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Duke vs Formidable

Overview

The Duke and the Formidable are both Frigate classes.

Displacement is 4,900 tons for the Duke vs 3,200 tons for the Formidable. The Duke reaches 28 knots vs 27 knots for the Formidable. Operational range is 7,500 nautical miles for the Duke vs 4,200 for the Formidable. The Duke carries a crew of 185 vs 71 for the Formidable.

The Duke was produced in 16 units vs 6 for the Formidable. The Duke was commissioned in 1987, 20 years before the Formidable (2007).

British frigate, 4,900 tons displacement, uses CODLAG propulsion.
Origin 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Frigate
Type Anti-submarine frigate
Manufacturer Yarrow Shipbuilders
Year introduced 1987
Number built 16 units
Estimated unit price $165 million
French frigate, introduced in 2007, reaches 27 knots using a CODAD propulsion system.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Frigate
Type Frigate
Manufacturer DCNS
Year introduced 2007
Number built 6 units
Estimated unit price NA
Displacement 4,900 tons
Maximum speed 28.0 knots
Range 7,500 nm at 15 knots
Length 133.0 m
Beam 16.1 m
Crew 185
Propulsion CODLAG: 4 × 1,510 kW (2,025 hp) Paxman Valenta 12CM diesel generators or 4 × 1,650 kW (2,210 shp) MTU 12V4000 M53 diesel generators; 2 × GEC electric motors delivering 2,980 kW (3,996 hp) each; 2 × Rolls-Royce Marine Spey SM1C delivering 19,500 kW (26,150 hp)
Armament
  • 1 × 32-cell Sea Ceptor GWS 35 VLS
  • 2 × quad Harpoon Block 1C (being replaced by Naval Strike Missile)
  • 2 × twin 12.75 in (324 mm) Sting Ray torpedo tubes
  • 1 × BAE 4.5 inch Mk 8 naval gun
  • 2 × 30 mm DS30M Mk2 guns or 2 × 30 mm DS30B guns
  • 2 × Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns
  • 4 × General-purpose machine guns
Displacement 3,200 tons
Maximum speed 27.0 knots
Range 4,200 nm
Length 114.8 m
Beam 16.3 m
Crew 71
Propulsion Combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) arrangement: 4 × MTU 20V 8000 M90, each rated at 9,100 kW (12,200 shp). Total output: 36,400 kW (48,800 shp)
Armament
  • 8 (Up to 24) × RGM-84C Harpoon SSMs (to be replaced by Blue Spear SSM)
  • 16-cell Sylver A50 VLS for MBDA Aster 15/30
  • 16-cell Sylver A43 VLS for MBDA Aster 15
  • 2 × B515 triple tubes for EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes
  • 1x OTO Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun
  • 4 × STK 50MG 12.7 mm HMG
  • 2 × 25mm Mk 38 Mod2 Typhoon Weapon Station Stabilised Gun
  • Long-Range Acoustic Device 500 Xtreme (LRAD500X)

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Duke-class or Formidable-class?
The Duke-class has greater displacement at 4,900 tons compared to the Formidable-class's 3,200 tons.
Which is faster, the Duke-class or Formidable-class?
The Duke-class is faster with a maximum speed of 28 knots compared to the Formidable-class's 27 knots.
Which has longer range, the Duke-class or Formidable-class?
The Duke-class has a longer range at 7,500 nautical miles compared to the Formidable-class's 4,200 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Duke-class or Formidable-class?
The Duke-class is longer at 133.0 meters compared to the Formidable-class's 114.8 meters.
How many crew members do the Duke-class and Formidable-class have?
The Duke-class has a larger crew complement of 185 compared to the Formidable-class's 71 crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Duke-class or Formidable-class?
The Duke-class has been built in greater numbers with 16 vessels compared to 6 vessels of the Formidable-class.