British Guided Missile Destroyers

The ships that fought on the frontline of the Falklands War, Britain's guided missile destroyers, are the only modern types ever to have been tested in real combat. In the years after World War II, new guided missile technology offered surface ships the chance to destroy airborne threats from afar, thereby preserving their role in naval warfare. This book examines the technology and combat performance of Britain's guided missile destroyers over half a century. Three of these classes have been tested in battle against the aircraft and missiles of another modern navy - in the Falklands War - as well as being deployed during the Gulf War. Written by an expert on British naval technology, this book assess the changing technology of the Royal Navy's destroyers over half a century, including an examination of the Royal Navy's newest and most capable warship, the Type 45.

Dr Edward Hampshire is a historian at the Naval Historical Branch of the Ministry of Defence. He has lectured at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and worked for ten years at the United Kingdom National Archives. Dr Hampshire wrote his doctoral thesis on British naval technology of the 1960s. Paul Wright has painted ships of all kinds for most of his career, specializing in steel and steam warships from the late 19th century to the present day. He is a Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists and has illustrated the works of Patrick O'Brian, Dudley Pope and C.S. Forester amongst others.

Introduction: the maritime air threat and the defensive missile The County-class destroyers The Type 82 destroyer: HMS Bristol The Type 42: Sheffield-class destroyers The Type 45: Daring-class destroyers Operational Service Conclusion Bibliography Index