Why the frigate label covers radically different ships

Vessels of roughly 2,000 to 12,000 tons appear under the frigate label. Calling the approximately 12,000-ton MEKO A400 a destroyer would leave the cost of its weapons, sensors, computers and survivability measures unchanged. A single category can also disguise the difference between a few powerful ships and a larger number of modest escorts. Roman quinquereme terminology provides an earlier example of a familiar warship name becoming a broad label, although the identification of particular ancient vessels remains uncertain. The inherited association between frigates and economy therefore needs to be tested against the actual design.