http://www.britainatwar.com^63IMAGE
of WAR
‘WHALE’ HUNTING
Somewhere in the Atlantic, c. January 2008
Today, primary anti-ship capability nominally comes from guided missiles, and Britain’s
Type 23 frigates are no exception, being armed with the US-developed Harpoon as
demonstrated here by Iron Duke. The sea-skimming ship-killer was originally developed
to attack submarines – nicknamed ‘whales’ – on the surface. It is capable of Mach 0.71
and has a range of 70 miles. The decision to retire Harpoon from the Royal Navy met
criticism but following reprieve it is projected to stay until 2020. Full replacement
is not expected until 2030, but RN Wildcat helicopters are slated to have Sea
Venom and Martlet missile capability by 2020. Iron Duke was commissioned
in 1993 and has seized several consignments of narcotics in the
Caribbean. She supported operations off Libya in 2011, engaging
targets near Misrata and illuminating others for further strikes.
(CROWN COPYRIGHT)