Loch Morlich 1944
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Loch Achanalt (ex-Naver) | K424 | Robb, Leith, UK | 9.1943 | 23.3.1944 | 8.1944 | to UK 6.1945 | |
| Loch Alvie | K428 | Barclay Curle, Glasgow, UK | 8.1943 | 14.4.1944 | 8.1944 | to UK 6.1945 | |
| Loch Morlich | K517 | Swan Hunter, Wallsend, UK | 7.1943 | 25.1.1944 | 8.1944 | to UK 6.1945 |
|
Displacement standard, t |
1435 |
|
Displacement full, t |
2260 |
|
Length, m |
87.2 pp 93.6 oa |
|
Breadth, m |
11.8 |
|
Draught, m |
3.76 deep load |
|
No of shafts |
2 |
|
Machinery |
2 VTE, 2 Admiralty 3-drum boilers |
|
Power, h. p. |
5500 |
|
Max speed, kts |
19.5 |
|
Fuel, t |
oil 724 |
|
Endurance, nm(kts) |
7000(15) |
|
Armament |
1 x 1 - 102/45 QF Mk V, 1 x 4 - 40/39 2pdr QF Mk VIII, 4 x 2 - 20/70 Oerlikon Mk II/IV, 2 x 1 - 20/70 Oerlikon Mk II/IV, 2 x 3 - 305 Squid Mk 4 ASWRL, 2 DCT, 1 DCR (15) |
|
Electronic equipment |
type 277 radar, type 144, type 147B sonars |
|
Complement |
177 |
Project history: War on Atlantic demanded the increasing number of escorts. For reduction of
terms of building the design of "River" class frigate has been
modified under a
section method of building. Now shipbuilding yards only assembled the ships from
already ready sections several tens tons
weight made at the inland
plants. At designing the basic thrust became on adaptability to manufacture of
production, frequently even to the detriment of other qualities. Transition to a
longitudinal hull framing system and wide use of welding became basic difference
from "River" class. For building simplification the unprecedented decision,
forbidding to bring in the design after completing of a lead frigate any changes
which could influence rates of building of the subsequent ships of a class was
accepted.
As well as "River", these ships first of all formed as anti-submarine, but them
it was possible to equip with more perfect Squid ASW rocket launcher.
Air defence possibilities have simultaneously considerably improved also by
installing of the quadruple 40mm pom-pom.
Only 28 ships were completed from 110 ordered frigates of "Loch" class on an
original design. Besides, two more, Loch Assynt and Loch Torridon were completed
as a depot ships Derby Haven and Woodbridge Haven respectively, 26 ships were
completed as AA frigates of "Bay" class. The order for building of 54 more units
has been cancelled.
Modernizations: None.
Naval service: No significant events.
© Ivan Gogin, 2015