Royal Navy planning envisaged two destroyer tiers and probably a similar division among frigates. Had the Type 82s been built in numbers, they would probably have been described as fleet destroyers above the smaller Type 42s. Light frigates would provide numerous convoy escorts, with replacement preferred to repeated refits. More robust frigates would supply high-end anti-submarine protection to battle groups, though light ships could reinforce them when needed. These complementary roles explain the proposed differences in construction, cost, and service expectations.
Notable Point · 51:26-52:25
Two destroyer tiers and a probable division among frigates
A proposed distinction between large and small destroyers accompanied a probable split between replaceable convoy frigates and more robust ASW escorts.