Guard|+Pierre Radisson class]]
[[Category:Pierre Radisson-class icebreakers| ]]
[[Category:Auxiliary icebreaker classes]]