Description:
The Maestrale class frigates were designed to perform primarily anti-surface warfare missions and anti-air and anti-submarine warfare as secondary roles. The Italian Navy ordered 8 frigates of this class with the lead ship commissioned in 1982. Basically, the Maestrale frigate evolved from Lupo frigate design featuring increased displacement and larger aft flight deck and hangar.
The propulsion system combines diesel and gas engines (CODOG) enabling the entire ship to reach a maximum speed of 35 knots. The weapon system consists of two AB-212 helicopters (UH-1 model), 8 Otomat anti-ship missiles (4 Teseo missile systems), 1 Albatros with 8 Aspide missiles + 16 Aspides on storage, one 127mm naval gun, two 40mm anti-air guns, and A184 torpedoes.
According to Italian Navy plans, the Maestrale-class frigates will commence to withdraw from active service in 2010.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 225
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 127 mm
Number of Weapons: 32
Dimensions: Length 122 m, Width 12.9 m
Weights: Max Weight 3,040 t
Performance: Min Range 11,200 km (6,048 nm), Top Speed 17 mps (33 kt)
Power: Power 50,000 shp
Operators
Italy / 8
Ships
F570 Maestrale
Commissioning: 1982
F571 Grecale
Commissioning: 1983
F572 Libeccio
Commissioning: 1983
F573 Scirocco
Commissioning: 1983
F574 Aliseo
Commissioning: 1983
F575 Euro
Commissioning: 1984
F576 Espero
Commissioning: 1985
F577 Zeffiro
Commissioning: 1985
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Italy / 8 
