The Type 23 frigate

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The Type 23 frigate

Easton, R.W.

The experience gained in the concept and detailed design, followed by the construction, of the Type 23 frigate for the Royal Navy is described. Several published papers have dealt with the ship and the procurement process. This paper focusses on the unique view of the shipbuilder, who is involved not only in design and construction, but also in the task-of marketing the Type 23 and its derivatives overseas. As the sophistication of modern sensors and weapons has increased ship costs have risen. This is because of both the higher costs and demands on the ship of those weapons and sensors, and the increased need for signature reduction. Considerable efforts have been made in meeting cost constraints to reduce both procurement and through-life costs. Cost is also related to role, an exclusively anti-submarine design can be inherently more expensive than a general purpose frigate. However, the Type 23 is a competitive and cost-effective design, given that the ship can be expected to spend much of its working life in a general purpose role.