Knox class
Overview
Knox class
Knox class being replenished by CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter.
Source: US Navy (unknown photographer) -
© public domain
United States - Lockheed Shipbuilding
United States - Todd Shipyard
Damyat class (Egyptian service)
Ignacio Allende class (Mexican service)
Baleares class (Spanish production)
Chi Yang class (Taiwanese service)
Phutthayotfa Chulalok class (Thai service)
Muavenet class (Turkish service)
Description
Introduction
The Knox class is an early Cold War era frigate of US origin. It was developed in the 1960's the serve alongside older post WW2 era destroyers as an anti-submarine escort. At first it was designated a destroyer escort, but was later re-designated as a frigate.
Design
The design is based on the older Garcia class ASW frigate. The Knox has a classic Cold War frigate layout with cannon and ASROC launcher on the bow. The superstructure with funnel doubling as sensor mast is located in the middle. Helicopter deck and hanger are at the rear. The Knox was the last US destroyer design with steam powerplant.
Firepower
The Knox class is fitted with a single 127mm dual purpose Mk 42 cannon. The main armament is the 8-round Mk 16 ASROC launcher for ASROC anti-submarine and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Additional ASW capability exists in the form of two twin launchers for Mk 44 and Mk 46 torpedoes. Short range air defense is provided by RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, which were later replaced by a Phalanx CIWS. The helicopter deck allows for a single SH-2 Seasprite ASW helicopter.
Sensors
The sensor package consists of a AN/SPS-10 and AN/SPS-67 surface search radars and an AN/SPS-40 2D air search radar. For ASW duties the Knox relies on an AN/SQS-26 bow mounted low frequency active/passive sonar, an AN/SQR-18 towed array sonar and SH-2 Seasprite helicopter. Fire control is carried out by the AN/SPG-53 gun fire control system.
Mobility
The propulsion system consist of one Westinghouse steam turbine fed by two two Babcock & Wilcox boilers. The total power production is 35.000 shp which powers a single shaft. The maximum speed is over 27 knots.
Users
The Knox class was produced in large quantities with the main user being the United States. Five modified Baleares class ships were built in Spain. Many Knox class frigates ended up in foreign navies as the Knox class was replaced by the Oliver Hazard Perry in US service.
Media
Knox class
Left side view of US Knox class ASW frigate with Sparrow missiles.
Source: US Navy (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
Knox class
Knox class ASW frigate with Phalanx CIWS.
Source: US Navy (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
Knox class
Top view of a Knox class ASW frigate with Phalanx CIWS.
Source: US Navy (PH2 Mark Correa)
Copyright: public domain
Knox class
Knox class ASW frigate entering San Fransisco harbour.
Source: US Navy (PH3 Curt Fargo)
Copyright: public domain
Knox class
Four knox class ASW frigates plus destroyer on far right.
Source: US Navy (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
Details
Related articles
Baleares class
The Baleares class is a batch of 5 Knox class frigates produced under license in Spain. This class differs in having the Sea Sparrow system replaced by Standard SM-1MR missiles and associated targeting equipment. Additionally the lightweight Mk 46 torpedoes are replaced with Mk 37 heavyweight torpedoes.