Talk:Whitby-class frigate

Destroyer comparison

" The hull showed the fine lines more typical of a destroyer, but had a raised forecastle with considerable flare. "

This kind of comparison is seen repeated for many different warships and fighting vessels of the Royal Navy, even where form factor and proportions do not bear it out. Notably, the old Fairmile 'B' MLs were formerly described in their article as having the lines of a destroyer, although this was not the designer's inspiration, goal or achievement and they were of very low length to beam ratio.

Here, the Whitbys are compared in the same way. However, with a length 30 feet greater than the Salisburys, a beam 1 ft greater and draught commensurate, they are in reality stretched by about 7-8% in form factor with a new bow cross-sectional profile. The 'vee-shaped' bow is the key distinctive feature of the class and the one noteworthy aspect mentioned by Conways in particular. Almost continuous planar, inward-sloping sides from the stem to the end of forecastle.

To compare with destroyers:

C class: 362ft 6in x 35ft 9in x 10ft

Daring class: 390ft x 43ft x 12ft 9in

Whitby class: 370ft x 41ft x 17ft

The frigate is notably stouter and deeper in form.

Perhaps we can allude to the finer lines of the Whitby compared to the Salisbury and their unique new bow form without having to make dubious claims of being 'like a destroyer' in form or proportion? ~2026-16898-98 (talk) 22:32, 17 March 2026 (UTC)