| Article number: | 10.11.094 |
Type: Frigate(originally a sloop)
Class: Modified Black Swan-class
Hull number: F138 (formerly U40)
Builder: John I. Thornycroft & Company, Woolston
Keel laid: 1942
Launched: 2 April 1943
Commissioned: 1944
Decommissioned: mid-1950s
Second World War:
HMS Rapid was built as a modified Black Swan-class sloop, designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and convoy escort duties. She saw action in the final phase of the Second World War, primarily during escort and patrol missions.
Post-war conversion and reclassification:
After the war, many sloops of this type were reclassified as frigates as part of the Royal Navy’s restructuring. During this process, Rapid was given the new hull number F138 (previously U40 when she was still classified as a sloop).
Cold War period:
In the early 1950s, Rapid served during the early stages of the Cold War, primarily for training and patrols — typical duties for the smaller frigates of her class.
Decommissioning and end of service:
She was decommissioned in the mid-1950s and placed in reserve, and was later scrapped.
| Specifications | Data |
|---|---|
| Displacement | approx. 1,350 tonnes (standard), approx. 1,880 tonnes (fully loaded) |
| Length | 91 metres (299 ft) |
| Beam | 11.7 metres (38 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 3.4 metres (11 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 × Admiralty 3-drum boilers, Parsons geared turbines, 2 propellers, 4,300 shp |
| Speed | 19.75 knots |
| Crew | approx. 180 officers and crew |
| Armament (WWII) | 6 × 4-inch guns (3 twin mounts), anti-aircraft guns, depth charges |
| Armament (post-war) | Modified anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons, Hedgehog projector |
The designation A/S Frigate (Anti-Submarine Frigate) refers to her primary role after the war.
The Black Swan-class ships were renowned for their excellent seaworthiness and endurance — ideal for long-term patrols during the Cold War.
HMS Rapid was one of several gunboats that were reclassified as frigates (other examples include HMS Amethyst, Starling and Wild Goose).
Specifications:
|
Drawing number |
10.11.094 |
|
Description |
Type 15 Fast A/S Frigate HMS "Rapid" F138 (1953); ex R-class destroyer HMS "Rapid" H32 (1940/45) |
|
Quality |
number of cross-sections; side view; deck plan; layout plan; detail drawing of lower quality; English text |
|
Scale |
1:192 |
|
Number of sheets A00 |
0 |
|
Number of A0 sheets |
0 |
|
Number of A1 sheets |
0 |
|
Number of A2 sheets |
2 |
|
Number of A3 sheets |
0 |
|
Number of A4 sheets |
0 |
|
Total number of drawing sheets |
2 |
|
Number of A4 text pages |
0 |
|
Weight in grams |
65 |
|
Details |
length 58 cm |
|
Comments |
Artek 034 |