A lot of rot has been written about these ships, based largely on the fact that two of the type were sunk during the conflict and the exaggerated weaknesses of the aluminium superstructure . Type 21s were popular with their ships' companies though considered 'lively' sea keepers by some. Without a doubt they looked sleek and warlike but with Lynx helicopter fitted for both anti-submarine and anti-surface roles, 4.5inch gun and Exocet they packed a considerable punch. As with most general purpose frigates their vulnerability was to fast-jet attack: the Seacat missile system with which most GP frigates were equipped 1982 belonged to another era and offered little threat to modern attacking jets. With four gas turbine engines the ships were fast, mobile and nimble. Compared with other ships of a similar displacement, the crew numbers were small.

ALACRITY was a proud member of the 4th Frigate Squadron (the 21 Club - a squadron of eight Type 21s). Seven of the eight were engaged in the conflict. Serving personnel would often be 'typed' and spend much of their sea-time within ships of the squadron and so a comrardery developed between the ships that was not to be found so readily elsewhere in the Royal Navy.

With minor differences in weapons and sensors the Type 21s were identical.

Details

Weapons systems

Some ships were equiped with anti-submarine torpedo launchers

Electronics