Type 26 Global Combat Ship Unveiled - The MOD has released details of the basic specification of the T26 GCS – planned to replace the Type 23 Frigates presently in service.   At present the MoD is planning to order thirteen (13) Type 26 Frigates on a like-for-like basis – but that number will not be confirmed until the main decision is taken to invest in the project.    The multi-mission warship, which is due to come into service after 2020 will in outline be:

•                  around 148m in length

•                  5,400 tonnes displacement

•                  vertical missile silos capable of housing a range of different weapons

•                  a medium-calibre gun

•                  a hangar to accommodate a MERLIN or WILDCAT helicopter

•                  a flexible mission space (for unmanned air, surface and underwater vehicles, or boats)

•                  the most advanced sensors available to the fleet.

The planned in service date for the first Type 26 Frigate is “after 2020”.     The oldest Type 23 Frigate is the ARGYLL is expected to serve until around 2023, while the youngest, ST.ALBANS will be on duty until around 2036.

Out of interest the Type number sequence goes:

Type 21 – Commercially designed AMAZON Class Frigate – all sold to Pakistan in 1993-1994

Type 22 – the last of this BROADSWORD class Frigate recently withdrawn class from Royal Navy service

Type 23 – the current Royal Navy Class of Frigate in service

Type 24 - a general purpose frigate design, rather like the “Leanders”, aimed largely at the export market

Type 25 - was a ‘mini Type 22’ intended to pack the same but at two thirds of the cost!

Type 26 – see above

The Type system is a classification evolved in the early 1950s, starting with the Type 11 when the Royal Navy was experimenting with building single purpose escort vessels.   The Type 24 and Type 25 were paper projects which did not reach the construction stage.