Upgraded HMS Sutherland leaves for sea trials
After completing an upgrade and maintenance programme by Babcock, the Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland left for sea trials from the company's Devonport Royal Dockyard on 24 March.
The refit of the HMS Sutherland was undertaken under the Surface Ship Support Alliance Class Output Management arrangements. The vessel is expected to return to the fleet in the spring of 2015.
HMS Sutherland underwent a complete structure repair and strengthening programme after a structural survey of the ship and dry blast programme for the superstructure and upper deck. This included steel upgrades and new sections to the hull and superstructure.
The frigate also received upgrades including a DNA(2) command system and an advanced radar target indication situational awareness and navigation 3D radar Type 997. Upgrades also included a chloropac system and modifications to the underwater inlets and outlets to reduce corrosion. The ship's high pressure air system pipework and galley equipment were upgraded as well.
The deep maintenance programme saw the removal of rudders and stabilisers as well as the maintenance of propeller shafts and associated bearings. The helicopter handling system was overhauled and the pumps, motors and valves of various ship systems, both shipside and underwater, were overhauled and renewed.
The laundry equipment and sonar bow dome were replaced, and the fresh water and refrigeration systems were overhauled. The weapon systems received maintenance and minor upgrades, and the ship's paint coatings from the water line up was fully renewed after the extensive blast programme.
Gary Simpson, surface combatant programme manager, Babcock, said: 'HMS Sutherland has left Devonport for sea trials in significantly better condition with improved sustainability and fighting capability, following what has been a challenging programme, including the emergent structural repair requirement involving considerable planning and management.
'This upkeep has enabled valuable experience to be gained, which will in turn form an important contribution in meeting the challenge of delivering extended operating life for the rest of the class, as the Type 23 life extension upkeep programme starts later this year.
'The delivery of HMS Sutherland, ready to fight long into her extended life, will also add to the continuing development of knowledge and experience in undertaking Type 23 upkeeps at Devonport.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.