OVERVIEW: The HERCULES class (Type 42 Batch 1) is a COGOG-powered guided missile destroyer (DDG).

DETAILS:    The HERCULES class is an exported Type 42 Batch 1 DDG. As built, it was identical to the initial Type 42 units commissioned by the Royal Navy. The Argentine Navy upgraded the warship by enhancing her offensive capabilities with MM-38 Exocet missiles.  The Type 42 was designed to provide area air defense  for a task force. The class used a combined gas or gas  (COGOG) to power its two shafts. In this system, a high efficiency, low  output turbine is used for cruising speeds with a high output turbine being used for high-speed operations. 

Specifications: 

       Displacement:  3,150 tons (standard);  4,100 (full load)
       Speed: 30 knts
       Engineering: 2 shaft, 4 gas turbines (2 for full power, 2 for cruise)
       Range: 4,000 nm @ 18 knts
       Complement: 270 
       In Commission: 1976-to date
       Completed: 2

NOTES: Units in class: HERCULES (D1, ex-28); SANTISIMA TRINADAD (D2).  Six units were also operated by the Royal Navy. Initially  
conceived as a lighter and cheaper alternative to the Type 82, while maintaining much of the Type 82's capabilities. In 2000, the  
HERCULES was modified to allow the embarking 238 marines, giving it an amphibious capability. The SANTISIMA TRINADAD was taken  
out of service in 1989 and used for spare parts for the HERCULES.


SOURCES: Moore, John Evelyn. Jane's Fighting Ships 1987-88.  London: Jane's Pub, 1987, pg. 13, 662 ;  "Type 42 Destroyer." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Accessed May 17, 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_42_destroyer ; "ARA Hércules (B-52)." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Accessed May 17, 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARA_H%C3%A9rcules_(B-52).