AWD starts MELO on HMAS Hobart
The AWD Alliance has started Main Engine Light-Off (MELO) activities on Australia's lead Hobart-class air warfare destroyer, HMAS Hobart (DDGH 39), as the team prepares for sea trials.
The MELO saw one of the main engines of the destroyer start up - a 5650kW Bravo V16 propulsion diesel engine that will drive the ship's port-side propeller. Another Bravo engine drives the starboard propeller and will enter MELO in the next few weeks. The two propulsion diesel engines will propel the ship at low speeds, while two yet-to-be-commissioned gas turbines will power the vessel at higher speeds.
The main propulsion engines were made by Navantia in Spain. There are a further four diesel generator engines on-board for the ship’s electrical power that have been commissioned and are currently undergoing parallel testing.
Following the completion of MELO activities, the propulsion engines will be connected to the propellers and ‘dock trials’ will be conducted, in which the engines turn the propellers while the ship remains roped to the dock.
Mike Clements, platform test and activation manager, said: ‘MELO is a major milestone for any warship and the start of the MELO activities this week is a great achievement for everyone who has contributed to the ship to date.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS]()
US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS
The US Navy has been preparing to award a contract for the refurbishment of MK 41 VLS on board USN vessels and other military type ships.
-
![Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet]()
Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet
The Philippines has turned to regional neighbours Japan and South Korea in a effort to boost its naval fleet with new and ex-Japanese ships. The bonds between the countries is an acknowledgment of the rising power of China and the continued manoeuvres of the Asian giant throughout the region.
-
![US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation]()
US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation
The NAVSEA is carrying out market research and will conduct industry days in August to identify potential providers for the DDG MOD 2.0 stage.
-
![Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors]()
Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors
The US Pentagon Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) will award OTAs for small and medium affordable uncrewed underwater vehicles. Companies can submit their solution until 24 July.
