Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 48:46-49:05

Why the Perry changed to a longer hull

The short-hull batch gave way to a slightly lengthened design better suited to Seahawk helicopters and carrier-group support.

FrigatesLive Q&ANaval AviationOliver Hazard Perry Class FrigatesSH-60 SeahawkShip Design
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Question

Why were only eight short-hull Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates built?

Short answer

The Navy moved to a slightly longer hull because it better supported Seahawk helicopters and carrier-group operations.

Notes

The initial batch gave way to ships lengthened by about two metres. The added length supported Seahawk helicopters and made the hull slightly more efficient for carrier-group work. This was a change in aviation capability within the same basic frigate design. The labels batch one and batch two describe the change more clearly than short hull and long hull.