The Sandown Class Mine Hunters were ordered as a simple cost effective "Single Role Mine Hunter" to complement the Hunt Class MCMV. These vessels are designed for deep water and ocean operations unlike the Hunt Class, which were designed for coastal and shallow water areas. Like the Hunt Class they are constructed of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) to reduce the magnetic signature of the vessel whilst being strong enough to withstand shock from explosions. These vessels are not minesweepers and therefore do not destroy mines by sweeping with towed wire sweeps. They do have Clearance Divers on board to destroy mines identified by the sophisticated sonar and also carry two small-unmanned submersible, known as the Remote Control Mine Disposal System (RCMDS), which can destroy underwater mines using explosives.