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Ship "Index".

13d). Frigates, type 81. - Tribal class.

This class was designed during the early 1960's more as an admission that the thinking behind the single role "Utility" classes were a bit of a mistake. They were intended as a "Multi - role" or "General purpose" frigate. Their main duty was the anti-slavery patrols off the coast of East Africa and up into the "Persian Gulf" during the late 1960's and early 1970's, where their air conditioning was a definite blessing.

 This task is still carried out now by later Frigate types, but with less press attention, The 81's could also undertake any of the roles performed by the ships they were replacing, with a little less effectiveness it must be said. 

The "Leander" class, that were just coming into service at this time, were a much more competent ship in the ASW role as they could operate a larger helicopter to take the fight to a submarine up to 100 or so miles away. 

One wonders how much more effective and possibly longer legged the "Leanders" would have been had they been fitted with the "type 81's" Steam and Gas turbine power plant rather than the updated pure steam turbine plant from its earlier "type 12" stable mate.

 ( # ) indicates photos updated - Late April 2008. - earlier updates now unmarked

1). Ashanti. – 3 photo's.  

2). Eskimo. – 3 photo's.  

3). Ghurka. – 2 photo's.  

4). Mohawk. – 3 photo’s. #

5). Nubian. – 2 photo’s.  

6). Tartar. – 3 photo’s.  

7). Zulu. - 1 photo.  

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