In 1953 the Admiralty explored a multi-role fleet escort based on a modernized Daring, but its estimated displacement grew from a 3,600-ton aspiration to roughly 4,400 tons. The British version of a Swedish-derived 4.7-inch mounting was heavier than the Dutch installation because it added shock protection, flash safety, chemical protection, improved spraying arrangements, and mechanized magazine loading. A 1954 study then combined three twin mounts with extensive fire control, fixed torpedo tubes and reloads, Limbo anti-submarine armament, and a new steam-and-gas-turbine plant. The three-mount ship was already about 4,250 tons and likely to grow, whereas one- and two-mount variants produced more credible 3,500- to 4,000-ton escorts with useful speed and endurance. The two-mount version was judged the best all-round proposition. Piling general-purpose capability onto a screening ship had pushed the design back toward the case for specialist escorts.
Notable Point · 2:17-4:42
Why a postwar multi-role destroyer became too large
A modernized Daring study shows how a British 4.7-inch mounting, fire control, torpedoes, anti-submarine weapons, speed, and endurance pushed a fleet escort beyond practical screening-ship size.
4.7-inch GunsAnti-Submarine WarfareDaring Class Destroyers (1949)DestroyersFleet EscortsFleet ScreeningLimbo Anti-Submarine MortarMulti-Role WarshipsNaval Fire ControlNaval ProcurementPostwar Royal NavyRoyal NavyShip DesignShip EnduranceSpecialist WarshipsSteam And Gas Turbine PropulsionTorpedoesWarship Displacement