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From: swilliam@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Steve Williams)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Definitions of naval vessel types?
Message-ID: <1991May2.040310.20425@amd.com>
Date: 1 May 91 12:05:26 GMT
References: <1991May1.030202.19737@amd.com>
Sender: military@amd.com
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From: swilliam@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Steve Williams)


> Does anyone have good definitions for the differences between a destroyer,
> frigate and cruiser?  Differences such as speed, armament, maneuverability, 
> crew size, primary role are what I am looking for.

The below information applies to the U.S. Navy. 

There is some confusion about the difference between a frigate
and a destroyer as the frigate is taking over operations that were
previously carried out by destroyer.  Although a frigate have modern
anti-submarine weapons and sensors similarly to those on board
destroyers, they lack the guns, electronics, 30 knot speeds, and in
most cases the surface-to-air missiles which the Navy considers
necessary for modern anti-air warfare and surface warfare operations.

Generally, the larger and heavier the ship is, the less maneuverable
it is.

Frigate: smallest warship, used primarily for escort duty.  Probably
	 most maneuverable of all warships.

Destroyer: armed with guns, torpedoes, and depth charges, and has a
	   very high maneuverability.

Cruiser: long cruising radius, less armor and firepower than battleship.

Battleship: largest size warship (excluding aircraft carriers), carrying
	    the greatest number of guns and batteries, and clad with 
	    the heaviest armor.

Examples in the United States Navy:

Frigate:  USS OLIVER HAZARD PERRY:  2,750 tons light
				    4,100 tons full load
				    29 knot speed
				    206 men
				    One 3" gun, 6 torpedo tubes

Destroyer:  USS ARLEIGH BURKE:  6,625 tons light
				8,315 tons full load
				30+ knot speed
				303 men
				One 5" gun, six torpedo tubes

Cruiser: USS Virginia:  8,623 tons light
		       11,300 tons full load
		       30+ knot speed
		       558-634 men
		       Two 5" guns, six torpedo tubes

Battleship: USS New Jersey: 46,177 tons light
			    57,353 tons full load
			    35 knot speed
			    1518 men
			    Nine 16" guns

Source:  Jane's Fighting Ships 1990-91

Steve Williams