HMS Swift was an S-class destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy during the Second World War, representing a wartime emergency design focused on rapid production and versatility. Laid down on 12 June 1942 at J. Samuel White's shipyard in Cowes, Isle of Wight, she was launched on 15 June 1943 and completed by 6 December 1943, entering service with the pennant number G46. The vessel measured approximately 362 feet 9 inches (110.57 meters) in overall length, with a waterline length of 348 feet (106.07 meters). Her beam was 35 feet 8 inches (10.87 meters), and she had a mean draught of 10 feet (3.05 meters), increasing to 14 feet 3 inches (4.34 meters) at full load. Displacing 1,710 long tons (1,740 tons) normally and 2,530 long tons (2,570 tons) at full load, HMS Swift was powered by two Admiralty 3-drum water-tube boilers driving Parsons single-reduction geared steam turbines, which produced 40,000 shaft horsepower, enabling her to reach speeds of up to 36 knots. Her armament included four 4.7-inch (120mm) QF Mk. IX guns, capable of elevating to 55 degrees for improved anti-aircraft performance. She also carried a Hazemayer twin Bofors 40mm mount and four twin Oerlikon 20mm cannons for close-in anti-aircraft defense. Her offensive weapons comprised two quadruple 21-inch torpedo tubes and a depth charge outfit with four mortars and two racks, totaling 70 charges, for anti-submarine warfare. HMS Swift was equipped with advanced radar systems, including Type 272 surface warning radar, Type 291 air warning radar, and Type 285 fire control radar, along with high-frequency direction finding (HF/DF) aerials. Her crew numbered around 170 officers and ratings. In service, she joined the 23rd Destroyer Flotilla of the British Home Fleet, participating in key wartime operations. Notably, in early 1944, she escorted Arctic Convoys to and from the Kola Inlet, and she provided fire support during the Normandy landings. Her service was cut short when she was sunk by a mine off Sword Beach on 24 June 1944, resulting in 53 casualties, marking her as a significant but ultimately tragic participant in the Royal Navy's wartime efforts.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.