The Tribal class had a standard displacement of 2,300 tons and measured 360ft in length, 45.2ft in beam and 17.5ft in draught. Their complement numbered 13 officers and 240 ratings and included a Royal Marines detachment. For anti aircraft operations they were armed with two single 4.5 inch guns (one forward, one aft) which had been removed from scrapped C Class Destroyers, and two quadruple Seacat Surface-to-Air (SAM) missile launchers. However only one vessel, Zulu, was actually completed with Seacat, so the other six vessels were completed with two 40mm Bofor guns and were fitted with Seacat during refits. They were also later fitted with 20mm Orelikon guns for patrol and guardship operations. Anti-submarine weaponry consisted of a single three barrelled Limbo mortar and the Westland Wasp Helicopter: the Tribal Class were also the first Royal Navy frigates built to operate a helicopter. A small flight deck was positioned between the mortar and the aft 4.5 inch gun and served as the roof of a small hanger. The Tribal Class were designed with self contained service in the Far East, West Indies and Persian Gulf in mind and accordingly were fitted with air conditioned accommodation, cafeteria messing and all bunk sleeping.

Here's a blow-up of HMS Zulu, showing the Wasp more clearly on its pad. We believe this Wasp to be 442

Many thanks to Billy Swan for the use of his picture.