Ships are different. And each has its own name. You can often hear the question: what is a frigate? What is the difference between this model and the rest? What is its purpose? This article will tell about all this.
Definition
What does frigate mean? This term refers to the class of ships of the naval type, which are designed to find and destroy nuclear submarines in the seas. Also, the frigate is used to destroy missile and air defense on aircraft carriers. In the old days sailing ships were called the same word.
From the history
So what is a frigate? It used to be a warship with three masts and full sailing weapons. On it was one or two closed or open decks with guns. The difference between the frigate and the linear sailing ships was smaller, as well as artillery weapons. These ships were intended for cruising service or long-range reconnaissance. Thus, they were used both in the interests of the linear fleet and in hostilities for the destruction or capture of merchant ships. You can consider the frigates as the ancestors of modern cruisers.
New time
What is a frigate now? This is a combat ship 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 with the underwater and air enemy at the moments of escort of the main forces or important convoys. A frigate is a versatile escort vessel that can operate at any distance from the coast. This definition was given in 1975 by the classification of NATO.
In practice, the number of tasks of a ship of this class is much larger: from patrolling in open areas and the coastal zone to participating in wars as fire support for ground troops. It should also be added a flag demonstration, military campaigns, participation in search and rescue operations, as well as exercises.
Ship Features
The meaning of the word “frigate” in naval technology implies a compromise. After all, this modest warship can become a sort of "superhero." The meaning of the appearance of frigates is saving instead of mass. The specific tasks of patrol and escort involves a dispersion of forces. This requires a reduction in the cost of ships. Therefore, their combat abilities are sacrificed for saving. In order not to go beyond the budget, engineers have to reduce the range of weapons, abandon many electronic systems. They replace full-fledged sonar systems and radars with analogues with significantly impaired performance.
Too dense layout and small size adversely affect the survivability of the vessel. It has long become clear that modern frigates are non-operational vessels that only pretend to be warships. The US military was able to verify this when their frigate was unable to repel the attack of one Iraqi military aircraft. He got two missiles on board and nearly sank. 37 sailors were injured. Thus, the Americans flatly abandoned the further production of frigate class ships. Reviews, so to speak, are not very good.
In such a small building, it turned out to be impossible 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 thousand tons is needed.
Frigates and scientific progress
But time does not stand still. And with it, technical progress. Advances in microelectronics have significantly reduced the size of radio systems. Small sizes are now an advantage. The frigate of the new century has become a universal warship, which is able to participate in low-intensity military clashes, as well as perform 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 in other countries are forced to seek compromises and build efficient ships without crazy spending and with a minimum amount of necessary 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 reserve is enough for five thousand miles.
The weapon system includes a fairly extensive arsenal. Here are launchers with anti-aircraft missiles, and an artillery system, and torpedoes. There is also an anti-submarine helicopter.
The Turkish type G frigates are actually made in the USA, but then transferred to Turkey after 15 years of service. Outwardly, they have not changed much, but weapons and systems have been modernized.
The advantages of Turkish frigates are very good anti-aircraft ammunition and high autonomy.
The disadvantages include the outdated design and single-shaft design.
Ships "Talwar"
What is the Talvar frigate? This is a ship with a displacement of 4 thousand 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 weapons system includes cruise missiles, a launcher and a missile and artillery installation, 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 owned by India. The basis was Soviet developments in the field of shipbuilding. Thus, the Talwar, having acquired new modern electronics and weapons, has become one of the most interesting ships of the new century. It is relatively inexpensive, efficient and uncomplicated.
Advantages:
- Strong weapons.
- Universality.
Disadvantages:
- Limited air defense capabilities.
- Low fuel supply.
Singapore frigate originally from France
The ship's displacement is 3200 tons, and the crew is 90 people. Full speed reaches 27 knots.
The armament includes anti-aircraft missiles, anti - ship guns, artillery, torpedoes. On board there is a helicopter for fighting boats.
These are the most advanced combat type ships in all of Southeast Asia. Six Singaporean frigates, which are of the "Formideble" type, have the most modern technical solutions and unique electronics. Their weapons system is one of the most effective in modern times. The features of the French frigates are visible in the appearance, as these are their modifications.
A French ship appeared in 1996. The name is Lafayette. It was immediately intriguing, since it was the first to use stealth technology. For the frigate, this was an innovation. In addition, there was decent armament on board, and seaworthiness was excellent. Thus, shipbuilders received a huge number of orders, modifications spread around the world. Each differed from the others with its own set of equipment and weapons. After all, the basic design made it possible to realize any wishes of customers. All other things being equal, the Singapore version was the most successful.
Summing up, it is worth recalling that the frigate is a naval term that means a light warship intended for a wide variety of operations. Over time, models have improved, and perhaps in the future, frigates will become quite a formidable force of the navy.