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Frigate
:
In naval terminology, a frigate is
a warship, generally a relatively small one. The term has been used
for warships of many sizes and roles, varying by era and country.
In the 18th century, the term referred to ships smaller and faster
than a ship-of-the-line and used less for fighting fleet actions
than for patrolling, escort, and, due to their ability to outrace
many enemy ships, messenger duty.
In modern navies, frigates are used to protect other warships and
merchant-marine ships, especially as anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment
groups, and merchant convoys. But ship classes dubbed "frigates"
have also more closely resembled corvettes, destroyers, cruisers
and even battleships.
The age of sail :
The term "frigate" originated
in the Mediterranean in the 15th century, referring to a galleass-type
ship with oars, sails and a light armament.
By the 17th century, the phrase was used in England to describe
a type of small, long, warship with small armament and a large crew
used by Dunkirk Privateers for short-range raiding in the English
Channel. The terms was soon adopted for any relatively fast and
lightly built warships, the first in British service being the Constant
Warwick of 1645.
Because the British navy required greater endurance than the Dunkirk
frigates could provide, the term 'frigate' was soon applied less
exclusively to any relatively fast and elegant ship. Even the mighty
Sovereign of the Seas was described as 'a delicate frigate' after
modifications to her in 1651.
The fleets built by the Commonwealth in the 1650s generally consisted
of ships described as 'frigates', the largest of which were two-decker
'great frigates' of the third rate. Carrying 60 guns, these vessels
were as big and capable as 'great ships' of the time; however, most
other frigates at the time were used as 'cruisers'; independent
fast ships. The term 'frigate' implied a long hull design, which
in turn helped the development of the broadside tactic in naval
warfare.
In French, the term 'frigate' became a verb, meaning 'to build long
and low', and an adjective, adding further confusion.
According to the rating system of the Royal Navy, laid down in the
1660s, frigates were usually of the fifth rate, though small 28-gun
frigates were classed as sixth rate.
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