Santa María class
Spanish Oliver Hazard Perry class variant
Overview
Santa Maria class frigate
Spanish Santa Maria class frigate during an exercise in 2004.
Source: US Navy -
© Public domain
Spain
1990 - 1994 (2 ships)
Description
Introduction
The Santa María class is a class of frigates of Spanish origin. This class of six ships is a derivative of the American Oliver Hazard Perry, but built in modified form is Spain. These ships replaced the Baleares class, a Spanish variant of the US Knox class.
Design
The Santa María is modified variant of the American Oliver Hazard Perry class. It is a bit wider and both sensors and weapon suite are different some areas. One of the two hangars has been repurposed. Still two helicopters can be accommodated, but one of those cannot be stored inside. The Santa María class is a multipurpose design with medium range air defense, anti-surface armament and anti-submarine armament, which includes the helicopters.
Firepower
The main armament is a Mk 13 single arm launcher for both SM-1MR medium range surface to air missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The SM-1MR can be used against a single target at a time, with either one or two missiles fired per target. The 76mm Compact naval gun is mounted amidships, since both bow and stern are
Sensors
The Santa María is fitted with a 2D air search radar and one fire control radar for the Standard missiles. This is supplemented with a surface search radar. The sonar suite consists of both a bow mounted sonar and a towed array.
Mobility
The Santa María class uses gas turbine propulsion. Two LM2500 gas turbines are fitted, powering a single shaft with variable pitch propeller. Maximum speed is 29 knots.
Users
The Santa María class is used only by Spain. Six ships were built between 1984 and 1994. All of which remain in service by 2020.
Media
Santa Maria class frigate
Side view of a Spanish Santa Maria class frigate.
Source: Bene Riobo
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Santa Maria class frigate
Frontal view of a Spanish Santa Maria class frigate during an exercise in 2005.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
Details
Subcomponents
Mark 13 GMLS
1x Mk 13 single arm launcher for SM-1MR Block VIB. Magazine holds 40 weapons: 32 SM-1MR plus 8 RGM-84 Harpoon.
RIM-66 Standard SM-1MR
Medium range RIM-66 Standard SM-1MR surface to air missiles can be launched from the Mark 13 GMLS.
RGM-84 Harpoon
RGM-84L Harpoon Block 2. Launched by Mk 13 Mod 4 single arm launcher. Magazine holds 40 missiles, including 8 Harpoon.
Browning M2HB
2x 12.7mm M2HB heavy machinegun fitted for self-defense.
SH-60 Seahawk
Facilities 2 medium size helicopters, of which only one can be stored inside the hangar.