Sinking a modern frigate

The USS Thach, a retired Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate was retired and towed out in the Pacific to be sunk by US and allied navies from Korea and Australia. It was hit with at least four Harpoon missiles, a number of Hellfires, and a Maverick missile from airplanes and choppers, then a 2000 lb lazer guided Paveway bomb, then a 500 lb bomb followed by a sub launched Mk48 torpedo.

After all that, it took twelve hours to sink!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzn5L-82GdE



Link to article: http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a21887/us-navy-allies-frigate-fire-exercise/

 

I saw that! They built that one to last.

 

I don't know a thing about naval engineering, but it looks very much like they are using the same principle as modern automobiles. The impact crushes in the skin without much of a breach, as opposed to older cars (and vessels) where the tougher frame gives way and creates more extensive internal and external damage. It's particularly remarkable on that torpedo impact on the port front quarter of the vessel. That's a tremendous blast, but I don't think it would have disabled the vessel - though it would surely have withdrawn after a hit like that.

 

I don't think I'd want to be on that ship though...it may withstand a beating, but I can't imagine the crew would have survived!

 

No, an actual vessel would have flamed up or exploded from the fuel and ordnance onboard. Still, it's an impressive testament to modern naval engineering.

 

Served on a different ship of the Perry class. USS R.M. Davis. FFG 60

That torp hit on the front quarter just flooded the missile magazine if it didn't set them off.

The weak armor is intentional for survivability both for the crumple effect and a different reason. The largest danger is from missiles. A modern missile will penetrate just about any practical armor. However the question is what happens to the missile and it's payload and fuel. If you have strong armor the missile as it explodes and breaks up will hit the other side of the ship and remain inside causing severe problems and fires. With weak armor it will likely rip through the other side as well. Leaving devastation but but not leaking rocket fuel into the ships interior and continuing to spread fires.