OVERVIEW: The ROTHESAY/OTAGO class (Type 12M) is a steam-powered guided missile Frigate (FFG) primarily intended for ASW.

DETAILS:    The ROTHESAY/OTAGO class was originally designed as an ASW escort for fleet units.  

Specifications: 

       Displacement:  2,380 tons (standard);  2,800 (full load)
       Speed: 30 knts
       Engineering: 2 shaft, 2 steam turbines 
       Range: 4,500 nm @ 12 knts
       Complement: 203 
       In Commission: 1960-1983
       Completed: 2 (New Zealand); 3 (South Africa); 9 (Royal Navy) 

NOTES: Units in class: OTAGO (F111); TARANAKI (F148). A successful design, the Type 12M design was subsequently modified to create the LEANDER-class frigate.  


SOURCES: Moore, John Evelyn. Jane's Fighting Ships 1987-88.  London: Jane's Pub, 1987, pg. 380, 668 ;  "Rothesay-class Frigate." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Accessed May 18, 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rothesay-class_frigate ; http://www.leander-project.homecall.co.uk/Type%2012m.html.