Broadsword-class (Type 22)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Anti-submarine frigate |
| Manufacturer | Yarrow (Shipbuilders) Ltd,, Cammell Laird,, Swan Hunter |
| Year commissioned | 1979 |
| Units | 6 in active service, 8 disposed (2 sunk as targets, 6 scrapped) |
| Current operators | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Description
The Type 22 frigate, also known as the Broadsword class, was developed for the British Royal Navy with fourteen vessels constructed across three batches. Originally, these frigates were intended as anti-submarine warfare ships to contribute to NATO defenses but later adapted to broader roles as general purpose warships. The last of the class, HMS Cornwall, was decommissioned on 30 June 2011. Thereafter, dispositions of the Type 22s included the scrapping of five ships, target sinking of two vessels, and the sale of others to the Brazilian, Romanian, and Chilean navies.
The Type 22 naming convention began with all ships expected to have names beginning with 'B', following the pattern set by the preceding Type 21's 'A' names. This changed post-Falklands War when two ships, intended to replace war losses, were named Sheffield and Coventry. Another ship originally to be named Bloodhound was renamed London to honor a ship ordered but not yet started. The alphabetical naming theme temporarily ceased with Type 23 class, but was returned with the Type 45 or Daring class.
Designed as an anti-submarine warfare asset, the Type 22 evolved throughout its service life to handle multiple roles. As a result, it gained enhanced command, control, and coordination facilities suitable for flagship duties. Originally developed after the 1966 cancellation of aircraft carrier CVA-01, the Royal Navy identified the need for new ship types, leading to the creation of various classes, including the Type 22 frigate as a successor to the Type 12 Leander class frigate.
Distinct design features of the Type 22 included the combination of Olympus and Tyne gas turbines in a COGOG arrangement and a weapons fit prioritizing the ASW role through the onboard Westland Lynx helicopters and advanced sonars. The class lacked a main gun armament, a departure from traditional frigate designs.
During their development, attention to detail and progressive changes resulted in cost increases with initial estimates for a Type 22 escalating from £30 million to £68 million by 1979 due in part to inflation. Electronic warfare systems and general upgrades characterized the modifications between batches, with the Batch III ships receiving a complete redesign incorporating Falklands War experiences. Batch III designs included a 4.5-inch Mk.8 gun and updated missile systems such as Harpoon over Exocet and the 30mm Goalkeeper CIWS.
Operational history includes the noteworthy participation of Broadsword and Brilliant in the Falklands War. The expected service life of these frigates was initially set at 18 years from the date of acceptance. Parliamentary records show that operational availability for the Type 22s was between 82 to 86 percent in their last five service years, not accounting for maintenance periods.
Following their decommissioning, the fates of the ships varied. Some were scrapped for a total of £3 million, while others found new life in foreign navies, continuing their service beyond the Royal Navy as updated and modernized platforms.
Technical specifications
| Broadsword | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4900 tons |
| Crew | 273 members |
| Width | 14.8 m (48.6 ft) |
| Length | 131.2 m (430.4 ft) |
| Propulsion | Batch 1 plus Boxer & Beaver: 2-shaft COGOG |
| Armament | (Batch 3) 2 quadruple Harpoon launchers, 2 GWS 25 Mod 3 Seawolf anti-missile missile systems, 4.5 in (110 mm) gun, 2 20 mm guns (after refit), Goalkeeper CIWS, 2 triple torpedo tubes |
| Maximum speed | 30 knots |