World Encyclopedia of Destroyers, Frigates and Submarines

This expertly researched volume is divided into two parts, the first half focussing on the history of destroyers and frigates, and the second of the submarine. Each section has a history and chronological directory featuring the major vessels of that era. The opening section charts the development of the destroyer from its origin as a fragile torpedo boat through to the classic torpedo-armed fleet destroyer. This section also explores the evolution of the frigate, from the modified whaling ships of the 1940s, designed as a direct response to the threat posed by the submarine, through to the helicopter-deploying, anti-submarine vessels that are familiar today. The second half of the book features a detailed history of the submarine and chronicles a century of submarine development, a period that saw global production for two World Wars and, latterly, the threat posed by the Cold War arms race. The section concludes with an overview of modern nuclear-powered vessels, which are capable of circumnavigating the world 40 times without having to refuel, and which may carry in a single boat more explosive power than all the bombs dropped during World War II. The country-by-country directories cover the key chronological stages of the destroyer, the frigate and the submarine. All include full technical information for every vessel with details of key specifications such as origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement. Illustrated with over 1300 historical and modern photographs showing naval vessels in action, this authoritative volume provides both enthusiasts and historians with key, up-to-date information about the world’s destroyers, frigates and submarines, and is an essential reference for everyone interested in naval history.