MBT HrMs guided-missile frigates "de Ruyter" F806 (1976), "Tromp" F801 (1975) - Construction plan Scale 1 : 500 (10.11.053)

Class overview

The Tromp class consisted of two large guided-missile frigates (1975–76), built by KM De Schelde in Vlissingen. Designed as fleet flagships and territorial air defenders with 3D radar decoys and Tomahawk/Mk 13 launchers

General characteristics (identical for both):

Displacement: approx. 3,665 t standard / 4,300–4,400 t full

Dimensions: ~133 m × 14.8 m; draught approx. 4.6 m (hull), max 6.6 m

Propulsion: COGOG — 2× Rolls-Royce Olympus (54,000 hp) + 2× Tyne (8,200 hp); max 28–30 knots, cruising 18 knots

Range: 5,000 nmi @ 18 knots

Crew: approx. 305–306, including staff capacity (flagship)

Armament & sensors

Air defence:

Mk 13 launcher for 40 × Tartar/Standard-SM-1MR SAM

Mk 29 Sea Sparrow (8-cell) with 16 missiles

30 mm Goalie (Goalkeeper CIWS, added later to F806 in 1991)

Anti-ship warfare:

8 Harpoon SSMs (Mk 141 quad launchers)

2×120 mm Bofors twin turrets (reused from HNLMS Gelderland)

Anti-submarine defence:

2× Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes (Mk 46-mod5 torpedoes)

Sonars: CWE-610 / Type 162 (later replaced by PHS-36)

Radar & EW:

AN/SPS-01 3D search radar under large dome (“Kojak”)

WM-25 & SPG-51C fire control radars

ECM: Ramses, SRBOC, Nixie decoys

HMS Tromp F801

Keel laid: 4 August 1971, launched: 3 June 1973, commissioned: 3 October 1975, decommissioned: 1999

Service record: various NATO operations, flagship cruises, incidents (fire, visit to New York, service for King Willem-Alexander)

In its final year, served as a test platform for SMART-L radar prior to transition to the De Zeven Provinciën class

HMS De Ruyter F806

Keel laid: 22 Dec 1971, launched: 9 Mar 1974, commissioned: 3 Jun 1976, decommissioned: 2001

Flagship, long-range deployments (such as the 1986 tour of Asia), deployed with STANAVFORMED during the Yugoslav War

Bridge and radome preserved at the Naval Museum in Den Helder

Evaluation & Historical role

The Tromp class was unique to the Royal Netherlands Navy: heavy air defence combined with staff capacity. Thanks to a seagoing hull (keel stabilisers) and 3D radar, they were able to operate as a regional command platform. Despite strong air defence, ASW capabilities were limited (Lynx helicopter but no hangar deck). Succeeded by the advanced De Zeven Provinciën class in early 2000.

Specifications: