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A basic but useful description:

https://www.naval-technology.com/featur ... ifference/

An interesting discussion but I don't think it answers the question. Or maybe it does.

By using the Zumwalt as a comparator, I think it skews the discussion. At 16000 tons it has 60% more displacement than a Ticonderoga class CG (or almost any other cruiser in history), and with its limited run (3 ships) it seems more of a technology test-bed/demonstrator than an a class of ship integrated into the fleet. Similar to CGN-9 Long Beach.

Using the Arleigh Burk as a comparator seems more logical, and they are almost as large as the Ticos.

I also think the distinction needs a time-stamp. Today with miniaturization Frigates are much more capable than they were in the 1990's and exponentially more capable than their forefathers in the 1960s.

I believe the nub of it is function. DD= General purpose, all round capability. FF= specific purpose with limited capability in other roles.

Just my $0.02CAD

B

Interesting article, thanks for sharing.

In my opinion, trying to find useful Frigate / Destroyer descriptions is pointless because every navy builds and uses ships differently. For instance, Japan's "destroyers" are single-purpose ASW ships, while India's "frigates" are fast multi-role ships. And that doesn't even get into the problem of ships that have been reclassified (e.g. Ticonderoga-class DDG) or are called different things in different languages (e.g. Horizon-class "frigates" with "D" hull numbers).

I think the only really viable classification method would be based on combat systems, much like how the old DD/CL/CA/BB designations were based on main gun size. However, given all the possible permutations, I have yet to figure out a way of doing so that is both accurate and succinct. So I tend to default to 75-100 meters overall length = corvette, 100-150m = frigate, 150-200m = destroyer, >200m = cruiser.

Destroyers in general are general purpose can do multiple functions with a heavy enough loadout to be self sustaining for an extended period of time. generally 6-8k displacement.

Frigates are in general more specialized some loaded out for ASW some for short range aaw some for Asuw/scouting or radar pickets. You can also in some navies have general purpose frigates (OH Perry was an example)but usually not enough weapons for sustained operations. Usual displacement 4-6k