Ship "Index".
16). Frigates, Type 23’s.
This type, commonly known as the "Iron Duke" class, was designed as a replacement for the ageing type 21's and the overly large and expensive type 22's. They are primarily an ASW frigate but, because of the painful lessons dished out to the RN during the "Falklands War" by the "Argentine Air Force", they also have a comprehensive "Force Projection" and "Anti Air" capability. They have a very reduced "Radar signature" due to "Right angles" being designed "Out" of them, and their ASW suite is quite probably the world leader both from its acquisition and prosecution abilities as well as its nigh on "Silent running" power plant.
It is only to be pitied that successive Governments, and this present "Labour" government in particular, in their craven submission to all things "European", have allowed all of our "Armed services", and in particular the RN, to be run down to the extent that we now find them. The whole principle of "Deterrence" depends upon giving any "Erstwhile Enemy" the impression that, although we may not "Wish To", if push comes to shove then, actually, not only "We Can", but we most certainly "Will" - At present it is only too painfully obvious that "We Cannot" - Witness the farcical episode in April 2007 in the "Shatt Al-arab".
We can only trust that in any future "Major conflict" our service men and women will once again shine through and not be found wanting, unlike so many of our "Politicians", whose sole aim appears to be the diminution of this once Great Britain and Royal Navy.
(#) indicates updated or extra photo's. - Most recent additions :- Mid June 2008.
earlier updates now unmarked.
Please note :- Many of the photo's in this section are from the RN's own website and have been sent to me by a Mr. Mike Pocock.
2). Grafton. - 10 photo's. ( 3 as HMS Suffolk - F88 - for Carlton T.V. series in 2004.)
10). Northumberland. - 8 photo's.
16). Westminster. - 4 photo's.
17). Triton. – 3 photo’s. - ( possible prototype Type 23/42 replacement).
Back to Main Site "Type of Ship" Index.