Q&A ยท 6:55-7:48

Arming a hypothetical 1988 Royal Navy cruiser

It would likely combine Sea Dart, Sea Wolf, Harpoon, close-in defence, a medium gun battery, and facilities for several helicopters.

Question

What weapons and aviation facilities might a 17,000-ton Royal Navy cruiser carry in 1988?

Short answer

It would likely combine Sea Dart, Sea Wolf, Harpoon, close-in defence, a medium gun battery, and facilities for several helicopters.

Notes

The proposed fit combines Sea Dart and Sea Wolf with probable Harpoon anti-ship missiles. A ship formally called a cruiser might revive the abandoned 6-inch gun project, possibly alongside 3-inch weapons, instead of relying on the standard 4.5-inch gun. Goalkeeper is the likely close-in weapon because it was considered better at the time. At least two landing spots and four helicopters would give the ship a substantial aviation component.