Leander (Type 12I) class Frigate (1964)

Royal Navy – 16 ships, service 1963-1990
Leander, Ajax, Dido, Penelope, Aurora, Euryalus, Galatea, Arethusa, Naiad, Phoebe, Cleopatra, Minerva, Sirius, Juno, Argonaut, Danae.

The Leander-class, or Type 12I (Improved) frigates comprised twenty-six ships, the most numerous and long-lived Frigate class of the Royal Navy in its modern history. It was built in three batches between 1959 and 1973, a very long lineage, widespread adoption and equally long service. In addition they had a high public profile, due to a popular BBC television drama series (“Warship”). They even became synonymous with the cold war Royal Navy up to the 1980s. The Leander class were adopted by the Royal New Zealand Navy, Chilean Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy. They were also exported to Pakistan, Ecuador and Indonesia with a grand total of 26 ships built.

Development

The advances made in the “Tribal’ class pointed the way to a return to the concept of a general-purpose model instead of the prevailing idea of specialised escorts operating in a group. Work done on a revision of the Type 12 design for New Zealand, incorporating two helicopters and full air-conditioning, provided further impetus to studies by M K Purvis. The design which evolved managed to incorporate the long-range air warning radar and the helicopter of the ‘Tribal’ class, but with the armament, fire control and rough-weather capability of the Whitby/Rothesay design.

The secret was to replace the separate ballast tanks of the Type 12 with well-compensating fuel tanks,Wuch the fuel was displaced by sea water as it was consumed. As many heavy items as possible were moved ower down in the ship, increasing not only the margin of stability, but also the amount of space for the operations room, extra generating capacity and auxiliary machinery. The forecastle deck was extended right aft and a new superstructure deck was built above that, extending from the bridge back to the helicopter hangar.

HMS Apollo in 1976)

This transformed the appearance and as it was complemented by a well-balanced funnel the Leander set a new standard of good looks sadly lacking in some previous British designs. Building of the class was expedited by stopping work on the last three Rothesays at an early stage, and a further thirteen ships were laid down under the 1960-64 Programmes. The class are generally considered to be the finest escorts ever built for the Royal Navy and some of the best in the world. To increase the margin for future growth the next group of Leanders ordered was given 2ft more beam. The machinery of the original design was improved, providing a greater degree of automatic control: The first ten had the Y-100 type and the rest Y-111. One of the benefits conferred by having advanced machinery control was the remarkable manoeuvrability and which was such a feature of the Leanders. During the ‘Cold War’ the Leanders proved that they could outmanoeuvre the Icelandic gunboats by changing speed rapidly.

Origins

The policy adopted by the Royal Navy in the 1950s of separate frigate types, specialised in ASW, AA or aircraft direction was judged unsatisfactory in 1956. If the designs themselves were partly successful, the lack of standardisation between classes raised initial costs and later maintenance and logistics costs in operation. In a budget-restricted early cold war context, that was not the best option. Plus this lack of versatility was resented in operations as often tasks presented themselves and the ships were unable to performed them. The logic so veered towards a truly general-purpose frigate. The first attempt was the Type 81 Tribal class, initially ordered in 1956.

Fleetscale Plan for modellers of a Leander class src

These were 24-knot ships, that was considered maximum possible for tracking submarines with the new medium-range sonars. The type 81 gas turbine allowed quick accelerations, without the needs of hours flashing up steam turbines. Its other advantage was an helicopter for long-range trackins, an asset that soon became essential in ASW work. At the time there was not yet an “east of suez” policy so these ships were intended to spend time under the tropics. But they lacked still the speed and armament to carrty out asecot of a fleet carrier and needed the presence of a fast radar picket as complement. So the next versatile frigates envisioned would combine the roles of the Type 12 and Type 61.

Oddly enough, there was one recent “trop” variant that seems quite interesting in this regard, the air-conditioned Royal New Zealand Navy Rothesay variant HMNZS Otago. The crew had a bunk and cafeteria messing also, making them quite popular, and the RNZN staff commissioned design study for an improved Type 12 frigate, capable of possible of carrying two of the larger Wessex AS helicopter. This request became the basis of the RN Leander at first called the “Improved Type 12 design” in 1959.

Design Refinement of the “Improved Type 12”

On 7 March 1960, the Civil Lord of the Admiralty C. Ian Orr-Ewing declared:

Type 12 Whitby-class anti-submarine frigates are proving particularly successful … and we have decided to exploit their good qualities in an improved and more versatile ship. This improved Type 12 will be known as the Leander class. The hull and steam turbine machinery will be substantially the same as for the Whitbys. The main new features planned are a long-range air warning radar, the Seacat anti-aircraft guided missile, improved anti-submarine detection equipment and a light-weight helicopter armed with homing torpedoes. We shall also introduce air conditioning and better living conditions.” .

The 1963 edition of Jane’s Fighting Ships described the new type as “mainly anti-submarine but flexible and all-purpose type” with the same hull and substantially the same steam turbine machinery as the Whitby class, but revised and advanced to fulfil a composite anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and air direction role. The 40mm guns were already envisioned to be swapped for Seacat SAM and for ASW woirk in addition to helicopters they were equipped with VDS (Variable Depth Sonar) (formerly “dipping asdic”).

The Leanders (Type 12I) and Whitbys (Type 12) was quite clear in design, with the stepped quarterdeck of the Type 12 transformed into a flush deck notably to improve internel accomodations, albeit there was still a raised forecastle. The superstructure was now a single block amidships with a new bridge design for better visibility. Extra space was found to create a roomy hangar and flight deck for the Westland Wasp, still at the prototype stage when ordered. Air conditioning throughout meant no portholes, an essential conditions for NBC suvivability. The names choice was inspired by interwar cruisers, notably used by the commonwealth, Australian and New Zealand cruisers and characters from classical mythology that looked at the AA cruisers of the Dido class.

Evolution

All except Diomede received the Type 199 (VDS), probably the single most important innovation aside the ASW helicopter. While serving as a training ship Diomede had her 4.5in guns cocooned and the Type 965 radar removed in a variable depth well. In some ships the well remained, but in others it was plated in accommodation. While serving as a training ship Diomede had her 4.5in guns cocooned and the Type 965 radar removed. In 1966 Penelope was disarmed for trials in the Mediterranean. This involved removing her propellers and towing her at the end of a mile-long nylon to provide extra hawser to measure flow noise and hull drag. She was later fitted with the prototype Sea Wolf GWS25 missile system, with the six-cell launcher on the quarterdeck, Types 967/968 radar on the mainmast and a Type 910 tracker on a deckhouse aft.

The equipment was removed in 1979 and she went into dockyard hands for the Exocet conversion. Although no longer bearing any relation to the Whitby design (apart from the hull-form), they are incorrectly referred to as Type 12 frigates. Ikara conversions Eight ships received the Batch 1 conversion, which involved replacing the 4.5in gun mounting with a ‘zareba’ containing an Ikara GWS40 ASW missile system and its magazine and loading gear below. The air warning radar was removed from the mainmast because the ships were intended to operate in mixed escort groups. The Seacat arrangement aft was improved, with the GWS22 director moved to the centreline, leaving room for two quadruple launchers to port and starboard.

HMS Leander was recommissioned in December 1972 and was followed by Ajax (September 1973), Galatea (September 1975), Aurora and Euryalus (March 1976), Arethusa (April 1977) and Dido (October 1978). Displacement was now 2450t normal, 2960t deep load, and complement 257; sensors consisted of radar Types 994, 903 amd 1006 and sonar Types 184, 162 and 170; 2-40mm/60 Mk 9 (2 x 1) and 6-12.75in TT (2 x 3) were fitted and one Wasp helicopter was carried.

Although twelve Ikara conversions were planned the programme was cut short at eight units, for the RN needed to improve its surface-strike capability. The eight Batch 2 ships were given four MM38 Exocet missiles in place of the 4.5in guns, and at the same time the helicopter hangar was enlarged to take the new Lynx, and the new STWS-1 torpedo defence was added; 2-40mm/60 Mk 9 third launcher was positioned on the centreline ahead of the Exocets. Displacement became 2790t normal and 3200t full load, and complement fell (2 x 1) and 6-12.75in TT (2 x 3) are also carried. Unlike the Ikara conversions the Type 965 air warming radar (AKE-1) was retained; other sensors consisted of radar Types 903, 1006 and 994 and sonar Types 184/184M and 162.

HMS Cleopatra was selected as the trials ship for the Type 2031 towed array sonar, and conversion began in 1980. The provision of self-compensating fuel tanks did not prove successful, and as the Exocet missiles made relatively low demands on top-weight it was possible to revert to separate ballast tanks. This eliminated problems with marine growths in fuel tanks and incidentally increased the usable fuel by nearly 50 per cent, providing a much-needed improvement in endurance: the original design called for 4000nm at 15kts, but the effective endurance was nowhere to 223.

Recommissioning Cleopatra November 1975, Sirius April 1977, Phoebe October 1977, Minerva March 1979, Argonaut March 1980, Danae September 1980 and Penelope 22 January 1982. Juno’s Batch 2 conversion was cancelled and she was disarmed as a training ship at Rosyth. Phoebe was again refitted in 1981-82 when the Type 965 radar was removed, the Exocet ramps lowered and Type 2031 towed array sonar fitted. Argonaut was damaged by bombs during the Falklands fighting.

By the end of 1991 only six of the class remained. Juno paid off in 1980; disarmed as training ship and replaced Torquay in 1985. Dido became HMNZS Southland in 1983, Naiad was used for ‘Hulvul’ hull vulnerability trials in 1990 and then sunk as target. Penelope was sold to Ecuador in 1991 and renamed Presidente Eloy Elfaro. Many were sunk as targets for a new generation of weapons. Apart from the four Exocets forward, the appearance was close to the original profile than the Batch 1 ships, The Seacat arrangements on the after superstructure were altered to a centreline director and two launchers port and starboard.

Construction:

The NZ design, HMNZS Canterbury (F421) as of 1971. Rendition by ship’s bucket Shipsprofiler, CC.

Batch 1 Leander Y-100 machinery

F109 Leander, F10, F127 Penelope, F114 Ajax, F10 Aurora, F18 Galatea, F15 Euryalus, F39 Naiad, F38 Arethusa, F28 Cleopatra, F42 Phoebe, F45 Minerva, F40 Sirius, F52 Juno, F56 Argonaut, F47 Danae. Built 1959-66.

Batch 2 Leander Y-136 machinery

F42 Phoebe, F45 Minerva, F40 Sirius, F52 Juno, F56 Argonaut, F47 Danae built 1963-67.

Royal New Zealand Navy Order

F55 Waikato (Harland and Wolff, Belfast- and F421 Canterbury (Yarrow Shipbuilders, Glasgow), 1964-71.

Broad-beamed Leander Y-160 machinery

F75 Charybdis, F58 Hermione, F60 Jupiter, F69 Bacchante, F57 Andromeda, F71 Scylla, F12 Achilles, F16 Diomede, F70 Apollo, F72 Ariadne built 1967-73.
Ships were built at Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast, Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow, Alexander Stephen & Sons Ltd, Linthouse, Glasgow, Vickers Ltd, Shipbuilding Group, Newcastle, HM Dockyard, Portsmouth, JI Thornycroft Ltd, Southampton, Hawthorn Leslie, Hebburn.
Machinery was provided by Vickers-Armstrongs (Engineers) Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness for the whole, and in some cases Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne or Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd., Cammell Laird, Alexander Stephen & Sons, JS White & Co, for the steam turbines.

Vickers Ltd, Parsons Marine Turbines Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne or Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd. or John Brown & Co, David Brown & Co Ltd. JS White & Co Ltd for the gearing.

Costs steadily rose from £4,630,000 for F109 Leander to £6,576,000 for F72, a Broad Beam, but of course inflation had a lot to do with it.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

Multi-level 3D cutaway rendition, src assets.ctfassets.net, see the sources

The Leander class frigates were the largest so far, but were more aesthetically pleasing than the Tribals. They had a balanced look, with a single funnel and centrered superstructure, two unequal height masts for their sensors. However their hangar was quite small to later standards. The hull remained the same all along the production of the 27 ships of the three batches, albeit Batch 3, also called “broad beam Leander” were obviously wider. They will be treated in their own standaline article. They displaced 2,350 tons standard and 2,860 tons full load. The Batch 1 and 2 also measured 113.4 metres (372 ft) for a beam of 12.5 metres (41 ft) whereas the broad-beamed were 2 feet wider at 13.1 metres (43 ft). In draught they were 4.5 metres (15 ft) normal, and 5.5 metres (18 ft) deep loaded. Again, the broad-beamed differed by being slightly deeper, from 5.5 metres (18 ft) to 5.8 metres (19 ft) later in their career.

The superstructure of the Leander class was peculiar, as it was quite stocky a versatile and simple, limited to a single block amidship with a cutout aft for the separated hangar. NBC (Nuclear-Bacteriologic-Chemical) protection was the fiest peculiarity of the design, imposing special sealing for all external doors in the superstructures, which were limited to six external at the base of the structure and about 14 for the second supestructure level. NBC control by overpresure was allowed by the best air conditioning system so far installed on a RN ship. However it’s unclear if there was external sprayers for radioactive dust washdown.

The bridge was hexagonal and raised above the bridge, of limited size but with reverse slopes windows for sun protection. There was an open bridge at the foot of the foremast still, behind the fire control system. The Leander ad a transom stern and the roomier hull had four levels, but the stepped “forecaste” imposed specific internal accomodations. The powerplant occupied two full compartment aft amidships, separated by a bulkheads, however the hull had no protection from any gun hit or torpedo at the waterline. The crew comprised 260 officers and ratings originally, including the helicopter crew and tech team, but this varied during their rearmaments and conversions. They had two service cutters and containerized life rafts.

Hull section plans of a broadbeam Leander

Powerplant

The Leander class differed by their powerplant between batches, albeit the base principle was the same: They had two shafts, with the same 3-bladded fixed pitch bronze propellers of previious classes, but instead of gas turbines, relied for range on geared steam turbines (various manufacturers) in turn fed by two Babcock & Wilcox oil-fired boilers, for a total output of 22,370 kilowatts (30,000 hp). This enabled not only a good top speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) in service, but also a generous range of 7,400 kilometres (4,600 mi; 4,000 nmi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph). Batch 1 used the Y-100 machinery as reported in Moore, John E, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1975–76. Batch 2 used the improved Y-136 machinery.

Batch 3 had the Y160 boiler variant incorporating steam atomisation on the fuel supply to feed diesel via the three main burners, atomised into a fine spray for better flame efficiency. Y100 Boiler Batch 1 ships later were retroactively converted to steam atomisation such as HMS Cleopatra. The superheat temperature of the Y160 was controlled manually by the boiler room’s petty officer of the watch, maintained between 750–850°F (399–454 °C). The steam supplied to the main turbines was at a pressure of 550 psi (3,800 kPa).

The Batch 1/2 Leander-class frigates had as baseline the Babcock & Wilcox boilers, but in a more conventional two-drum design: One water drum and one steam drum, like a Yarrow boiler without the second water drum. The water drum was offset to one side and below the furnace and steam drum. The two boilers fitted were ‘handed’ with the water drum inboard on both. Many Leanders had six-burner furnaces (known as Five and a Half Boilers) and the output was varied by altering the number of burners in use.

Armament

The baseline armament of Batch 1, 2 and 3 was about the same initially, and rather conservative but versatile, apart the helicopter: There was a twin mount Mk6 4.5-inch turret forward usable for AA, A/S and shore bombardment. The AA protection was granted by the presence of traditional AA duns, two 40mm Mk VII Bofors single mounts Mark 7 in the first seven ships, and then a Seacat surface-to-air missile launcher, replacing them on the next ships. The 40 mm of the early configuration were complemented by two 20mm guns in single mountings.
The ASW protection consisted in a single triple ASW Limbo mortar in a pit on the aft deck. Of course the main ASW asset was a Westland Wasp helicopter with helideck and hangar. It’s main advantage was to be lightweight, but carrying capacity and range were limited (see later).

QF Mk.VI mod 1 4.45-inch (113 mm)

If the Mark V was an old design, the Mark VI was a further development of the Mark IV for AA with remote power control (RPC) and high rate-of-fire assisted by automatic ramming. The mount was the UD Mark VI with separate high-angle and low-angle hoists for AA and SAP/HE rounds and a third for cartridges.
Specs:
Shell Fixed or Separate QF 113mm 640–645 mm R
24 rpm (12 rpm hand loaded backup)
Muzzle velocity: 2,449 ft/s (746 m/s)
Max range 20,750 yd (18,970 m) at 2,449 ft/s (746 m/s), ceiling 41,000 ft (12,500 m).

40mm Mark 7 Bofors

Only Rothesay sported the STAAG mount, later replaced as it was not successful. While waiting for Sea Cat missiles, a single mount with the trusted Mark 7 mounted was added on all ships, aft of the mainmast. This rock-solid WW2 proven system was gravity fed, manually, with 40×311mmR 0.9 kg (2 lb 0 oz) 40 mm (1.57 in) rounds.
It used automatic extraction and integrated cam-operated recoil powered autoloader and a vertical sliding-wedge breech.
Each mount weighted 522 kg (1,151 lb), far less than a STAG mount and could elevate to +90° at 55°/s for 120-140 rounds/min at 850–880 m/s (2,800–2,900 ft/s) and 7,160 m (7,830 yd).
They were radar guided thanks to the GWS-21 system also working later for the Seacat.

Sea Cat SAM (1965+)

The Seacat was a short-range surface-to-air missile designed by Short and in service in 1962, so County class ships in construction could be completed by two systems installed on the broadside, each with four missiles. They were light enough to be reloaded by hand. Contrary to the Sea slug they enjoyed a considerable export success.

Specs

Missile length : 1480 mm (58,29 inch)
Wing span : 650 mm (25,6 inch)
Body diameter motor : 191 mm (7,62 inch)
Missile weight : 62,71 kg (138,25 Lb)
Weight continuous rod warhead : 13,83 kg (30,65 Lb)
Operational range : 500 to 5000 mtrs
Speed : Mach 0,8 (272,24 mtrs/sec).
Operational oil pressure on steering cylinders during flight : between 79 and 103 Bar (1150 to 1500 lbf/ in2)
Guidance system : CLOS (Command Line Of Sight) and radio link

Triple 12-in Limbo Mk 10 ASWRL

The ASW defence was located aft of the twin funnels, close to the helipad. Developed in 1950 as replacement for the Squid, the Limbo became widespread, also fitted to the Australian Daring class DDs, updated cold war River class frigates, RCN destroyers, and SAF President class Frigates. The mounts could traverse fully, the three mortars could be angled up and down and fire a 12 inches (30 cm) 400 lb depth charge from 400 yards (366 m) to 1,000 yards (914 m). The 94 kilograms (207 lb) Minol Warhead could use both proximity and/or time fuse. The whole system was slaved to the Type 170 sonar for traverse and bearing to gain reaction time. It created a pattern of three explosive charges roughly around the expected target location, creating a combined pressure wave with devastating effects. The Limbo remained active until the 1980s.

Ikara ASWM

The Ikara was an Australian-developed, ship-launched anti-submarine missile that carried a torpedo or depth charge to about 10 nautical miles (19 km) so a surface ship could attack a submarine from a safe distance. The missile’s purpose was to deliver an acoustic torpedo or depth charge quickly to a submarine contact beyond the range of short-range ASW weapons. It was developed to replace older mortars such as the Squid and Limbo. Designed in Australia in the late 1950s/early 1960s it was tested also by the RN which had no equivalment and adopted in 1965.
Quick Specs:
3.4 m long, 1.5 m wingspan, weight 510–600 kg; range 10 nm; cruise speed high-subsonic. Guided by radio/command, releasing a homing torpedo suh as the US Mk 44/Mk 46 or British models in that case. The Ikara was also adopted by Brazil, Chile (Alm. Condell class) and naturally New Zealand) and used until the end of the cold war. National variants existed with different electronics and ship integration and upgraded proposals such as “Super Ikara” but they were never developed further. ASROC however offered longer stand-off with in-flight guidance to the release point.

Exocet SSM

The well-known sea-skimming missile was known by the British, well before thge Falkland war. The type started to be installed on many RN vessels in the 1970s already. The Type 12I frigates were no exceptions. Sometimes called “Batch 2 Conversion”, consisted in replacing the main 4.5-in turret, just like for the Ikara conversion, but instead the barbette was plated over and the deck fitted with attachment points for four canisters of MM-38 Exocet SSM. They were arranged in two pairs angled outwards from the axis but projecting forward. Later configuration had them placed amidship and facing opposite port and starboard. The conversion was done in two batches, and concerned two Batch 1 and 5 Batch 2 frigates, with a first conversion made at Devonport for Cleopatra, Phoebe, Sirius at Devonport (3) and Chatham (1) in 1973-79. The Batch 2B concerned Argonaut, Danae, Penelope at Devonport in 1976-82. The conversion of Juno was cancelled. Batch 2A had in complement they had an additional SeaCat SAM system but Batch 2B had the Seawolf Missile.

The Exocet MM 38 was the 1st gen. missile, designed aznd produced until 1999 by Aérospatiale. It had a solid propellant engine for 40 km (25 mi; 22 nmi) in range. Sea-skimming at max Mach 0.93 or 1,148 km/h (713 mph; 620 kn) it had an inertial guidance, and active radar homing for the final phase. The later mods had GPS guidance. This missile weight 780 kg (1,720 lb), for 6 m (19 ft 8 in) long and 34.8 cm (1 ft 1.7 in) in diameter, 1.35 m (4 ft 5 in) in wingspan, and carried a 165 kg (364 lb) warhead designed to explode inside the target and cause an intense fire. The British developed their own variant of the MM 38 in 1984, deployed 1985-97 at Gibraltar, the “Excalibur”.

Seawolf SAM

Sea Cat and Sea Wolf (bottom) to compare. Duxford Museum.
Only installed on the Batch 2B in replacement of the Sea Cat. This was a sextuple GWS.25 launcher with 30 missiles. The Sea Wolf entered service in 1979, designed by BAE in 1967-77 manufactured by BAe Dynamics until 1999 then MBDA UK.
Specs:
Weight 82 kg (180.8 lb), 1.9 m (6 ft 2.8 in) long, 180 mm (7.1 in) diameter, 450 mm (17.7 in) wingspan.
Warhead 14 kg (30.9 lb) HE blast-fragmentation with direct contact/proximity fuze activated
Engine Blackcap solid fuel sustainer range 1–10 km (0.5–5.4 nmi), max alt. 3,000 m (9,842.5 ft), Mach 3 (3,700 km/h; 2,300 mph)
Guidance system: Automatic Command to Line-Of-Sight (ACLOS), steered by control surfaces.

Sensors

The Leander class trusted as main radar its Type 965 air warning system. It was removed for the Ikara conversion. Other units comprised the Type 992 Q, Type 903, and Type 974/978.
The Sonar suite comprised the type 162, 184, 199, & later Type 2031 and Type 2016 sonars.
The 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 (CIS) from the start was the ADAWS-5 (Action Data Automated Weapon System) for Batch 1 Ikara converted ships.
Electronic warfare defence comprised an ESM system based on the UAA-8/9 warning system, complemented by the Type 668/669 jamming elements.

Type 965 Air Warning System

This Long-range 2D air-warning radar (surface-to-air search) was developed by Marconi (UK), working on L-band (around 214–234 MHz, 1.3–1.4 m wavelength) for a 2D targeting (range + bearing; no height data) and sporting a large twin-Yagi “Bedstead” array — a distinctive rectangular antenna frame revolving at 6 rpm. Range was up to 180–200 nautical miles (330–370 km) against large, high-altitude targets with a beam width of about 12–15°. It had PPI (Plan Position Indicator) scope at the operations room and worked with the associated IFF Type 1010 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) often mounted alongside (see below).

Type 992Q Radar

Medium-range air/surface search and target indication radar manufactured by Marconi (UK) and deployed on the County, Leander, Rothesay, and later Type 21 and Type 42 classes. Frequency Band E/F-band (around 3 GHz, 10 cm wavelength), 2D (range and bearing; no altitude) and featuring a small parabolic dish with a distinctive orange-peel shape (enclosed in a radome on later ships) revolving at 30 rpm. Maximum Range 40–55 nautical miles (75–100 km), depending on target size and altitude for a beamwidth of 2° azimuth, narrow beam for good resolution
Pulse Repetition Frequency Variable, optimized for both air and surface modes. It used a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) in the Operations Room and Weapon Control System consoles and was associated with the IFF Type 1010 and later 1017 IFF aerials.

Type 903 Radar

This Missile fire-control and target-tracking radar manufactured by Marconi (UK) was used to provide precise target tracking and missile guidance, nominally for the Sea Slug surface-to-air missile system, but also for the three ships of Batch 2 (Exocet/Sea Wolf). Worked on J-band (approximately 10 GHz, 3 cm wavelength), monopulse tracking radar for high accuracy, 90 km range against high-altitude aircraft depending on conditions, parabolic dish with small feed horn and stabilized mount for continuous tracking. Beamwidth was very narrow at 1° or less for high angular accuracy and it had automatic radar tracking with manual override; capable of simultaneous missile-beam tracking for a 70° coverage for high-angle tracking. Data Output Bearing, elevation, and range to the Fire Control System (FCS) and missile director.

Type 974 Navigation Radar

Type 974 was operating in X band surface warning and navigation radar for British destroyers and frigates. Commercial Decca Marine Radar Type 12, separated for transmitting and receiving reflector unit, pedestal unit, motor scanner drive. The R.F. head houses a modulator, transmitter and R.F. section of the receiver. 1000 HZ, 7 KW P, 25 nm range (46 km).

Type 275 Gunnery FCR/Mk.6M

A WW2 radar gunnery system used for the 4.5 inches turret. Operating in the F band with a separate Transmitter and receiver antennas in nacelles that are air conditioned for their operators. It uses the principle of Conical Scan on Receive Only but could provide accurate range, bearing and elevation of any in flight target. 500Hz, 400 KW PP and range 16 nm or 30 km.

Type 1010 Cossor IFF

Model operating in the L band IFF Mark secondary radar interrogating targets on Modes 1, 2, 3/A or C or a sequence of interlaced modes. It produces video outputs to external processing equipment and provides synchronizing and suppression pulses for external equipment with sidelobes suppression facilities. 2KW PP, operating in the 1030-1090 MhZ band and PRF 150-450 HZ.

Type 262 GWS-1 FCR

Type 262 at first was used by the STAAG 40mm Bofor mount. Developed in 1958 it is operating in the X band naval fire control radar for 40 mm anti-aircraft gunnery or for “Sea Cat” close-range surface-to-air missiles. The antenna used the principle of conical scan with a fixed feeding point but with slightly eccentric rotating parabolic reflector.
frequency: 9.67 GHz. Pulse repetition frequency (PRF): 1.5 kHz. Pulsewidth (τ): 0.5 µs. Peak power: 30 kW. Instrumented range: 29 NM (≙ 54 km). Beamwidth: 5.2°.

GWS 20

The Seacat missile system installed used the GWS 20 optically guided system on the modernized Rothesay-class frigates.

Sonar Type 184, 199

The Type 184 was a hull-mounted sonar used for Anti-submarine detection and ranging and fitted on the Type 12, Type 12i and Type 14 frigates. It had a medium-frequency (around 15–25 kHz range), to provided both active and passive detection modes. Replaced by the Type 177 and Type 2016.

Sonar Type 199 (VDS)

First operational British towed-array passive sonar (sometimes described as a low-frequency passive system), for passive detection and tracking of submarines at long range at low-frequency, working in conjunction with Type 177 (passive search) and Type 184 (attack) active sonars.

Type 162 Cockchafer bottom profiling sonar

side-looking and bottom-scanning shipboard sonar. Classifies objects at mid-depth and on the sea floor, the three transducers working together to provide a profile of the area surrounding the ship. The starboard and port transducers look to the sides, and the centre transducer looks downward.

Sonar Type 1031 VDS

Ported first to HMS Cleopatra in 1982-83, already modified as a Batch 2 Exocet conversion. For this,, her armament was partially dismantled and she had a new mast. A large cable reel was fitted to the aft end of the flight deck. The Type 2031 I towed array sonar comprised a series of passive hydrophones at the end of a 1,000–1,500 metres (1,100–1,600 yd) cable, far from propeller’s interference. The electronics to convert signals into display were in the hangar, so sha had to rely on other Frigate’s helicopter for ASW attacks.

Active Protection

UA-8/9 ECM suite. No data.
Two Corvus decoy RL: Cylindrical rotating structure that carries eight launching tubes mounted in two sets of three (one above the other) and crossed at 90° in azimuth. Two further tubes are set above this arrangement and are aligned midway between the other tubes, all at a fixed elevation of 30°. A deck-mounted pedestal supports the rotating structure on its training bearing and houses a self-contained electrical power conversion unit for the control circuits and associated electrical equipment. The training drive consists of a gearbox driven by a reversible motor.

Air Group

Westland Wasp HAS.1 helicopter from HMS Galatea taking on personnel in the Indian Ocean.
Like the Rothesay class, the Leander were designed to operate a Westland Wasp ASW helicopter, sporting an helipad with mousetrap device and aft hangar instead of the previous Rothesay class, which had none. That was the main improvement of the design. The Wasp was a lightweight piston-powered model just developed and usable as scout mostly (first flight 1962) developed from the Saro P.531 to fit on small ships such as frigates and destroyers.

It was limited to 104 knots (120 mph, 193 km/h) and a range of 263 nmi (303 mi, 487 km) but could carry a large payload of armaments and carry four personal. In ASW role the Wasp could carry two Mk.44 or a single Mk.46 acoustic torpedo or two Mk.11 depth charges, or even a WE.177 600lb tactical nuclear depth bomb. In an antiship role, it could also carry four SS.11 or two larger AS.12 missiles. The ARA Santa Fe was sunk by those missiles in 1982.

Ikara Conversion

Eight of the first ten Batch 1 Leanders had the Ikara conversion, a new anti-submarine warfare missile pioneered in Australia and adopted by the RN. It was installed in place of the 4.5-inch gun forward. There were also an additional Seacat system, two in all, and the Type 965 radar and AKE(1) aerial removed. Internal space saved was used for the ADAWS system managing the Ikara, the British equivalent to the US Navy’s ASROC or French Masurca.

Seacat/Exocet Conversion

Two of the Leanders with Y-100 machinery (Batch 1) and five with Y-136 machinery (Batch 2) were given the “Exocet” conversion. Four danister with these anti-ship missiles were installed in place of the 4.5-inch gun mount forward and two additional Seacat systems aft, as well as compatibility with the Lynx helicopter in replacement of the Wasp. Batch 3 (broad Beam) has the Seawolf conversion plus Exocet forward as well. The Seawolf missile system replaced Seacat. They also has the new Sonar 2016, Lynx helicopter. But only five had that upgrade at £70 per refit, so half the broad-beams.

Cleopatra off Tobermory in 1978.
Note that Celeopatra was further modified in 1982 to carry the Type 1031 towed array sonar (see above). To reduce topweight she lost her forward Seacat launcher and director, Type 965 radar, had a smaller mast, lost her Bofors guns for Oerlikon 20 mm guns, boats were removed, Exocet launchers and torpedo tubes lowered to regain balance.

Navigation TS conversion

HMS Juno (commissioned 18 July 1967) was converted as navigational training ship at Rosyth from January 1982 to February 1985. Her Type 965 radar and armament were removed, the flight deck extended, plating over the mortar well. She was rearmed by the STWS 1 torpedo system (two triple ASW TTs) and two 20 mm guns and replaced HMS Torquay for training role, and trials ship for the Type 2050 sonar.

Conway’s depiction of the Leander class, “Batch 2” conversion

⚙ Batch 1 specifications
Displacement	2,350 tons standard, 2,860 tons full load
Dimensions	372 x 41 x 15 ft* (113.4 x 12.5 x 4.5 m*)
Propulsion	2 shafts GST, 2x Babcock & Wilcox boilers 30,000 hp (22,370 KW)
Speed	27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph)
Range	7,400 kilometres (4,600 mi; 4,000 nmi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Armament	2× 4.5-in Mk6, Seacat SAM, 2× 20mm, 2× 40mm Mk VII, ASW Limbo mortar**
Sensors	Type 965 AWR, Type 992 Q, Type 903, Type 974/978, Sonar Type 162, 184, 199, CIS ADAWS-5
Air Group	1x Westland Wasp
Active Protection	ESM UAA-8/9 warning, Type 668/669 jamming
Crew	260

*5.5 metres (18 ft) deep load
**Ikara ASWL +2 Seacat, 2× 40mm, 2×3 324 mm STWS-1, Limbo. See notes

⚙ Batch 2 specifications
Displacement	Same*
Dimensions	Same
Propulsion	Same
Speed	Same
Range	Same
Armament	Same, see conversion notes
Sensors	Same, see notes
Air Group	Westland Lynx HAS.Mk 2
Crew	Same, varied with conversions

*Broad Beam 2,500-2,790 tons standard, 2,962-3,300 tons full load.

Career of the Leander class

HMS leander (F109)

HMS leander in August 1977

HMS Leander was built at Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast, which also provided the machinery, laid down on 10 April 1959, launched on 28 June 1961 and commissioned on 27 March 1963 for a cost of £4,630,000. Upon commissioning, she was deployed to the West Indies for various duties and back home by April 1964. In 1965 she took in the Intl. exercize Matchmaker I with NATO, the predecessor of Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) created in 1967, with its first edition in 1968. In 1966 she was sent to the Pacific. In 1967 to the West Indies and later the Persian Gulf. In 1970 she joined STANAVFORLANT. In June she started her ‘Batch I’ Ikara conversion until December 1972. In 1974 she was in the 3rd Frigate Squadron and later joined TG 317.2, a deployment with some controversy at shome when she stopped and visited South Africa under apartheid rule. She had exercises with the South African Navy and visited Cape Town, her sister Diomede and submarine Warspite visiting Simonstown. Then she performed ‘fly the flag’ visits in Far East-Pacific and was shadowed by Soviet ships of the Pacific fleet. She headed for Brazil for an exercise with the Brazilian Navy and was back home in June 1975.

Leander in Rotterdam

In December 1975, Leander under Captain John Tait had her first “cod wars” Fishery Protection Patrol tour of duty (3rd cod war) between UK and Iceland, confronted by Icelandic gunboats. In January 1976, she rammed Þór (Thor), forcing both home for repairs. Her hull was dented starboard. On 17 January her hull broke in a heavy storm but she made it back to Faslane, later repaired at Devonport and departed for a second Fishery Patrol, ramming “Ver” on 22 May 1976. Her stem was shattered but she served her opponent’s port quarter. She had refits and repairs in 1977, and was deployed in the West Indies, California, British Columbia, Mexico and Florida. In 1982 she helped the Portuguese MV Ave Maria ablaze off Exeter. She had a tour of duty in the Mediterranean in 1983 and in 1985. On 31 July 1986 she entered the Reserve, Standby Squadron, wirth negociations of sale to Chile, possibly because of a verto by Austrlian to sell the Ikara to non-Commonwealth nations. In April 1987 she was decommissioned and she was sunk in an 1989 exercise by a Sea Dart missile, three Exocets and a bomb.

HMS Dido (F104)

Dido in the Atlantic 1983

F104 Dido was laid down at Yarrow & Co Ltd of Glasgow on 2 December 1959, launched on 22 December 1961 and commissioned on 18 September 1963 at a cost of £4,600,000. She was assigned to the Far East, 22nd Escort Group in 1964 and took part in the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, as leader of the 21st Escort Group in 1965. In 1968 she was part of STANAVFORLANT and was at the fleet review at Spithead on 16 May 1969 (20th anniversary of the formation of NATO). She wa sused as the fictional frigate HMS Hero in the 1970s BBC television drama series “Warship”. Next, she was extensively refitted at Devonport from July 1975 and October 1978 (Batch 1B Ikara, last completed for £23,000,000. Later she joined the 3rd Frigate Squadron. In 1983 she was assigned to STANAVFORLANT.

As a result of the 1981 Defence Review recommending the disposal of older frigates she was sold to the RNZN with HMS Bacchante. However her ADAWS system had a limited processing capacity and she had old screens so seen from Auckland this was a dubious purchase in retrospect, conflicting with the 1978 NZ Defence Review that decided it wanted only gas turbine powered frigates. In 1981 HMS Lynx and HMS Lincoln were rejected on account of age and lack of helicopter as well as HMS Zulu and HMS Norfolk. The problem was the extremely specialised nature of the Ikara Leanders and incompatibility with different Ikara systems (Aussie’ Type 12 and Charles F. Adams-class). Renamed HMNZS Southland she received a five-month, $15 million refit at Vosper Thornycroft, recomm. on 18 July 1983 with the Limbo mortar and VDS removed plus the 170 and 199 sonars, and two triple US Mk 32 torpedo tubes fitted. She was ready by late December 1983 and had several workups at Portland taking part in NATO exercises before sailing for New Zealand in mid-1984.

Around 1986 she had a major refit planned to remained relevant until the mid-1990s as in the RN notably with the long range 2031 towed array capable of 160 km range. The problem there was the incompatible Ikara system. Quotes from Lyttleton proved high, and with the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, the RN started withdrawing nuclear depth charges, one of the key asset of the Ikara Leanders to attack Soviet submarines at 10–20 kilometres (5.4–10.8 nmi) range so she was no longer useful to the Royal Navy, and in consequence no RNZN use in 1989, she only had a low cost refit to remain operational until 1993, decommissioned in 1995 and towed to the Philippines (boilers removed and relocated on a rubber plantation). She was towed to Singapore sold to an Indian tug company and BU at Goa beach in India.

Penelope (F127)

F127 Penelope was built ay Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, Newcastle with her powerplant provided by Vickers-Armstrongs (Engineers) Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness. She was laid down on 14 March 1961, launched on 17 August 1962 and commissioned on 31 October 1963 for a total cost of £4,600,000. After workup she was assigned to the 20th Frigate Squadron based at Londonderry, Northern Ireland. By September–December 1964 she escorted the cruiser Tiger visiting South America to improve relations. She was then transferred to the 2nd Frigate Squadron from September 1965 and had a refit the next year as a trials ship, notably with her Type 965 radar removed, VDS gear, 40 mm Bofors and twin 4.5-in/FCR cocooned. She tested new designs of propellers. In 1970 she was modified for hull noise tests and received the prototype of Type 184M sonar. In 1968 she search for debris of Aer Lingus Flight 712 in the Irish Sea. In 1970 she was in West Germany for the Kiel Week.

In 1971 she had a refit to test the Sea Wolf missile with her armament was removed, experimental tracking system installed, and the Sea Wolf launcher mounted on her flight deck. She fire tested them on the Welsh coast, firing at 4.5 inch shells from a ship miles away, or in harbour, boilers shut down, until December 1977. She was refitted at Devonport back as operational frigate, Batch 2 Exocet. In 1982 she was selected to take part in the fleet sent to the Falklands, “Bristol group” with HMS Minerva and Andromeda from 26 May. She recovered air-dropped stores and escorted ships to and from the beachhead at San Carlos, Bluff Cove and assisted HMS Argonaut damaged by cannon fire and bombs. On 13 June she launched her Lynx helicopter to finish off the Argentinian patrol boat Rio Iguazu with a Sea Skua, last of the war. She was back home by September 1982. She returned postwar for a Falklands patrol and back on June 1983. She made another tour in 1984.

On 12 September 1988 where she conducted a routine daylight replenishment at sea, she collided with HMCS Preserver (AOR 510) and caught her starboard anchor, cutting her port side. The Canadian ship had $260,000 damage, millions for Penelope. She was decommissioned and sold with Danae, to Ecuador. Renamed Presidente Eloy Alfaro, in service under this flag until decommissioned on 19 March 2008, adding more 17 years service.

Ajax (F114)

HMS Ajax was laid down at Cammell Laird & Co Ltd, Birkenhead on 19 October 1959, launched on 16 August 1962 and commissioned on 10 December 1963 for a cost of £4,800,000. In 1964 she assisted the Swedish MV Solklint after her collision with the Cissoula in the Channel. In 1964, Ajax sailed to the Far East, to take the lead of the 24th Escort Group until 1968. She notably took part in the Beira Patrol and coverred the withdrawal off Aden, as well as being guardship in Hong Kong. In 1970, Ajax swapped for Gibraltar as there were fears of an invasion by Franco. By September 1970, Ajax was modernized at Devonport until 1973 as the Batch 1 Ikara variant, also fitted with two GWS22 SeaCat and keeping her two Bofors, VDS, Limbo and Wasp but she had new radars and the ADAWS 5 computer combat direction system. She led the 8th Frigate Squadron. In 1974, she took part in the evacuation of Cyprus. In 1976 she visited her namesake city in Canada (Ontario) already named in horo of her predecessor, the Leander-class cruiser, veteran of the River Plate. In 1977, Ajax was refitted at Devonport Dockyard and started a tour of the Med in 1979. In 1980, she was refitted at Gibraltar until 1981. She took the lead of 1st Frigate Squadron. During the 1982 Falklands War she was in the Persian Gulf as guard ship but postwar made a 4-month deployment in the South Atlantic as part of the 1984 Protection Force. She made more deployments until 1985 when escorting HMY Britannia for a tour of Italy. Decommissioned on 31 May 1985, she replaced HMS Salisbury as static TS at Devonport and on 3 August 1988 after being stricken and sold she was sent to Millom in Cumbria to be BU. Both her anchor and bell were preserved in Ajax, Ontario.

Aurora (F10)

HMS Aurora after her Ikara conversion in the late 1970s
Aurora was laid down at John Brown & Co Ltd, Clydebank on 1 June 1961, launched on 28 November 1962 and commissioned on 9 April 1964 at a cost of £4,650,000. Aurora took the lead of the 2nd Frigate Squadron in 1964. From 1967 to 1968, Derek Bazalgette was Commanding Officer. On 17 April 1968 she lost her Westland Wasp helicopter (829 NAS) which crashed off South Africa. She took the one from HMS Gurkha. By August 1969, Aurora and USS Macdonough, and FS La Galissonnière took part in the commemorations at Théoule-sur-Mer for the 25th anniversary of Operation Dragoon (Aug. 1944 landing). From 1970 to 1971 Paul Greening was her new CO. On 19 September 1972 while off the Faroe Islands (2nd Cod War) she assisted the Icelandic fishing vessel Jon Eiriksson that caught. Her helicopter took on the crew. Aurora was modernized as Batch 1 Ikara variant until 1976.

In 1978, Aurora joined the Fishery Protection Squadron until she was transferred to the 7th Frigate Squadron in the Far East, as British presence was reduced due to the “east of suez” policy. She made other deployments around the world and in 1982 took part in the Armilla Patrol. In 1983 she retuned to the the Far East, Australia and New Zealand as part of the ‘Orient Express’ deployment with HMS Invincible, HMS Rothsay and others. Buget cuts of 1987 and manpower shortages saw her decommissioned. She arrived for scrapping 6 September 1990 at Millom in Cumbria.

HMS Galatea (F18)

Galatea in Amsterdam, 25 September 1976

Galatea was laid down at Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne for her hull on 29 December 1961 and was launched on 23 May 1963 after the installation of her machinery from Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne for her steam turbines and gearing from Parsons Marine Turbines Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne, commissioned on 25 April 1964 at a cost of £4,500,000. Galatea was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea and involved in 1965 exercises then in 1966 joined the 27th Escort Group in the same area, until back home, joining the Home Fleet. In 1968, she was in Germany with HMS Dainty for the Kiel Week event. She was also in Portsmouth ‘Navy Days’. In 1971, she was refitted and modernized as a Ikara ASW conversion (Batch 1) until 1974. Next, she took par tin the Third Cod War with Iceland and patrolled to counter Icelandic interference with British trawlers with some incidents, like the one on 26 March 1976, when she rammed the stern of the Icelandic Coast Guard vessel Baldur, but needed her bow repaired back home.

In 1977, Galatea was refitted after her last Fleet Review for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. She led the 1st Frigate Squadron close to Phoebe and the cruiser Blake. In 1978, Galatea was bacl to the Mediterranean for patrols and exercises. In 1980 she was posted in the Far East, a-versatile-frigate-fleet and deployed 9 months in observation and traffic control during the Iran–Iraq War. In 1981, she was refitted in Gibraltar and returned to the Persian Gulf for the Armilla Patrol until 1983. She was decommissioned in January 1987, sunk as target in July 1988 in the North Atlantic.

HMS Euryalus (F15)

HMS Euryalus underway in 1987

Euryalus was laid down on 2 November 1961 at Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd, Greenock which also provided the steam turbines and Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd provided the gearing when launched on 6 June 1963. She was commissioned on 16 September 1964 for a cost of £4,350,000. She became Leader of the 26th Escort Squadron, Far East. There, she took part in Indonesian Confrontation with few incidents while patrolling the waters around Borneo.
In 1966, Euryalus was refitted back home at Devonport. In April 1967 she joined STANAVFORLANT and visited Norway, Bodø and Tromsø as well as Sweden, Stockholm and, Iceland, Newport in Rhode Island, and Halifax for the Canadian Centennial as well as Montreal for Expo 67 in Quebec, then St John’s Newfoundland. She was back in the Far East in December 1967 as Leader of the 1st Frigate Squadron, stopping at Simonstown (South Africa) for Xmas.

Early in 1968 she had a six-week Beira Patrol followed by Internal Security in Mauritius close to independence with racial tensions. She also visited Sydney, Auckland, Vila (New Hebrides) and in Japan stopped at Tsuruga and Yokohama as well as Hong Kong and in Indonesia at Sabah, plus Singapore and was in December 1968 at Auckland, then Fiji and Pearl Harbor, as well as San Diego and the Panama Canal to cross for home. But the next year she was back in the Far East. In 1970, she was the Gibraltar guard ship. In 1972 she had her second Beira Patrol, blockading Rhodesian supply routes via Mozambique. In 1973 she had her conversion at Devonport Dockyard as Batch 2 Ikara ship until 1976. In 1977 she was in June at the silver Jubilee Fleet Review of the Royal Navy with Scylla and Danae. In 1978 she was in the 2nd Frigate Squadron in Portland for training and exercises thus as the “Thursday War” witn RN and Foreign navies in full operational effectiveness. She stopped for R&R at Bayonne in France, Aalborg in Denmark, “Meet the Navy” in South Shields where, visited by Earl Mountbatten.

In 1981, she was at her Middle East patrol in tense times such as the Iran–Iraq War. In 1982 with Leander, she helped the Portuguese MV Ave Maria ablaze off the Essex coast, rescuing 45 of her crew. In February 1984 she had a tour of STANAVFORLANT relieving Glasgow. In 1986 she became leader of the 1st Frigate Squadron until decommissioned on 31 March 1989, sent to Devonport Management Limited to be refitted and sold, but since this was not concluded, in 1990 she was sold for scrap at Millom, Cumbria, with HMS Ajax.

HMS Naiad (F39)

HMS Naiad as Ikara Frigate in 1982

Naiad was laid down at Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow on 30 October 1962, whioch also provided her steam turbines while Parsons Marine Turbines Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne provided their gearing). She was launched on 4 November 1963 and commissioned on March 1965 for a cost of £4,750,000. In 1966, she took the lead of the Northern Ireland Squadron and was deployed in the Far East and South America. In June 1966 she took part in the Kieler Woche in West Germany. The Duke of Edinburgh was on board organizing a state dinner for President Heinrich Lubke. On 4 May 1967, she had a refir and took part in the Portsmouth Navy Days. In 1970 she was sent to the Far East, took part in the Beira Patrol then another at the end of the year. In 1971 she was at the Portsmouth Navy Days. From January 1973 she was converted at Devonport Dockyard as an Ikara frigate until 1975, and she entered the 6th Frigate Squadron. In 1976 she started her first tour in the third cod wars, in Fishery Protection Patrol. On 24 April 1976, she was rammed by Tyr, having to return to repair hull and bow damage. Flooding was so bad, the damage control team had to pour concrete to block the gash. She was dry docked at Devonport.

In 1977 she was present for the Fleet Review, of the Royal Navy at Spithead for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee close to Brighton and Andromeda. In 1980 she returned to the Far East but in 1981 Naiad was redeployed in the Mediterranean. From 1983 to 1984 she had her last refit at Devonport before returning in 1985 to the Mediterranean and taking part in NAVOCFORMED, the predecessor of STANAVFORMED. In 1986 she joined STANAVFORLANT. In April 1987 she was decommissioned. In 1989 she was used for hull trials as “Hulvul”, stricken. On 24 September 1990, she was towed from Portsmouth to be sunk at sea as target.

HMS Arethusa (F38)

F38 Arethusa was laid down at JS White & Co Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight on 7 September 1962. She received her steam turbines from JS White & Co Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight and the associated gearing from Parsons Marine Turbines Co Ltd, Wallsend-on-Tyne before she was launched on 5 November 1963 and commissioned on 24 November 1965 at a cost of £4,850,000. In 1967 she was posted in the Mediterranean. By late 1967 she was docked for fixes, until the spring of 1968, but participated still in Portsmouth ‘Navy Days’. After working up at Portland she returned to the Mediterranean. In 1969 Arethusa with Juno, Hampshire and the RFA Lyness she sailed to Barbados, crossed the Panama Canal to Callao, Peru, Valparaiso, and via Cape Horn arrived in the Falkland Islands, then Montevideo anc back to the UK. The same year in 1969 she was sent to the West Indies as guard ship, chahing port from Punta Del Garda, Bermuda, and visting in between Washington DC and Norfolk as well as Key West. Other Carribean stops included Anguilla, Antigua, St Lucia, Curaçao, St Kitts, Tortola, St Vincent, Carriacou, Nassau, Freeport Grand Bahama. She crossed the Panama Canal to San Diego, San Francisco for R&R and back via Panama to Trinidad, then Cartagena, Dominica, St Martin, Bequia, Georgetown, Belize, Fort Lauderdale and crossed the Atlantic to Portsmouth in April 1970. She became later guard ship for the hand-over of independence to British Guiana.

In 1970, she visited Lorient and Esbjerg before returning to the Far East via South Africa. She performed her first Beira Patrol, and later visited Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nagoya, and the Philippines. Back via Singapore she escorted the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for their South East Asian tour. In 1972 she made a second Beira Patrol and in 1973 she was in fishery protection patrol, Second Cod War, being rammed by the Icelandic gunboat Óðinn. In 1973 she was modernized and converted as an Ikara Frigate until April 1977. She was present for the Queen’s Dilver Jubilee Fleet Review close to Cleopatra and Arrow, 3rd Frigate Squadron. From 1978 to 1981 under Kenneth Snow she returned to the Far East and Pacific. In 1980 she had her last refit until 1981 and joined the Standing Naval Force Atlantic. In 1985, she received and tested a new towed array sonar. She was was decommissioned on 4 April 1989 in Portsmouth and sunk as a target in 1991.

HMS Cleopatra (F28)

Cleopatra in 1991, after conversion to towed array configuration

Cleopatra was laid down at HM Dockyard, Devonport on 19 June 1963, she received her turbines from Cammell Laird & Co (Shipbuilders & Engineers) Ltd, Birkenhead and associated gearing from John Brown & Co Ltd, Clydebank before she was launched on 25 March 1964 and commissioned on 4 January 1966 for a cost of £5,300,000. Upon commissioning she joined the Far East Fleet, 2nd Destroyer Squadron. She was back home in 1967 to be used as training ship at Portland for months and back to the Far East. She notably took part in the Beira Patrol, blockading indirectly Rhodesia via Lorenzo Marques (now Maputo) in Mozambique. In 1969 she assisted the ships after the Evans-Melbourne collision. She had a new refit and saw training at Portland in 1971, visited the West Indies and USA with a carrier battle group centered around HMS Ark Royal, assisted by the RFAs OLMEDA and REGENT. In August 1971 she was deployed to the Far East via South Africa and arrived with the ANZUK force in December at Singapore. By February/March 1972 she was escort duties with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for their South East Asia tour.

In 1972, while making a passage from Singapore for a new Beira Patrol, her Wasp helicopter crash landed at sea. It was recovered, hoisted and secured on her starboard side, and taken to RAF Gan in the Maldives, later loaded on a raft and sent back home by the RAF. Cleopatra relieved HMS Lowestoft on the Beira Patrol and obtained her Wasp helicopter. In 1973, Cleopatra took par tin the second Cod War on the Icelandic Coast. In May 1973 she was converted at Devonport as the first Leander-class under Batch 2 conversion with Exocet anti-ship missiles, triple STWS torpedo tubes, three Seacat launchers and two Bofors 40 mm plus the Type 1006 navigation radar replaced, GWS22 director, Type 184M sonar and VDS removed. By late 1975 she was assigned to the 4th Frigate Squadron as leader. In 1977 she was present at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Fleet Review close to Zulu and Arethusa. Later deployed to the far east she stopped at Salalah, Muscat, and Basra. She had a mission of intelligence collection in January-March 1978. After a refit at Devonport in 1978, she was deployed from 1981, to the Mediterranean and in 1982 she was back to Devonport, to carry the new Type 1031 towed array sonar, loosing a Seacat launcher and director, long-range Type 965 radar and obtaining a smaller mast. The Bofors were also replaced by Oerlikon 20 mm guns, Exocet launchers, torpedo tubes lowered. This ended on 10 June 1983. She was in the Americas by January–March 1984, and in 1985 leader of the 7th Frigate Squadron. On 31 January 1992 she was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1993.

That’s all folks for 2025. Next stop: The Batch 2 Leander with Y-136 machinery.