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You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Thread starter TinWing Start date 12 November Joined 3 January Messages 1, Reaction score We start with the FL class, circa , which was intended as a direct replacement for the Cdt.
An initial batch of 3 was proposed with a very complete sonar and radar fit. Oddly, the hangar and flight deck are sized for a Super Puma helicopter, despite the fact that the MN has never procured the type. Plans were announced for 10 "frigates" built to mercantile standard, a requirement which later would be scaled back to the current 6 Floreal class units.
Oddly enough, the early specifications indicated that the Floreal class ships would be fitted with active search hull sonars. At roughly the same time, a requirement remained for a more capable type to be built in two batches of 3, the FL, or "Fregate Leger," which became the current 5 unit LaFayette class. Again, a full radar and sonar fit was initially anticipated, similar to later Kang Ding units for Taiwan. It is unclear at what point the Jupiter radar and sonar were dropped, but it has always been clear that the original intention was to fit an Arabel radar above the bridge on the deferred and effectively canceled, even as an upgrade SAAM armed variant for the MN.
The design went through a number of iterations, with length increasing from meters to , and finally to an eventual meters for the initial French and Taiwanese variants. Any additional information as to the evolution of the Fl class is eagerly sought.
