OVERVIEW: The Drakensberg AOR is a  is a single-shaft, 2 diesel powered Fleet Replenishment Ship.

DETAILS: 
While designed as a replenishment vessel, the Drakensberg is also used for patrol and SAR duties, and is also capable of small transport and anti-piracy missions and disaster relief. 

Cargo handling facilities include One 20-ton and two 2-ton cranes. Three RAS positions, one each side and one astern. One VERTREP position. Cargo capacity is 5500 tons of diesel, 210 tons fresh water, 100 tons dry provisions, 30 tons frozen food, 230 tons of containerized cargo or 1000 tons palletized and general cargo. 

Aviation facilities include Two hangars for 2 SA330H/J Oryx helicopters and two helo landing spots, one forward and one astern.  

Small boat capacity is two RHIB's and two LCU's. 

Sensors are 2 navigation radars (I & E/F). Weapons are 4 Oerlikon 20mm GAM-BO1 and 8 12.7mm MG's.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 6096 tons (standard), 12701 tons (full)
Speed: 20 kts (max)
Engineering: 2 diesels; 16320 hp(m) and 1 shaft
Range: 8000 nm @ 15 kts
Endurance: 90 days
Complement: 116 crew and 22 casualty berths

NOTES:  IOC 1987.  Refit in 2010.


SOURCES:  "SA Navy Exploring SAS Drakensberg Replacement." DefenceWeb. Last modified March 25, 2015. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/sa-navy-exploring-sas-drakensberg-replacement/. ; "SAS Drakensberg." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Last modified December 5, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAS_Drakensberg. ;  Prezelin, Bernard. The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 1990-1991. US Naval Institute Press, 1990., pg. 468