Introduction to the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate was a class of guided-missile frigates operated by the United States Navy from 1977 to 2015. These ships were designed to provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare capabilities, making them a versatile and reliable workhorse for the US Navy.
Design and Development
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were designed by the Bath Iron Works and built by several shipyards, including Bath Iron Works, Todd Shipyards, and Ingalls Shipbuilding. The class consisted of 51 ships, with the first ship, USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7), being commissioned in 1977.
The ships were designed to be smaller and more efficient than earlier frigate classes, with a length of 445 feet (136 meters) and a displacement of around 4,100 tons. They were powered by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, which provided a speed of over 29 knots (54 km/h).
Armament and Capabilities
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were equipped with a range of armament and sensors, including:
- Missile Systems: The ships were equipped with the Mk 13 Mod 4 GMLS (guided missile launching system), which fired SM-1MR and Harpoon missiles.
- Guns: The ships had a single Mk 45 Mod 2 5-inch (127 mm) gun and two Mk 38 Mod 0 25mm machine guns.
- Torpedoes: The ships were equipped with two triple Mk 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes, firing Mk 46 torpedoes.
- Radar and Sensors: The ships had a range of radar and sensors, including the AN/SPS-49(V)8 radar, AN/SQS-56 sonar, and AN/SLQ-32(V) electronic warfare system.
The ships were designed to operate in a variety of roles, including:
- Air Defense: The ships were equipped with the SM-1MR missile system, which provided air defense capabilities.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: The ships were equipped with sonar and torpedoes, making them effective in anti-submarine warfare.
- Surface Warfare: The ships were equipped with guns and missiles, making them effective in surface warfare.
Operational History
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates played an important role in a number of conflicts and operations, including:
- Gulf War: The ships played a key role in the Gulf War, providing air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Kosovo War: The ships provided gunfire support and air defense capabilities during the Kosovo War.
- War on Terror: The ships played a key role in the War on Terror, providing support for operations in the Middle East and Africa.
Retirement and Legacy
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates began to be decommissioned in the early 2000s, with the last ship being decommissioned in 2015. The class played an important role in the US Navy, providing reliable and versatile service for over three decades.
The class also had a significant impact on the development of future frigate classes, with the US Navy incorporating many of the design features and capabilities into newer classes, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the future frigate (FFG(X)).
Key Features and Characteristics
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates:
- Length: 445 feet (136 meters)
- Displacement: around 4,100 tons
- Speed: over 29 knots (54 km/h)
- Crew: around 200 officers and enlisted personnel
- Range: over 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km)
- Armament: SM-1MR and Harpoon missiles, Mk 45 Mod 2 5-inch (127 mm) gun, and Mk 38 Mod 0 25mm machine guns
🔍 Note: The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were also known for their distinctive "shoulder patch" shape, which was a result of the ship's design and layout.
What was the primary role of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates?
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The primary role of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates was to provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare capabilities.
How many Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were built?
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A total of 51 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were built.
What was the speed of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates?
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The speed of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates was over 29 knots (54 km/h).
The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates played an important role in the US Navy, providing reliable and versatile service for over three decades. Their design and capabilities influenced the development of future frigate classes, and they remain an important part of naval history.
Related Terms:
- Fregat kelas Knox
- garcia class frigate
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- Knox class frigate
- USS Oliver Hazard Perry
- Oliver Hazard Perry class Model
