Q&A · 3:38:50

River-class frigates as an earlier Flower replacement

River-class frigates would be more capable and upgradeable than Flowers, but their greater size and build time explain the tradeoff.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Convoy Escort Flower Class Corvettes River Class Frigates Shipbuilding

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Question

What if River-class frigates had been built instead of Flower-class corvettes?

Short answer

They would be more capable and easier to upgrade, at the cost of larger hulls and longer construction.

Notes

The answer accepts the operational appeal of the River class while preserving the production constraint. A larger, longer-build frigate offers more capability and growth margin, but the Flower class answered an urgent need with a simpler ship.