Effects of Length on Frigate and Destroyer Performance and Cost

The major effects of hull length on frigate and destroyer performance and cost are examined by comparing design candidates with common design requirements, but with different lengths. Three hull forms are considered; one is representative of contemporary NATO practice, one is relatively long, and one is relatively short. In some cases, the long hull form provides the least expensive design solution, as it can satisfy common design requirements with lower installed propulsion power. When comparing ships with the same propulsion system, the platform acquisition cost of the longer hull form is generally slightly higher than the contemporary and shorter hull forms (within 1 percent); however, in some cases both the long and contemporary hull forms have lower platform acquisition cost than the short one. Comparison of design candidates indicates that, even when the longer ship has higher platform acquisition cost, it has sufficient performance, arrangement and future cost advantages to justify the higher initial expense.