Active-class frigate

HMS Astraea captures the Gloire, a print by Thomas Whitcombe
Class overview
Builders
OperatorsUnited Kingdom
Preceded byAmazon class
Succeeded byHermione class
Built1780–1784
In commission1780–1830
Planned8
Completed8
Lost3
Scrapped5
General characteristics
Type32-gun fifth-rate frigate
Tons burthen6892994 (bm)
Length
  • 126 ft 6+12 in (38.6 m) (overall)
  • 104 ft 7+12 in (31.9 m) (keel)
Beam35 ft 2+14 in (10.7 m)
Draught8 ft (2.4 m)
Depth of hold12 ft 1+12 in (3.7 m)
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Complement220
Armament
  • Upper deck: 26 × 12-pounder guns
  • QD: 4 × 6-pounder guns + 4 × 18-pounder carronades
  • Fc: 2 × 6-pounder guns + 2 × 18-pounder carronades

The Active-class frigate was a 32-gun fifth-rate frigate class of eight ships designed by Edward Hunt to replace the Amazon class design, which they resembled with a distinct midsection. Due to poor performance of the Active class, orders continued for the Amazon class.