HMS Viper was a six-gun Cockatrice-class schooner constructed for the Royal Navy in the early 1830s. She was designed as a relatively small and agile vessel, with an overall length of 80 feet at the gundeck and a keel length of 64 feet 6 inches. Her beam measured 23 feet 3 inches, with a draught of approximately 9 feet 5 inches, and a depth of hold of 9 feet 11 inches. The vessel's tonnage was 181 35/94 tons burthen, reflecting her modest size suitable for patrol and escort duties. The ship's armament comprised two 6-pounder cannons and four 12-pounder carronades, providing her with a balanced firepower for her size. Her crew numbered between 33 and 42 officers and ratings, accommodating the personnel needed for navigation, gunnery, and maintenance. Viper was the twelfth vessel to bear the name in the Royal Navy. Ordered on September 11, 1828, she was laid down in June 1820 at Pembroke Dockyard in Wales. She was launched on May 12, 1831, and completed by August 31 of the same year at Plymouth Dockyard. Her construction and commissioning reflected typical naval practices of the period, emphasizing versatility and readiness for various maritime roles. Although specific service events are not detailed, her operational period in the 1830s places her within a time of colonial patrols and maritime security duties for the Royal Navy. Viper was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1851, marking the end of her relatively short service life. Her design and service exemplify the small schooner class vessels used by the Royal Navy during the early 19th century for patrol, escort, and reconnaissance missions, contributing to Britain’s maritime dominance during that era.

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