TheSailing frigate classification system used during the 19th Century was a classification scheme used in several western countries. It was officially adopted by theUnited States Navy. The system classified sailing frigates according to their gun rating.
| Type | Maximum Gun Rating | Minimum Gun Rating | Gun Decks (Including main deck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class | 50[1] | 42[2] | 2[2] |
| Second Class | 36[2] | 28[2] | 1 or 2[2] |
| Third Class | 24[2] | 20[2] | 1[2] |
TheUnited States Navy used this classification system officially, beginning at least by 1825.[3] TheRoyal Institution of Naval Architects, an international organization of naval architects, also adopted the system, beginning in 1860.[1]
The United States adopted a new rating system during theAmerican Civil War, based on the thrown weight of broadsides.[4] By 1875, this system was replaced by a system ofsteam warship classification based on tonnage.[5]
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