Built as a logistic and relief ship after a design made by Canadian company Cleaver & Walkingshaw Ltd. by Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada (ASMAR), Telcahuano for the Chilean Navy.
27 May 1986 keel laid down.
04 December 1987 launched under the name AQUILLES (AP 41).Named after the Greek hero of war Aquilles from Troy.
Displacement 2.723 standard, 4.550 ton full load. Dim. 103 x 17 x 5.5m.
Powered by 2-MAK 8M453B diesels, 7.200 bhp., single screw, speed 16.5 knots.
Fitted out aft with a helicopter platform for a helicopters.
Armament: 02 – 20mm Oerlikons.
Accommodation for 15 officers, 90 crew.
Able to carry 250 fully-outfitted soldiers, during a natural disaster she could be converted to a hospital ship.
16 August 1988 commissioned.
The stamp shows her when she was still on the stocks, most probably during the launching day.
Can transport troops and passengers over a long distance without support
She has three holds with the accommodation block in the centre, behind the accommodation block is a flight deck for helicopters.
2010 Still in service by the Chilean Navy.
Chile 1989 45p sg1249, scott840
Source: Watercraft Philately CD-ROM ships on stamps. Jane’s. http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/americas/chile.htm http://www.armada.cl/site/unidades_navales/518.htm