The lead Perry was laid down in June 1975 and commissioned in 1977. Its original radar fit therefore needs to be judged against the equipment available in that period. Direct comparison with ships built in the 1980s or 1990s can obscure that starting point and the upgrades made later. AN/SPS-49, AN/SPS-55 and Mark 92 fire control are named, although the timing of AN/SPS-55 installation on individual ships remains uncertain in this account. The hull also limited how far later modernization could go.
Notable Point · 17:08-18:14
Judging Perry radar in its original context
The first Perry entered service in 1977, so comparisons with later ships need to distinguish its original equipment from subsequent upgrades.