RFA Wave Knight (A389)

RFA "Wave Knight" (A389) is a "Wave Knight"-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) of the United Kingdom. "Wave Knight" was built by BAE Systems, being launched in 2000. She was accepted into service in 2003 and is the 2nd ship to bear this name in RFA service. "Wave Knight" and her sister "Wave Ruler" replaced the elderly "Olna" and "Olwen", 36,000 ton fast fleet tankers built at Swan Hunter and Hawthorn Leslie respetively in the 1960s.

The ships are crewed by 72 RFA personnel and there is also provision for 26 Royal Navy personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations. "Wave Knight" is able to operate in support of amphibious forces, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations and protection of vital sea areas and shipping.

The ships have the capability to deliver fuel through an RAS (replenishment at sea) rig, either port, starboard or astern to other vessels. For amphibious support, the ships can also deliver fuel to pillow tanks or dracones positioned alongside. The RASCON replenishment at sea equipment is supplied by Clarke Chapman. The package of abeam and astern re-fuelling systems includes the RAS system, an ammunition handling crane specially fitted out for abeam re-fuelling, steering gear and rudder packages, thyristor-controlled winch/windlasses and double drum mooring winches.