For nearly four decades the Type 42 Destroyer has been the mainstay of the Navy’s defence against air attack. Their Sea Dart missiles can down enemy aircraft and missiles – and have done so in the Falklands and Gulf Wars. Now in the twilight of their lives, the Type 42s have been the workhorses of the Fleet since the early 1970s. They carry out patrol and boarding operations, enforce United Nations embargoes and provide humanitarian aid. The remaining Type 42 destroyers – all named after UK cities – will work on for a few more years until the new Type 45 Destroyers replace them.
Type 42 Destroyers
- Complement
287Personnel
- Beam
15.2metres
- Displacement
5,200Tonnes
- Draught
5.8metres
- Length
141metres
- Range (Nautical)
4,000miles
- Top Speed
30knots
Vessels in Action
HMS Edinburgh
HMS Edinburgh – known as the ‘Fortress of the Sea’ – is the nation’s penultimate – and largest – Type 42 Destroyer. Following her upkeep in 2010, Edinburgh left UK waters as a fully trained unit ready for her role providing reassurance and protection to the Falkland Islands. After completing a successful six month deployment, the Ship’s Company enjoyed Christmas in the UK. She will prepare to re-deploy on operations towards the end of 2012.
LATEST NEWS
TOP STORIES
Weekend Proved Busy for Royal Navy Rescue Operations
22 May 2012As well as providing more than 600 personnel to parade...
Sailors cheered in London as MPs thank them for their deeds in Libya
25 April 2012Four dozen sailors joined their RAF and Army comrades on...
A last hurrah for Sea Dart as the missile roars off Scotland
20 April 2012For probably the last time in its 40-year history the...
Fire and fury as 847 Squadron join HMS York for gunnery training
17 April 2012Lynx of the Commando Helicopter Force spent a week unleashing...
Current jobs
Aircraft Controller
As an Aircraft Controller, you’ll be the critical link between the aircraft and its base, whether that’s a ship at sea or Royal Naval Air Station on land. You’re involved in the mission at every stage, from getting the aircraft...
More info
Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)
As an Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering on a warship, you’ll be part of the team responsible for keeping the ship running smoothly, safely and effectively. You’ll be working on everything from the ship’s hull and engines to its electrical,...
More info
Engineering Technician (Weapons Engineering)
As an Engineering Technician – Weapon Engineering, it’ll be your job to protect your ship and your crewmates from any kind of attack. You’ll be part of a team maintaining and operating the ship’s complex communications, detection and weapon systems,...
More info
Find the perfect role
Our job finder tool will help you find the perfect role to match your skills
