Difference between revisions of "Frigate"
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| − | During the age of sail, a '''frigate''' was a fast, medium [[full-rigged ship|warship]] with 24-60 cannons used by all European navies from the mid 17th to the end of the age of sail in the 19th century. It derived from the North African “fregatta” a small oared sailing ship. | + | During the age of sail, a '''frigate''' was a fast, medium [[full-rigged ship|warship]] with 24-60 cannons used by all European navies from the mid 17th to the end of the age of sail in the 19th century. It derived from the North African “fregatta” a small oared sailing ship. It was smaller but faster than the largest warship, the [[Ship of the line]]. |
In their hey-day they were the eyes of the battle fleets, acting as despatch vessels, passing on flagged orders during battle, and either "finishing off" or towing away as prizes stricken enemy ships. They also undertook anti-pirate ( and later, anti-slaving) duties and “showing the flag” diplomacy where the use of a full [[ship of the line]] was deemed unnecessary. | In their hey-day they were the eyes of the battle fleets, acting as despatch vessels, passing on flagged orders during battle, and either "finishing off" or towing away as prizes stricken enemy ships. They also undertook anti-pirate ( and later, anti-slaving) duties and “showing the flag” diplomacy where the use of a full [[ship of the line]] was deemed unnecessary. | ||
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| − | Today, it is | + | Today, it is British warship between a [[corvette]] and a [[destroyer]]. |
Since 1975 it has also been a warship smaller than a [[destroyer]], used for escort duty. In the [[United States Navy]] frigates have received the hull designations of FF (frigate), FFG (Fast Frigate with Guided Missiles) and DE (Destroyer Escort). | Since 1975 it has also been a warship smaller than a [[destroyer]], used for escort duty. In the [[United States Navy]] frigates have received the hull designations of FF (frigate), FFG (Fast Frigate with Guided Missiles) and DE (Destroyer Escort). | ||
| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | * [[Destroyer]] | ||
| + | * [[Cruisers]] | ||
| + | * [[Ship of the line]] | ||
| + | * [[Naval warfare]] | ||
| + | * [[Naval guns]] | ||
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[[Category: Sailing ship types]] | [[Category: Sailing ship types]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Warships]] |
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Revision as of 21:48, December 25, 2008
During the age of sail, a frigate was a fast, medium warship with 24-60 cannons used by all European navies from the mid 17th to the end of the age of sail in the 19th century. It derived from the North African “fregatta” a small oared sailing ship. It was smaller but faster than the largest warship, the Ship of the line.
In their hey-day they were the eyes of the battle fleets, acting as despatch vessels, passing on flagged orders during battle, and either "finishing off" or towing away as prizes stricken enemy ships. They also undertook anti-pirate ( and later, anti-slaving) duties and “showing the flag” diplomacy where the use of a full ship of the line was deemed unnecessary.
The young United States built a number of frigates that were the equal or better than any in commission at the time. The most famous of these, and one still afloat, is the “USS Constitution”
Today, it is British warship between a corvette and a destroyer.
Since 1975 it has also been a warship smaller than a destroyer, used for escort duty. In the United States Navy frigates have received the hull designations of FF (frigate), FFG (Fast Frigate with Guided Missiles) and DE (Destroyer Escort).