FFG 7 Oliver Hazard Perry

FFG 7 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates were designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions in support of the US Navy fleet. The development of ASW ships in the 1970s was due to the existence of a large Soviet submarine fleet. The SM-1 Standard missile provides improved protection against airborne threats than Sea Sparrow missile onboard Knox class frigates. The propulsion system consists of two LM 2500 gas turbines with 41,000-shp total allowing for 29 knots top speed. Oliver Hazard Perry frigates weapon system includes one 76mm 62-caliber rapid fire gun, one Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS, six Mark 46 torpedoes, SM-1 Standard missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The US Navy ships were built in two length hulls. The short hull ships are 445-ft (133.5 meters) in length and the long hull ships are 453-ft (135.9 meters). The long hull ship can operate two SH-60 helicopters while the short hull ships only can operate an SH-2 Seasprite helicopter. The US Navy commissioned 51 FFG 7 class frigates between 1977 and 1989. As of early 2005 only 30 long hull frigates remain in active service. Overall, these ships today do not respond to the US Navy multi-purpose ship requirement. The Australian Navy purchased four ships built in the United States and two additional built in Australia. They were upgraded in the early 2000s adding an 8-cell VLS with 32 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. Spain built another six ships. Taiwan built eight ships equipped with Hsuing Feng II anti-ship missiles which are expected to be replaced by Harpoon. All in 71 FFG 7 class ships were built from the late 1970s through 2004.

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