The design emphasised simplicity and economy but had an unusual machinery layout with a gas turbine and a diesel driving two propellers via a gearbox in aCODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) arrangement.[1]
The ship's design served as the basis forHTMS Makut Rajakumarn built for theThai Navy by Yarrows.[2] KDRahmat was also the first ship in the region to be fitted with surface-to-air missile system. TheSea Cat surface-to-air missile system was removed during a 1982 refit and was replaced by an additional 40 mm (1.6 in) Bofors gun.[3]
Originally configured as ananti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate, the ship was also used as the navy's second training platform for commissioned officers and men after routine refit in 2000. To enhance its role as a training vessel and to provide more accommodation space for trainees, its weapons and sonar systems were removed during the refit. The ship was decommissioned in 2004 and handed over to thePerak government in 2008.
Rahmat was converted into a museum ship inLumut in 2011. In June 2017, the ship developed a leak and started listing to port. The ship was floated back into position within a few days. In February 2018, the ship sprang another leak and listed to starboard. This time, the ship was deemed irrecoverable and scrapped by Oberjaya Engineering.
Baker, A.D.The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World 1998–1999. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1998.ISBN1-55750-111-4.
Gardiner, Robert and Stephen Chumbley.Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995. Annapolis, Maryland USA: Naval Institute Press, 1995.ISBN1-55750-132-7.
Malaysia
