Halifax-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Multi-purpose patrol frigate |
| Manufacturer | Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John, MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon |
| Year commissioned | 1992 |
| Units | 330 HALIFAX, 331 VANCOUVER, 332 VILLE DE QUEBEC, 333 TORONTO, 334 REGINA, 335 CALGARY, 336 MONTREAL, 337 FREDERICTON, 338 WINNIPEG, 339 CHARLOTTETOWN, 340 SAINT JOHN’S, 341 OTTAWA |
| Current operators | 🇨🇦 Canada |
Description
The Halifax-class frigates, also known as the City class, form a series of multi-role patrol frigates operating within the Royal Canadian Navy since 1992. Originating from the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project in the mid-1970s, the class was constructed to address both submarine threats and surface and air attacks. Twelve Canadian-designed and built vessels make up the class, each named after major Canadian cities or provincial capitals.
An extensive modernization program commenced in 2007, known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP), under which the frigates underwent significant upgrades in combat systems, weapons, and technology to extend their operational life into the early 2040s. The upgrades, completed in 2016, aimed to enhance their performance against modern threats. Concurrently, the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy was initiated to develop a replacement for the Halifax-class frigates, with new ships expected to begin construction in the early 2020s.
The design and development of the Halifax-class frigates followed the approval of the federal government in 1983 to replace older destroyer escorts focused primarily on anti-submarine warfare. They were constructed with an eye towards versatility and contemporary naval strategy emphasizing multi-role capabilities, especially anti-submarine. The frigates' propulsion system consisted of a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) configuration, allowing for high speed and extended operational range. Their accommodation was designed to house a complement of 198 naval personnel and 17 aircrew.
The control systems onboard were in-house Canadian developments, including the Shipboard Integrated Communications System (SHINCOM), the Shipboard Integrated Machinery Control (SHINMACS), and the Shipboard Integrated Integrated Processing and Display System (SHINPADS). Some of these systems were considered revolutionary at the time and were later adopted by other navies.
Armament on the Halifax-class frigates included the CH-124 Sea King helicopter and the Mark 46 torpedo for anti-submarine warfare. Surface-to-surface missiles like the RGM-84 Harpoon and the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile provided anti-ship and anti-aircraft capabilities, complemented by a Phalanx CIWS and a primary gun in the form of a 57 mm Bofors cannon.
Sensor equipment and countermeasures on board comprised advanced detection systems, radars, and sonar arrays to identify and track various targets and threats. Electronic warfare systems were included to safeguard the frigates from missile attacks using decoys and jamming technology.
The Halifax-class modernization saw updates to control systems, weaponry, propulsion, sensors, and countermeasures. CMS330 became the new combat management system, and substantial ECM and radar systems were installed. The evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and Bofors 57 mm Mk 3 guns were among the upgraded armaments. Improvements also occurred in satellite communication capabilities, with the inclusion of the NMT system and the Maritime Satellite Communications Upgrade.
Technical specifications
| Halifax | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4750 tons |
| Range | 17000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 225 members |
| Width | 16.4 m (53.8 ft) |
| Length | 134.1 m (440.0 ft) |
| Air Park | 1 × CH-148 Cyclone helicopter |
| Propulsion | 2 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines with a power of 46,000 hp - 2 propellers |
| Thrust | 3400 hp |
| Armament | 8 UGM-84 (IV 2) + 2 Sea Sparrow (32 missiles) + 1 57mm SAK Mk.2 Bofors gun + 1 CIWS Mk.15 Phalanx + 6 12.7mm machine guns + 4 T/ASM Mk.32 + 1 Sea King helicopter |
| Maximum speed | 30 knots |