SAS Transvaal

SAS Transvaal was a frigate of the South African Navy (SAN). It was one of three President-class frigates built in the United Kingdom for the SAN during the 1960s. The ship was named after the Transvaal Province, one of the four provinces of South Africa from 1910 to 1994.

History

The SAS Transvaal was laid down by Alexander Stephen and Sons in Glasgow, Scotland, on 1 June 1962. The ship was launched on 20 June 1963 and commissioned into the SAN on 16 April 1964. The ship was initially based at Simon's Town Naval Base, the main base of the SAN.

During its service, the SAS Transvaal participated in several naval exercises and operations. It was also involved in a number of goodwill visits to foreign ports, promoting South Africa's naval capabilities and fostering international relations.

In the late 1980s, the SAS Transvaal underwent a major refit, which included the installation of new weapons systems and sensors. The ship was decommissioned in 1991, after 27 years of service.

Design and description

The SAS Transvaal was 113.4 meters long, had a beam of 12.5 meters, and a draught of 5.8 meters. The ship displaced 2,400 tons at full load. It was powered by two steam turbines, which drove two propeller shafts, and could reach a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).

The ship was armed with a variety of weapons, including four 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval guns, two 40 mm Bofors guns, and two triple torpedo tubes for Mark 44 torpedoes. It also had a flight deck and hangar for a Westland Wasp helicopter.

Legacy

The SAS Transvaal played a significant role in the development of the SAN during the Cold War. It helped to establish the SAN as a modern, professional navy, capable of defending South Africa's maritime interests.

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