The Type 42 Destroyers form the backbone of the Royal Navy's anti-air capability. They are equipped with the Sea Dart medium range air defence missile system, which in its primary role is designed to provide area air defence to a group of ships, although it is also effective against surface targets at sea. In addition to their role as an air defence platform the Type 42 Destroyers operate independently carrying out patrol and boarding operations, recently enforcing UN embargoes in the Gulf and the Adriatic as well as providing humanitarian assistance in Monserrat and East Timor
The current HMS Edinburgh is a Batch III Type 42 destroyer built by Cammell Laird Shipbuilders at Birkenhead. Laid down in July 1980, she was launched by Mrs Anne Heseltine on 14 April 1983.
Displacing some 4,800 tons and 140 metres long, Edinburgh is complemented for 26 Officers and 260 Ratings.
She is powered by two Tyne gas turbines for cruising and two Olympus gas turbines which give a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots.
A comprehensive radar and sonar suite inputs into the ship's computer system to allow an effective use of her weapons; Sea Dart anti-air or anti-surface missile system, a single 4.5 inch automatic gun, and 20mm guns for close range defence and policing roles. Also available is a multi-role Lynx helicopter capable of deploying missiles and torpedoes. Modern electronic warfare and communications equipment along with data links to exchange computer information with other ships makes Edinburgh, along with her Batch III sisters York, Gloucester and Manchester one of the most capable surface ships in the Royal Navy today.
Seen departing after Rosyth refit
Seen here in her "home" port of Leith, Edinburgh
