Leander-class frigate facts for kids

The Leander-class frigate or Type 12M was a very important type of ship used by the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. These ships were known for being reliable and useful for many different tasks. They became quite famous because of the Warship BBC television drama series, which showed what life was like on these powerful vessels.

What is a Frigate?

A frigate is a type of warship that is smaller than a destroyer but larger than a corvette. Frigates are designed to be fast and agile. Their main jobs include protecting other ships, hunting submarines, and defending against aircraft. They are often used for patrols and to show a country's presence around the world. The Leander-class frigates were built to be excellent at these roles.

Building the Leander Class

The Leander-class frigates were built in the United Kingdom starting in the early 1960s. They were designed to replace older ships and to be a modern part of the Royal Navy. A total of 26 Leander-class frigates were built for the Royal Navy. Many other countries also bought or built their own versions of these ships, showing how successful and well-designed they were. These ships were made to be strong and able to handle tough conditions at sea.

Design and Features

The Leander-class frigates had a sleek and modern design for their time. They were about 113 meters (370 feet) long. They had powerful engines that allowed them to travel at high speeds.

Originally, these ships were armed with anti-submarine weapons like mortars and torpedos. They also had guns for defense against other ships and aircraft. Over time, as technology changed, the Leander-class frigates were updated with newer and more advanced weapons.

Different Versions and Upgrades

Over their long service, many Leander-class frigates went through major upgrades. These upgrades changed their appearance and their abilities.

• Ikara Conversion: Some ships were fitted with the Ikara missile system. This was a special missile designed to attack submarines from a long distance.
• Exocet Conversion: Other frigates were updated with Exocet missiles. These were powerful anti-ship missiles used to attack enemy surface ships.
• Seawolf Conversion: A few ships received the Seawolf missile system. This was a short-range missile used for defense against incoming aircraft and missiles.
• Towed Array Sonar: Some frigates were also fitted with a "towed array sonar." This is a long cable with sensors that is towed behind the ship. It helps the ship listen for submarines from a greater distance.

These upgrades kept the Leander-class frigates useful and effective for many years, even as naval warfare changed.

Life on a Leander Frigate

Life on a Leander-class frigate was busy and challenging for the sailors. Hundreds of crew members lived and worked on each ship. They had to be ready for anything, from long patrols to training exercises. Sailors on these ships learned many skills, including navigation, engineering, and operating complex weapons systems. They also formed strong bonds with their shipmates, creating a close-knit community at sea.

Where Did They Serve?

Leander-class frigates served all over the world. They took part in many important operations and exercises. They protected shipping lanes, helped with disaster relief, and represented the Royal Navy in different countries. These ships were a vital part of the UK's defense for over 30 years. The last Leander-class frigate in the Royal Navy was retired in the mid-1990s.

Images for kids

• 

  Profile of HMNZS Canterbury as she appeared at the time of commissioning. Note the 40 mm Bofors guns in place of Seacat missiles.

• 

  Aerial view of HMS Penelope in 1970, showing the original layout of the class before conversion.

• 

  Naiad, an Ikara conversion in 1982

• 

  Phoebe, an Exocet conversion, in 1990

• 

  Andromeda, a Seawolf conversion, in 1990

• 

  Argonaut, a batch 2 Exocet conversion fitted with a towed array, in 1985. Note the platform at the stern added in the towed array conversion in 1982–1983.

See also

In Spanish: Clase Leander (fragata) para niños