Makut Rajakumarn HTMS (Frigate) 1973

[Arturo]

Makut Rajakumarn is an impressive looking ship, a frigate operated by Royal Thai Navy. She was built by Yarrow & Co., Ltd., Shipbuilders, Scotstown, Glasgow. She was laid down 11 Jan 1970, launched 18 Nov 1971 and commissioned 07 May 1973.

Displacement 1,650 tons std., 1,900 tons full load; dimensions 320' x 36', draft 18.1'; one Rolls-Royce gas turbine, 23,125 shp, an done Crossley-Pielstick 12PC2V diesel, 6,000 bhp, two screws, speed 26 knots, 18 knots on diesel. Range 1,200 miles at 26 kts., 5,000 miles at 18 kts on diesel.

Her armament includes one SAM misilse launcher (1 quad Sea Cat), 2 x 4.5" and 2 x 40 mm Bofors guns, 1 triple barreled Limbo mortar. 1 DC rack, and 2 depth charge throwers. Complement 16 officers, 124 ratings. She is fitted as a flagship.

The design was based on the Malaysian frigate KD Rahmat, but is larger and has a second gun at the stern. The ship was refitted in 1985-88 following an engine room fire in 1984, with the Sea Cat missiles and Limbo anti submarine mortar removed and replaced by anti-submarine torpedo tubes and new radar and sonar.

She is serving as a training ship and hull number changed as FF 433.

Thailand, 1979.

Source: Various web sites.