December 11, 2007: The British Royal Navy is
refurbishing some of its Type 23 Frigates. As built, each 4,900-ton ship was
equipped with eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 114mm main gun, 30mm close
range guns, torpedo tubes, and the Sea Wolf anti-missile system. Electronics
included radars, and a sonar for hunting submarines. The ships have a crew of
180. They can also carry a medium-sized helicopter.
The $70 million refurb effort will include the
installation of improved sonar and Seawolf anti-aircraft systems. A new gun
will be installed, providing more range (out to 27 kilometers). There will also
be many improvements to the ship structure, including a different shape on the
stern (rear) of the ship, that will improve fuel efficiency.
