Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:07:53-2:10:46

Designing a larger Leander successor with ASROC

A hypothetical first-rate ASW frigate keeps the Leander's gun and helicopter while adding space for ASROC, more 40 mm weapons and additional Sea Cat launchers.

4.5-inch Guns40 mm GunsASROCCounterfactual Warship DesignLeander Class FrigatesSea Cat MissileType 12 Frigate
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Question

What would an alternative first-rate ASW frigate succeeding the Type 12 Leander look like?

Short answer

A larger Leander with a twin 4.5-inch gun, ASROC, more 40 mm guns, four Sea Cat launchers, torpedo tubes and a helicopter facility.

Notes

The proposed successor is a longer and slightly larger Leander, with more space forward. It retains a twin 4.5-inch gun and places an ASROC launcher behind it. Additional 40 mm weapons occupy wing positions, while the helicopter facilities remain aft. Torpedo launchers are fitted along the hull ahead of the helicopter area. Four Sea Cat launchers are envisaged in a raised arrangement around the forward superstructure and weapon positions. The layout reflects a preference for combining gun armament, missile-delivered ASW weapons and aviation in a spacious hull. It is an alternative design exercise framed around the broad-beam Leander period.