What is a frigate Frigate is a naval term for a class of warship

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Ships are different. And each has its own name. You can often hear the question: what is a frigate? How is this model different from the rest? What is its purpose? This article will tell about all this.

Definition

What does "frigate" mean? This term refers to a class of ships of the naval type, which are designed to search for and destroy nuclear submarines in the seas. Also, the frigate is used to destroy anti-missile and air defense on aircraft carriers. Sailing ships were called the same word in the old days.

From history

So, what is a frigate? It used to be a warship with three masts and full sailing equipment. It had one or two closed or open decks with guns. The difference between a frigate and sailing ships of the line was its smaller size, as well as artillery armament. These vessels were intended for cruising or long-range reconnaissance. Thus, they were used both in the interests of the battle fleet and in combat operations to destroyor the capture of merchant ships. You can consider frigates as the ancestors of modern cruisers.

New time

What is a frigate at present? This is a combat vessel with a displacement of three to six thousand tons, which is equipped with guided missile weapons. The main purpose of the ships is to fight against underwater and air enemies while escorting the main forces or important convoys. A frigate is a versatile escort vessel capable of operating at any distance from the coast. This definition was given in 1975 by the NATO classification.

In practice, the number of tasks of a ship of this class is much greater: from patrolling in open areas and coastal zones to participating in wars as fire support for ground forces. This should also include a display of the flag, military campaigns, participation in search and rescue operations, as well as exercises.

Features of ships

The meaning of the word "frigate" in naval technology implies a compromise. After all, this modest warship can become a kind of "superhero". The meaning of the appearance of frigates is economy instead of mass character. The specifics of patrol and escort tasks imply a dispersion of forces. This requires a reduction in the cost of ships. Therefore, their combat abilities are sacrificed for economy. In order not to go beyond the budget, engineers have to reduce the range of weapons, abandon many systems of radio electronics. They replace full-fledged hydroacousticcomplexes and radars for analogues with significantly degraded characteristics.

Too dense layout and small size have a bad effect on the survivability of the vessel. It has long been clear that modern frigates are incapacitated ships that only pretend to be warships. The US military was able to verify this when their frigate was unable to repel an attack by one Iraqi military aircraft. He received two missiles on board and almost sank. 37 sailors were injured. Thus, the Americans flatly abandoned the further production of frigate-class ships. Reviews are not very good, so to speak.

In such a small building it turned out to be unrealistic to place all the necessary weapons and systems. In order for all the characteristics to be at an acceptable level, a destroyer with a displacement of at least 8,000 tons is required.

Frigates and scientific progress

But time does not stand still. And with it, technological progress. Advances in the field of microelectronics have made it possible to significantly reduce the size of radio engineering systems. Now the small size has become an advantage. The frigate of the new century has become a universal warship that is capable of participating in low-intensity military clashes, as well as performing almost all the tasks facing the navy in modern realities.

Undoubtedly, the frigate is inferior to the destroyer. But only the Pentagon has unlimited finances, and shipbuilders of other countries are forced to seek compromises and build efficient ships without crazy spending and with a minimum amount ofnecessary equipment.

Let's look at some modern models.

Turkish Gambit

The displacement of this ship is more than four thousand tons. The crew includes 220 people. The ship accelerates to 30 knots due to two gas turbines. At a speed of 18 knots, the fuel supply is enough for five thousand miles.

The weapons system includes a fairly extensive arsenal. Here and launchers with anti-aircraft missiles, and an artillery system, and torpedoes. There is also an anti-submarine helicopter.

Turkish G-type frigates are actually made in the USA, but then transferred to Turkey after 15 years of service. Outwardly, they have not changed much, but the weapons and systems have been upgraded.

The advantages of Turkish frigates are very good anti-aircraft ammunition and high autonomy.

The disadvantages include an outdated design and a single-shaft scheme.

Talwar ships

What is the Talwar frigate? This is a ship with a displacement of 4,000 tons and a crew of 180 people. Full speed is also 30 knots. The cost of one vessel is 500 million dollars. A lot, but not very much for such a technique. The weapon system includes cruise missiles, a launcher, a rocket and artillery mount, a bomb launcher, and torpedo tubes. There is also a helicopter on board.

This is a series of six frigates that were built in Russia but belong to India. The base was Soviet developments in the field of shipbuilding. Thus, Talwar, having acquired a newmodern electronics and weapons, turned into one of the most interesting ships of the new century. It is relatively inexpensive, effective and uncomplicated.

Dignity:

• Strong weapons.
• Versatility.

Flaws:

• Limited air defense capabilities.
• Low fuel.

Singapore frigate comes from France

The displacement of the ship is 3200 tons, and the crew is 90 people. Full speed reaches 27 knots.

Armament includes anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship guns, artillery, torpedoes. There is an anti-boat helicopter on board.

These are the most modern combat-type vessels in all of Southeast Asia. Six Singaporean frigates, which belong to the Formideble type, have the most modern technical solutions and unique electronics. Their weapon system is one of the most effective in modern times. The appearance shows the features of French frigates, as these are their modifications.

A French ship appeared in 1996. The name is Lafayette. It immediately intrigued, as it was the first time that ste alth technology was used. For the frigate, this was an innovation. In addition, there were decent weapons on board, and seaworthiness was excellent. Thus, shipbuilders received a huge number of orders, modifications spread throughout the world. Each differed from the others in its own set of equipment and weapons. After all, the main design made it possible to embody any wishes of customers. Ceteris paribusthe Singaporean version was the most successful.

Summing up, it is worth recalling that a frigate is a naval term that refers to a light warship designed for a variety of operations. Models have improved over time, and perhaps in the future, frigates will become quite a formidable force in the navy.