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Guided missile frigate HMS Monmouth (F235)

Guided missile frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) 0Guided missile frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) 1

Classification

Ship class:
Duke-class frigate (Type 23)
Type:
Frigate

Basic information

Namesake:
Duke of Monmouth
Operator:
Royal NavyRoyal Navy
Country of build:
Builder:
Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd
Laid down:
Launched:
Commissioned (service):
Decommissioned (out):
Status:
Decommissioned
IMO number:
8949630
MMSI number:
234617000

Ship measurements

Displacement:
4,900 t
Length:
133 m
Beam:
16.1 m
Draft:
7.3 m

Machine

Propulsion system:
CODLAG (CODELAG)
Propulsion:
  • 2 * Rolls-Royce Spey SM1A gas turbines, 34,000 hp (25,000 kW)
  • 4 * Paxman Valenta 12CM diesel engines, (4 * 1510 KW / 2025 shp)
  • 2 * GEC electric motors (1.5 MW, 4,400 hp)
Speed:
28 knots
Range:
7,500 nmi (13,900 km; 8,600 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)

Personnel

Complement:
185

Combat assets

Electronics:
  • UAF-1 ESM, or, UAT Mod 1
  • Seagnat
  • Type 182 towed torpedo decoy
  • Surface Ship Torpedo Defence
Armament:
  • 1 * 32-cell GWS 35 Vertical Launching System (VLS) for:
  • 32 * Sea Ceptor missiles (1–25+ km) (being fitted in refit as of 2021)
  • Up to 2 * quad Harpoon launchers (8 * missiles)
  • 2 * twin 12.75 in (324 mm) Sting Ray torpedo tubes
  • 1 * BAE 4.5 inch Mk 8 naval gun
  • 2 * 30 mm DS30B guns
  • 2 * Miniguns
  • 4 * General-purpose machine gun
Aircraft:
  • 1 * Westland Wildcat HMA2, armed with;
  • 2 * anti-submarine torpedoes or
  • 1 * Westland Merlin HM2, armed with;
  • 4 * anti submarine torpedoes

HMS Monmouth was the sixth «Duke»-class Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy. She was the seventh ship to bear the name and was launched by Lady Eaton in 1991, being commissioned two years later.

Affectionately known as «The Black Duke», Monmouth was the only ship in service with the Royal Navy that has its name painted in black (all other RN vessels have their name in red) and flew a plain black flag in addition to the ensign. This is due to the dissolution of the title and the blacking out of the Coat of Arms of the Duke of Monmouth in 1685 following the Monmouth Rebellion against James II of England. Until her decommissioning, Monmouth carried the most battle honours of any ship name that was serving in the Royal Navy. HMS Monmouth was decommissioned on the 30 June 2021 and is now awaiting disposal in Fareham creek under the care of the disposal and reserve ships organisation.

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