The third Birmingham (D86) was a Type 42 destroyer in service from 1976 to 1999.
However, the Type 45 destroyer was designed to accommodate a total of 64-cells, while some reports suggest a total of 72-cells.
The only current use of the WR-21 is in the Type 45 destroyer.
The name Gloucester was re-used in 1982 for a Type 42 destroyer.
Early retirement of the three oldest Type 42 destroyers.
For example, Jinan was allocated to a Type 051 destroyer.
ED-1164 was installed on Type 051 destroyer for evaluation.
It shares some common design features with the Type 45 destroyer, which will be beneficial both to the ease of production and cost.
On board the Type 45 destroyer the missiles are launched from a 48 cell vertical launching system.
Coventry had been one of three Type 42 destroyers providing anti-aircraft cover for the fleet.