Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:27:32-3:28:36

Could Perry's launcher be reloaded, and should the design have evolved?

The Perry's single-arm missile magazine was reloadable, and its simple ASW hull could have supported an evolutionary modern replacement.

FrigatesMark 13 Guided Missile LauncherOliver Hazard Perry Class FrigatesShip Modernisation
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Question

How readily could the Perry-class single-arm launcher magazines be reloaded, including underway?

Short answer

They are described as readily reloadable, without a detailed distinction between harbour and underway procedures.

Notes

The single-arm launcher's magazine was readily reloadable. The brief response gives no detailed procedure or separate conditions for reloading in harbour and underway. The Perry's deliberately simple ASW role within a larger fleet provides the basis for the following design suggestion. A modernised Perry is proposed as an alternative starting point for the frigate programme, with more firepower and larger vertical-launch cells suited to the changed requirement.