The contemplated surface action group needed gun-armed ships to meet General Belgrano, yet it also repeatedly included a Type 22 frigate. HMS Brilliant and Captain John Coward brought aggressive handling that made the ship more useful than its missing 4.5-inch gun might suggest. Brilliant combined Exocet and Sea Wolf with a Lynx helicopter able to employ a Mark 46 torpedo. Its later Falklands record included two aircraft shot down in one Sea Wolf engagement and support during the attack on Santa Fe, showing what British planners could draw upon.
Notable Point · 31:42-33:35
HMS Brilliant brought Sea Wolf and an aggressive captain to the surface group
A Type 22 lacked the gun desired for action against Belgrano, but HMS Brilliant added Exocet, Sea Wolf, helicopters, and Captain John Coward's aggressive command style.