HMAS Hobart completes builders sea trials
HMAS Hobart, the lead ship of the new Hobart class of Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has completed its builder sea trials off the South Australian coast.
This marks the latest milestone for the vessel, bringing it closer to final delivery to the RAN. Ship build began in January 2010, followed by hull consolidation in March 2014 and launch in May 2015.
The second destroyer of this class, HMAS Brisbane, will enter the water following its scheduled launch in December 2016. Hull consolidation of the third AWD, Sydney, is scheduled to take place in August 2017.
The AWD Alliance building the ships includes ASC, Raytheon Australia as the combat systems integrator and the Australian Department of Defence's (DoD) Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
The team will now continue consolidating and outfitting the remaining two destroyers. HMAS Hobart will undergo further sea trials in early 2017 to test its advanced combat system, followed by delivery of the destroyer to the DoD in June 2017.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
