OVERVIEW: The Halifax-class FFH is a CODOG-powered, multi-role frigate, optimized for ASW.

DETAILS: The Halifax class is designed primarily as an anti-submarine warfare combatant, with a secondary role as a general-purpose warship.  The design incorporates stealth features, and the magnetic signature is minimized by a comprehensive degaussing system. 

Sensors include a 2-D SPS-49, and a medium-range Sea Giraffe 150 HC to track small objects including sea-skimming missiles.  ESM/ELINT capabilty is increased over the baseline ships by adding  the CA/ULR-501 Seasearch and an improved and extended range navigation radar with the CA/SPS-506[Type 1007] replacing the Sperry Mk.340

A low-frequency hull-mounted SQS-505 active sonar/passive sonar and SQR 501 CANTASS (Canadian Tactical Towed Array Sonar) towed array sonar, provides ASW search capability. ASW attack capability comes from 324 mm Mk 32 torpedo tubes for short-range, and one embarked CH-124A Sea King helicopter for long-range ASW. 

The  AAW VLS is located on either side of the superstructure with two banks of eight RIM-162C ESSM missile cells each.  The Halifax-class has an ASUW capability using up to eight Harpoon missiles.  Additionally, a Bofors 57 mm L70 Mk 2 gun provides a short-range AAW/ASUW capability.  



Specifications:
Displacement: 4,750 tonnes (full load)
Length: 135.5m
Beam: 16.4m
Draught: 4.94m
Propulsion: CODOG (combined diesel or gas turbine): 2xGE LM2500-30 gas turbines; 1xSEMT Pielstick 20PA6-V280 MPC
Complement: 195 (230)
Speed: 29kt
Range: 3,930 nm at 18 kt (turbine), 6,000 nm at 15 kt (diesel), 9,500 nm at 13 kt

NOTES: IOC:1990.  Units in class: (HMCS) HALIFAX (330); VANCOUVER (331); VILLE DE QUEBEC (332); TORONTO (333);  REGINA (334); CALGARY (335); MONTREAL (336); FREDERICTON (337);  WINNIPEG (338);  CHARLOTTETOWN (339) ; ST JOHN'S (340); OTTAWA (341)


SOURCES: Prezelin, Bernard. The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 1990-1991. US Naval Institute Press, 1990., pg. 54-5; Articles | CNTHA. Accessed April 30, 2022. https://www.cntha.ca/static/documents/mej/mej-82.pdf. ; "Frigates | Fleet & Units | Royal Canadian Navy." Royal Canadian Navy. Last modified December 20, 2021. https://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/frigates-home.page. ; "Halifax Class Frigates." Naval Technology. Last modified May 8, 2018. https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/halifax/. ; "HALIFAX Class." Haze Gray & Underway - Naval History and Photography. Accessed April 30, 2022. https://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/halifax/. ; National Defence. "Halifax-class Modernization/ Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX)." Canada.ca. Last modified November 29, 2016. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2016/11/halifax-class-modernization-frigate-life-extension-felex.html.